How to spend smarter
Consumer NZ shares tips to help New Zealanders get the best deals this Boxing Day.
Shop carefully
“It’s easy to get swept up in a buying frenzy when something on special catches your eye,” says Jessica Walker, Consumer communications and campaigns manager.
The Consumer Guarantees Act ( CGA) provides great protection, but doesn’t require retailers to provide a refund if you buy something and change your mind about it. “But check with the store, as some have generous returns policies.”
Don’t fall for the hype
Promotions are often not what they seem, says Walker. “Check out PriceSpy and PriceMe to gauge the real value of any items that catch your eye.”
Don’t waste your money on warranties
Under the CGA, manufacturers and retailers must guarantee the products they sell. This includes guaranteeing that goods are of acceptable quality and fit for purpose.
“If your product develops a fault when it’s still reasonably new, the retailer is required to sort the problem — even if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired,” says Walker.
“You’re already covered. Say no to extended warranties, and don’t be fobbed off by a store trying to tell you a product is out of warranty.”
Don’t believe the disclaimers
Limitations or blanket disclaimers on sale items like “no refunds” or “no exchanges” are misleading. “Whether you purchase an item on sale or not, you have rights under both the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act. We think a store that displays a ‘ no refunds’ sign is breaching the FTA.”
Know your consumer rights
Research from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment found that almost 50 per cent of 18- 26- year- olds are likely to leave a complaint unresolved due to gaps in consumer knowledge.
“The CGA gives people powerful rights, but we can’t exercise them if we don’t know about them.”