A consumer from Mullingar recently faced frustration when a retailer cancelled her order for a discounted TV after payment was made. The cancellation raised questions about the retailer's acceptance of the order and the legitimacy of the advertised discount.

When it comes to online orders, payment does not always equate to order acceptance. Retailers often have specific terms and conditions that dictate when an order is officially accepted, typically upon dispatch rather than payment confirmation. Consumers are advised to review their confirmation emails and the retailer's terms to understand their rights regarding order cancellations.

Regarding the advertised discount, retailers must adhere to rules about how savings are presented. For example, if a product is advertised as “was €1,000, now €700,” the prior price should reflect the lowest price in the last 30 days. This ensures consumers have a clear understanding of the savings they are receiving.

The consumer is encouraged to keep evidence of the prices observed and to seek clarification from the retailer about the prior price. If there are concerns about misleading pricing, the consumer can report the issue to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), which monitors pricing practices.