AZE.US
Consumer deception remains a persistent problem in Azerbaijan, affecting a wide range of sectors – from retail and online shopping to automobiles and real estate.
One of the most common complaints involves price discrepancies. Customers frequently report that the price displayed on store shelves does not match the amount charged at checkout. In some cases, items that were not purchased appear on receipts.
According to Eyyub Huseynov, head of the Free Consumers Union of Azerbaijan, violations of consumer rights have been particularly widespread in the sale of complex technical goods over the past several years. Mobile phones, household appliances, computers and other electronics top the list.
Price manipulation during promotional campaigns is another recurring issue. During major sales events, including Black Friday, some retailers are accused of raising prices in advance and then advertising “discounts” that do not reflect real savings.
The automotive sector presents separate risks. Consumers report odometer rollbacks, concealed repair histories and the deletion of technical data. Azerbaijan does not currently have a comprehensive public platform providing full vehicle history transparency, making buyers more vulnerable to misinformation.
Online shopping – especially through social media platforms – has also become a major source of complaints. In some cases, sellers collect advance payments and then cease communication without delivering the product.
In the beauty and cosmetic services sector, customers are sometimes invited for “free procedures,” only to be charged after partial services are performed.
Real estate transactions carry additional risks. There have been cases where the same property is sold to multiple buyers. In home renovation projects, consumers report inflated estimates and charges for unnecessary services.
Marketing analyst Marat Namazov notes that not all pricing discrepancies are intentional, particularly in large supermarkets, where errors may stem from employee negligence. However, experts agree that consumer awareness remains a critical factor in preventing abuse.
Specialists advise buyers not to rush decisions, to verify the credibility of sellers – especially online – and to carefully review contracts and documentation before making payments.
Consumer protection bodies encourage citizens to file formal complaints if they encounter fraud or unfair practices, emphasizing that official reporting is key to reducing systemic violations.