Group purchase "special offer" products are typically sold in bundled packages. During the peak season for home decoration, consumers who choose well-known building material brands often struggle to find the best deals. As a result, purchasing materials through group buying has become a popular choice among first-time decorators. The credibility of third-party group-buying websites, combined with "ultra-low prices" below the May Day sale, plus the bargaining power of the "team leader" on stage and non-refundable deposits, have lured many new consumers into the market.
A reporter attended the 95th group-buying event for home furnishings organized by the city's group-buying network on April 12. The event started at 10 a.m., with over 60 home furnishing brands and many online participants present. At the beginning, the "team leader" warned attendees that today’s discounts should not be shared outside the event and that they should not disclose the pricing when transferring orders in-store. Following this, brand representatives took turns announcing their discounted prices, which were claimed to be far below the market rate after repeated negotiations by the team leader. Each brand had a booth, and customers could place orders anytime.
At the scene, the reporter noticed that all "special offer" products were presented as packages. For example, Huida Sanitary Ware offered a "bathroom full combination" package including toilets, cabinets, faucets, showers, and mirror boxes, priced at 3800 yuan—equivalent to a 55% discount. When asked if individual items could be purchased, the sales staff clearly stated that single products were not eligible for the discount and were not as affordable.
**Consumer Perspective**
At the group-buying event, consumer Mr. Liu mentioned that while the website appears lively, the actual low prices are limited to just a few products. Many people believe the 100-yuan deposit is refundable, so they pay upfront and return later if dissatisfied. However, during transactions, some consumers go to physical stores to transfer orders, where sales staff warn that the price is too low and recommend signing a contract. But in such cases, the store usually avoids responsibility if issues arise.
**Brand Perspective**
Zhang Hui, general manager of Zhibang Kitchen Cabinet Beijing Branch, explained that group-buying websites act as consumer platforms, charging brands service fees based on participation. Brands rely on the traffic from these sites to attract customers to pay deposits and then transfer orders to physical stores. Regarding whether the day’s price is the lowest, a brand representative said, “Some are, some aren’t. There's still room for maneuver during these events.†Most merchants use special offers or bundles to attract buyers, often at significantly lower prices than the market. However, these products may be of lower quality or excess stock, and brands avoid participating with their best-selling items.
**Legal Perspective**
A store manager admitted to being powerless regarding brands' participation in group-buying activities. These brands often direct customers to physical stores without using the cash register to avoid price audits. It is advised that consumers sign orders at the counter to protect their rights.
Qiu Baochang, director of the Consumer Rights Protection Committee at the Beijing Lawyers Association, stated that under the new consumer law, online service providers must provide real information about merchants, including contact details. If they fail to do so, they are liable for any consumer losses. Additionally, if the website collects deposits on behalf of merchants, it depends on whether they are acting as joint sellers or not. In such cases, the website should also be held responsible for any consumer damages.
Medical Uv Lamp,Safe Uv Light,Uv Lamp Power,360 Nm Uv Light
Guangdong Kingrate Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.kingrateuv.com