NCA report finds daily deals websites a mixed bag for consumers

Life

2 February 2012

According to a study by Amárach Research, that nearly three in five (57%) Irish adults have signed up to or registered with an online discount site.

The research, commissioned by The National Consumer Agency (NCA), also found that just under a third (32%) have purchased from online discount sites and of those, more than a quarter (28%) had reason to be dissatisfied with their purchase. Women were found to be more likely to sign up to an online discount site, but once signed up men were more likely to buy from one.

The main reasons cited for not being happy with the purchase were the product/service was not as described (19%), poor product quality (15%) and issues with the terms and conditions (11%). Of those dissatisfied with a purchase, one in two (49%) complained to either the online deal site or the company offering the service. Just over half the consumers (52%) who complained had their complaint resolved.

Ann Fitzgerald, chief executive, NCA, said: "Our research shows that online deal sites are very popular at present and while there are certainly some good offers out there, consumers should not to be swayed by the large discounts advertised and the pressure to sign up quickly in order to get the deal. We would also advise consumers to take some time to consider if the deal really represents good value, read the terms and conditions, check the expiry date on the deal and to check with other companies offering similar products before signing up. A simple way for consumers to check out a company before they sign up for a deal is to search for information on the company online.

"Consumers should be aware that when they buy from an online discount site, unless clearly stated, there should be no difference in the quality of the product or service offered other than buying directly from the provider at full cost. Your consumer rights do not change because something is on sale. If a problem does arise, the consumer should attempt to resolve it initially with the business or the online discount site company but if the issue is not resolved, or if the consumer feels they were misled, they should report the problem to the NCA."

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