In Utrecht, just like in the rest of the Netherlands, fake offers with artificial discounts are strictly prohibited. The 'from' price in a 'from-to' construction must be authentic, based on the actual selling price of the product in the recent period.
Price Indication Decree in Practice
The Price Indication Decree sets clear requirements for price indications, especially relevant for shoppers in Utrecht in local stores and online shops:
- The final price must be displayed prominently and readably
- Always including VAT and other inevitable additional costs
- For offers, the reference price must have been actually applied previously
Stricter Rules for 'From-To' Prices Since 2022
Since 2022, the regulations for discounts have been tightened to better protect consumers in cities like Utrecht:
- The 'from' price is the lowest price that was applied in the last 30 days
- Artificially inflating prices to simulate discounts is not allowed
- Every discount must be based on a genuine base price
Black Friday and Seasonal Sales in Utrecht
Even during popular events such as Black Friday or the Utrecht winter sale, the rules remain in effect:
- No false discounts through temporary price increases
- The reference price must match the previous, actual selling price
- The Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) provides extra oversight during these periods
Common Misleading Practices
In Utrecht stores and markets, these unfair methods are explicitly prohibited:
- Artificially raising prices just before a so-called discount
- Comparing with a fabricated or unrealistic price
- Using a 'recommended price' that was never actually applied
- Creating false urgency with claims like 'only 2 items left!' without basis
Reporting and Seeking Help in Utrecht
If you've spotted a suspicious offer in a Utrecht store or online, report it to the ACM via ConsuWijzer for investigation and possible sanctions. For personal legal advice, you can also contact the Legal Aid Office Utrecht or the consumer desk of the Municipality of Utrecht. Multiple reports may lead to inspections by the Utrecht District Court.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.