Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are just around the corner and with so many offers and countdown timers competing for attention, it's easy to feel pressured into making a quick purchase.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are just around the corner and with so many offers and countdown timers competing for attention, it's easy to feel pressured into making a quick purchase. But a bargain isn't a bargain if it costs you in the long run.
Not every discount offers genuine value so take a few minutes to compare prices, read reviews and research both the product and the business. Retailers must be honest about prices, discounts and product availability. Advertised sales prices must also be genuine, this means the product should have been available at the higher price for a reasonable period beforehand.
It's also worth remembering that your consumer rights don't disappear just because an item is on sale. Whether a product is bought at full price or at a discount, it must be of acceptable quality, do what it's supposed to do and match its description. If an item is faulty, unsafe or not as advertised, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund under Australian Consumer Law, depending on the problem.
One of the most common misconceptions during sale periods is that there are "no refunds on sale items". That's not the case if the product is faulty. Businesses must still meet their legal obligations even when items are discounted.
Change-of-mind purchases are different. If your buy the wrong size, colour or style, a retailer does not have to offer a refund unless its own returns policy allows it. That's why it's working checking the policy before you buy, especially if you're shopping for gifts.
Gift cards are another popular option this time of year. In Australia, gift cards must have a minimum three-year expiry period clearly displayed, and businesses can't charge post-purchase fees that reduce their value.
Unfortunately, while shoppers are looking for bargains, scammers are looking for opportunities. Major sales events are a popular time for fake online stores, scam advertisements on social media and dishonest marketplace sellers. Many victims only realise they've been scammed when their purchase never arrives.
A little extra caution can go a long way. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, research unfamiliar businesses before buying, and avoid sellers who ask for payment outside trusted marketplace platforms. It's also wise to ignore unexpected parcel delivery texts or emails that ask you to click a link or enter personal information, as these are often scams.
Shopping scam losses almost doubled in the lead-up to Christmas last year, so the best way to protect yourself is to slow down, check who you're buying from and know your consumer rights. A genuine bargain should leave you pleased with your purchase, not dealing with the stress of a scam.
Consumer Protection is there to help if you're unsure about a refund, dealing with a faulty product, waiting on a delivery or concerned about a scam. Call 1300 30 40 54 or visit www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au
