LONDON - The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a stern warning to online deals platform Wowcher regarding its sales practices, particularly focusing on high-pressure marketing techniques. The consumer watchdog has highlighted concerns about urgency-inducing tactics such as countdown clocks and claims of limited availability, which they believe could mislead customers into making hurried decisions based on false impressions of scarcity and pricing.
The CMA's probe into Wowcher, initiated in March 2023, identified these practices as potentially infringing upon consumer protection laws. Customers may feel unduly compelled to make purchases out of fear of missing out on deals, especially amidst rising living costs. Moreover, the investigation found issues with hidden charges and automatic VIP membership enrollments via pre-ticked boxes, leading to unintended purchases.
In an effort to resolve these issues without resorting to court proceedings, the CMA has outlined corrective measures for Wowcher. The company has been given the opportunity to respond to the CMA's concerns and demonstrate a commitment to altering its business practices. Should Wowcher fail to make the necessary changes, it could face legal action.
Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, emphasized the need for Wowcher to abandon pressure selling tactics and provide consumers with sufficient time to make informed decisions. In a statement today, Wowcher responded by reaffirming its commitment to offering customer savings and expressed willingness to engage in ongoing discussions with the CMA to address the concerns raised.
For consumers seeking more details on this case, information is available on the Wowcher case page on the CMA's website. The watchdog's intervention signals a firm stance against aggressive marketing strategies that could disadvantage consumers and underscores the regulatory body's dedication to upholding fair trading standards within the UK market.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.