When is a bargain not a bargain? That’s for you to decide...
I LOVE a bargain – just like the next woman (and probably man) – but I am confused by the large number of “sales” such as Black Friday, Boxing Day, New Year and probably many others. Are these for real? In particular, I can’t remember seeing a TV advert for furniture that wasn’t some sort of big price reduction. I thought there was legal stuff to protect consumers. How does that work? Krystina M
WHICH? SAYS:
THERE are basic rules on advertising price promotions. The original pre-sale price must be shown. Items should have been sold at the original price for at least 28 days during the previous six months, in the same store and not another branch miles away. Under the rules, items at original and sale prices have to be comparable. But many made-toorder furnishing items cannot be comparable due to the vast number of styles and coverings.
A Which? investigation in 2010 (still relevant) found some furniture sales seemed endless – New Year, Valentine’s Day, half term, Easter and so on. It said some retailers advertise “after-promotion” prices so the cost will rise on a given date. However, who would buy a £1,000 sofa when a similar one remains on offer at £500?
And the “computer cut from £1,000 to £300” may have been genuinely available at that price for the requisite period. But rivals might have priced the item at £299 all the time, so few would buy at £1,000.
Always look at the small print. It is against the rules to say “was £999 now £299” which implies a big cut. But if the original price was lower in the intervening period – say £699, then £499 and £399 – details of intermediate prices must be shown. But there are no rules on print size.
Stores such as John Lewis label some items in their “clearance” as special purchases. There is no reduction shown so it is up to shoppers to judge value. Marks & Spencer has occasional 20% off weekends on clothing or homewares. This is for real – but take care with “up to 20% off” which can mean just a penny.
Ultimately, it’s your decision whether an item is worth it. Look at the price you pay. Not what it was – or might be.
If you have a consumer query email askwhich@which.co.uk