Two thirds of Russians consider the initiative to ban discounts unfair

Two thirds of Russians consider the initiative to ban discounts on marketplaces unfair. Such data was announced on November 25 by the VTsIOM analytical center, which conducted a survey of Russians about their attitude to the idea of the country's largest banks to prohibit marketplaces from providing discounts when paying for purchases through their banks.

"Marketplaces have long been a part of the country's economy and part of the everyday financial behavior of Russians. Therefore, any innovations in this area will affect a large number of our fellow citizens: seven out of ten make purchases there with varying frequency. Against this background, the idea of the largest Russian banks to ban marketplaces from offering discounts when paying with their cards is causing dissatisfaction among those who actively buy online. Almost two thirds of buyers perceive the initiative as unfair," the analysts conclude.

This opinion, according to them, is supported by substantial concerns: in the opinion of marketplace buyers, it looks like an attempt by banks to limit competition and deprive consumers of favorable conditions.

At the same time, every second online shopper intuitively reads the ban as a blow to his wallet.

Most are confident that the disappearance of discounts will inevitably lead to higher prices, worsen conditions for millions of customers and negatively affect small and medium-sized businesses. In fact, a public consensus has formed: such restrictions on marketplaces are perceived as a blow to the consumer. The initiative of banks is perceived as a step not in the interests of people, but in the interests of large players, which can destroy the usual balance in one of the most important and familiar consumer areas.

Non-free cash register: The State Duma is asking the authorities to assess the risks of price increases due to the cancellation of discounts on marketplaces.

The deputies believe that this may lead to the unavailability of many goods for the population.

On November 20, the heads of Russian banks made a proposal to ban direct discounts and bonus programs for marketplaces. An exception is planned to be made for proprietary products of marketplaces and socially significant product categories.

In turn, Wildberries (WB) founder Tatiana Kim said on November 21 that marketplaces have always been a socially responsible business, and approval of this initiative could lead to higher inflation. Lawyer Andrey Alyoshkin noted that the initiative to ban marketplaces from using loyalty programs is illegal.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.