The Dutch Consumers' Association is again warning about misleading sales practices at Seats and Sofas. A new sample shows that the sofa retailer is still using unfair sales tricks. The Consumers' Association wants to prevent consumers visiting furniture boulevards during the Easter weekend from falling for these tricks.
In October 2024, the Consumers' Association already showed that the retail chain used sales tricks that are not allowed. For example, Seats and Sofas priced sofa sets at prices that were not correct and salespeople pressured consumers to decide immediately because offers would be valid 'only this week'. This was not correct. In December 2024, the Advertising Code Committee upheld the complaints.
Promises
After talks with the Consumers' Association, Seats and Sofas promised improvement. Indeed, the company largely adjusted its advertisements online and in leaflets. But the promised improvements in shops have yet to materialise, according to recent mystery visits.
Mystery shoppers
For instance, large ads still hang on the facade, showing three-seater sofas in leather. But the price listed therein is for a two-seater in the cheapest fabric. Furthermore, some sofas have 3 different prices; online, on the paper price list and on the price tag. And sellers quote different prices again. Also, mystery shoppers saw "Cash Back Deals" at almost every bank in shops and online. Customers would get "up to €500" back for their old bank. That the promotion only applied if customers spent at least €3000 to €5000 (depending on the branch) on a new sofa, Seats and Sofas did not mention.
Disappointing
Sandra Molenaar, Consumer Association director. 'It is extremely disappointing that Seats and Sofas did not put its house in order before the busy Easter period. Therefore, we add these findings to our earlier call for the Authority Consumer & Market (ACM) to intervene. And we are warning consumers with videos on social media about Seats and Sofas' practices. Hopefully, the company will then also quickly adjust its practices in shops.'
Source: Consumers' Association