Buyers take the bait
Bargain hunters told to be wary during sale frenzy
CONSUMERS have been warned to be wary of end of financial year (EOFY) sales as discounted goods could be dud products that have been sitting on store shelves all year-round.
The EOFY sales, which run during June, remain one of the biggest shopping sale periods of the year, shoppers flocking to stores in search of a bargain.
But experts have revealed the sale frenzy poses a risk to consumers, as the discount period relies on getting rid of old stock.
“What stores are really trying to do is clear products that are collecting dust on their shelves,” consumer advocacy group Choice spokesman Jonathon Brown said.
“There’s a real risk of picking up something dodgy because they haven’t sold it during the year.
“The sales person is trying to clear their stock — they’re not trying to help you.”
Sales of up to 80 per cent off have exploded across the Westfield shopping precinct in Geelong’s CBD.
According to Choice, some of the most popular buys from the 2018 EOFY sales were electric heaters, washing machines, televisions, coffee machines and ovens.
Mr Brown advised shoppers to do their research before splashing their cash on sale items, including analysing product models and looking at reviews.
“Unfortunately there’s nothing stopping people from selling products that aren’t good,” he said.
“That is one of the things we try to warn people about — something that is discounted might not actually work well.
“Providing you have done your research you can pick up good deals at EOFY sales.”
Consumer Affairs Victoria received more than 41,000 complaints about shopping problems in 2017-18, with 26 per cent concerning product defects.
Data showed the top products Victorians inquired about in 2017-18 were furniture and furnishings (2691 inquiries), clothing and footwear (2450), personal goods (1903) and electrical appliances whitegoods (1833).
Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz said shoppers who experienced problems with a product still had rights, even if the item was on sale.
“End of financial year sales are a great time to find a bargain, but a sale doesn’t mean you’re trading away your consumer rights,” she said.
“If you’re buying up big this month, keep your receipts as a proof of purchase in case something goes wrong with your item.
“Businesses also need to remember their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law this busy shopping period.” and