Are you tempted by 0%? It's a trap to overpay hundreds of gold for your equipment!

"0% instalments" have been 1 of the most effective magnets to attract customers to electronics stores or appliances. The imagination of spreading an costly acquisition into convenient, interest-free instalments seems an perfect opportunity. However, in the 2025 age of increasing financial awareness, more and more experts and consumers see the second bottom of this popular offer. It turns out that behind the password ‘RRSO 0%’ There is frequently a mechanics in which the store quietly reflects its costs, inflating the price of the product itself. As a result, although you do not formally pay interest, the actual cost of buying may be higher than in another store where there is no "promotion". This subtle but costly trap makes customers, reasoning that they are saving, actually overpay hundreds or even thousands of gold.

How does the hidden rise mechanics work in 0% instalments?

Understanding this trap requires knowing the phase of the shop's cooperation with the bank. erstwhile you decide purchase on instalments 0%It's not a store, the bank's giving you credit. The financial institution does not do this charitablely – for each specified contract it collects a commission from the store, which can scope from respective to respective percent of the value of the product sold. For a seller, this means a real cost that has to compensate itself someway to avoid losing on a transaction.

This is where the “magic” of marketing is launched. alternatively of including a commission in interest rate, which would destruct the effect of "free instalments", the store uses a simpler method: raises the price of the product. For example, a TV, which typically costs PLN 4000, can be offered for PLN 4300 during the installment promotion. The difference of PLN 300 is the amount that covers the commission for the bank. The customer, focused on zero interest, frequently fails to verify the marketplace price of the product, assuming he has come for a large opportunity. In fact, he pays a full, overpriced price, only spread over time. Although The actual yearly Interest Rate (RRSO) is zero, this cost is hidden in the price of the goods.

Why do shops do that? Pure Math and Psychology of the Client

The usage of this mechanics is based on 2 pillars: hard economics and cognition of the human psyche. From a financial perspective, no business can afford to contribute to business. Covering a bank commission on its own margin would mean a crucial drop in profits, especially in high-competitive industries specified as RTV and AGD. The transfer of this cost to the client in the form of a higher product price is so a natural way to profitability surgery.

The second equally crucial aspect is psychology. The '0%' description acts as a powerful lure. Removes the main intellectual barrier related to credit – fear of interest and extra costs. Customers perceive this offer as "free" and honest, which weakens their vigilance. They focus on benefits (no interest) and not on possible risks (repayment for the product). Shops know very well that the client who sees the anticipation of distributing payments without additional fees is much more inclined to make an immediate acquisition decision, frequently giving up an accurate price comparison at another places.

How can you not be fooled? applicable steps before buying in 2025

Fortunately, protection against this marketing trap is comparatively simple and requires only a small discipline and a conscious approach to shopping. Before you fall for the "rat 0%" offer, take a fewer key steps to verify its actual cost-effectiveness.

• Compare prices on the Internet: That's the absolute basis. Before deciding, check the price of the selected model in respective independent stores and on price comparisons (e.g. Ceneo, Bath). If it is found that in another places the same product is available from hand at a lower price, the ‘promotion’ of the rat loses meaning.
• Check price history: Many comparison machines offer a product price past tracking function. This allows you to see if its price was artificially raised just before the launch of the installment promotion.
• Ask for a discount on cash payments: Sometimes stationary shops, although not officially communicating, are willing to offer a tiny discount on cash or transfer payments. specified a question may uncover that the actual margin on the product allows for a price reduction.
• Read the rules carefully: Always check the promo rules. Make certain there are no hidden costs specified as mandatory credit insurance, bank account fee or another additional services that rise the full acquisition cost.

Is 0% payments illegal? Position of the UOKiK

It is not illegal to offer instalments of 0% and at the same time to set the price of the product at a higher level. The store has the right to freely form its pricing policy. However, the problem arises erstwhile specified actions mislead the consumer. Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (OCT) It regularly looks at specified practices, especially in the context of EU legislation, specified as Omnibus Directive.

This directive requires sellers to inform the lowest price of the product from the last 30 days before the reduction. If the store raises the price only in order to announce a ‘promotion’ installment in a moment, this can be considered an unfair marketplace practice. It is crucial that the consumer receives reliable and complete information that allows him to make an informed decision. Although the fight against this is difficult, increasing consumer awareness is the most effective weapon. Remember that as a client you have the right to clear information, and your top ally is common sense and the rule of limited trust in any “too good” offer.

In summary, credit 0% may be a beneficial tool, but only if the product price is fair and competitive. In 2025, the key to successful purchases is not to avoid installments, but to check them wisely. Always compare, check and analyse before you sign a contract. That's why you're the 1 who gets the promotion, not just the store and the bank.