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Consumer NZ urges shoppers to be wary of Black Friday sales

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Wed, 16 Nov 2022, 8:13am
Photo / NZ Herald
Photo / NZ Herald

Consumer NZ urges shoppers to be wary of Black Friday sales

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Wed, 16 Nov 2022, 8:13am

Consumer NZ is warning bargain hunters to beware of Black Friday sales, saying the savings advertised are rarely as good as they seem.

The watchdog previously found that many big-box retailers were playing fast and loose with 鈥渟ale鈥 pricing, making it hard to judge whether shoppers were receiving genuine savings.

鈥淎 sale must be a genuine opportunity for consumers to buy a product at a discounted price for a short period,鈥 Consumer spokeswoman Jessica Walker said.

鈥淧rice comparisons must be based on actual market prices 鈥 so if retailers compare the sale price to the recommended retail price (RRP) but usually sell the product below the RRP, it鈥檚 misleading.鈥

In a Right to Repair tracking investigation, Consumer found that a benchtop mixer was being sold below the RRP more often then not and was pitched at this price point at one retailer as a sale.

鈥淥ur test manager was thrilled to find a Kenwood model in a Farmers sale for $520, rather than the RRP of $730,鈥 Walker said.

鈥淗owever, a quick retrospective check on PriceSpy showed that during the three months prior to purchase, it was being sold for $520 more often than the RRP of $730.

鈥淎t the time the mixer was purchased, the same model could be bought at Moore Wilson鈥檚 for $450, or for $500 at 100% Appliances. Those weren鈥檛 even sale prices.鈥

In preparation for the Black Friday deluge next weekend, Consumer wants shoppers to follow three rules.

It says research is key in ensuring shoppers do not fall for a discount on what seems to be the usual price of an item.

鈥淭he actual savings could be vastly different from the advertised offering. Different stores will have varying 鈥榰sual鈥 prices too. Check out PriceSpy and PriceMe to gauge the real value of any items which catch your eye.鈥

It is also encouraging shoppers to ask for further discounts, especially if research shows the item is cheaper elsewhere or has recently been discounted, and to stop and think before making a purchase.

鈥淲hen an item you desire has a seductively pitched sale price, it can be hard to walk away. Take some time to think about whether you really want or need the item. Stores love impulse buyers.鈥

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