The agency (UOKiK) focused its advice on products that are frequently given as Christmas presents, including toys and gift cards and personalised gifts.
The first principle to keep in mind during festive shopping is “safety first,” according to the agency's statement, shared in English on its website.
Safety is particularly important when it comes to children’s toys, the agency noted.
UOKiK CEO Tomasz Chróstny said: “The child’s imagination is unlimited, as are their ideas for play. Therefore, when choosing gifts, especially for the youngest ones, we should be cautious and choose toys whose quality we can be sure of.”
He added: “We want the toys that Santa brings to the little ones to be safe, so we verify them together with the Customs and Fiscal Service, even before they enter the Polish market.”
Chróstny also said: “This year, more than half of the models were non-compliant.”
In most cases, non-compliance was due to incorrect documentation, excessive loudness or defective design, the agency said.
Reasonable purchases
The watchdog urged shoppers to make only “reasonable purchases” in the run-up to Christmas.
With many Poles favouring gift cards to make their loved ones happy at Christmas, the agency cautioned: “Consider for whom you buy the card and read the rules carefully.”
The agency warned that when it comes to brick-and-mortar versus online stores, “not everyone will be able to use a voucher that enables online-only purchases.”
Consumer rights
A third principle to keep in mind during festive shopping is consumer rights, according to the UOKiK.
The agency noted: “When you place orders online - the product can be returned within 14 days from the purchase. You must have proof of purchase, e.g. transaction confirmation or electronic invoice. Inform the seller and return the goods in accordance with their instructions.”
The UOKIK added that there were exceptions to this rule, "namely products that cannot be returned."
It said: “These include ... personalised items. By choosing a T-shirt with your photograph or jewellery with initials - make sure they are in the recipient’s size.”
The agency urged consumers: “When you buy in a brick-and-mortar store - make sure, before purchasing, that the store allows you to withdraw from the contract, and if so, under what conditions.”
It stressed that “returning a product depends on the seller’s goodwill - they set the rules. For instance, they may only offer an exchange or refund for a gift card.”
Summarising the agency’s tips for successful Christmas shopping, Chróstny said: “We encourage reasonable purchases. Let’s buy as much as we really need and make informed choices. The mere fact of gifting your loved ones will certainly make them happy, but let’s think about what will be most useful to them.”
He advised: “Failed gifts will only strain the environment, and those that are personalised - cannot be returned.”
(pm/gs)
Source: UOKIK