Matthew Mason-Cox med rel: Consumers encouraged to do their research for post-Christmas sales

NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox is urging bargain-hungry consumers to shop around and do their homework before the end-of-year sales frenzy.

“As one of the biggest trading days of the year, consumers will be out in force looking for the best bargains, while retailers will be discounting heavily to tempt shoppers with post-Christmas deals,” Mr Mason-Cox said.

The Australian Retailers Association is predicting another big year for NSW retailers, with spending expected to reach close to $585 million in Boxing Day sales also alone- up 4.2 per cent on last year. In the period between Box Day to 15 January, the ARA is tipping spending in NSW to swell to $5.04 billion.

‘It’s very easy to get swept up in the sales hype but I would urge consumers to research the goods they are interested in buying,’’ Mr Mason-Cox said.

“Check the price so you can tell if the sale offered is really the bargain you were hoping for and read the retailer’s sale conditions, particularly in relation to refunds and returns.

“You don’t want to get stuck with a discounted product you can’t return.

“Last year, we received 5,196 complaints about refund requests and we’ve already exceeded those numbers this year with 5,607 refund related complaints lodged up to early December.

“It’s important to remember that a retailer is not required by law to offer a refund or exchange purely because the consumer simply changes their mind and no longer wants their purchase.

“However, a refund, repair or replacement must be offered if goods are faulty or defective, different to the sample shown or described in advertising, or not fit for the purpose intended.’’

Mr Mason-Cox also cautioned consumers against spending beyond their limits.

“If buying up big in the sales, means a blow out on your credit card and added interest repayments, then you have to consider if this added cost still leaves you with a great deal or, just a great deal of debt,’’ he said.

If shopping on online, consumers should consider sticking to Australian owned and operated sites that provide secure payment facilities, Mr Mason-Cox said. “While fair trading laws apply to any goods or services sold in Australia, it can be more difficult to enforce those rights with off-shore companies,” he said.

Tips for consumers include:
Have a budget for spending and stick to it. This includes limiting your credit card purchases to an amount you can pay off within the interest free period.
Do your homework before you shop and make sure you know the prices, so you can easily recognise a good deal.

When shopping online only use reputable sellers and sites.
If the goods you buy are faulty or sub-standard you can insist on your rights to a refund or return regardless of whether the item was purchased in a sale or has not been returned in its original packaging or wrapping.

If an item is displayed for sale with more than one price tag or if the item scans at a different price to that displayed on the shelf, the retailer must sell the item at the lower price or withdraw it from sale.

A supplier should have a reasonable supply of stock of an advertised product not just one or two items to entice shoppers into their store.
Be wary of signing up for ‘interest free’ deals as there can be hidden costs.

If a consumer cannot resolve a dispute with a retailer, they should contact NSW Fair Trading. “More than 90 per cent of complaints are resolved by NSW Fair Trading without the need for recourse to a tribunal or court,’’ Mr Mason-Cox said.