Prices & paying for your purchases

Misleading pricing

The price that was advertised didn't include all the taxes and I think I was misled! The shop sold out of all of the sale items on the day the sale started—is this bait advertising? They told me the jacket was on sale, but I found out later they never sold it for a higher price. Find out more about misleading pricing and what you can do if you think you have been misled.

Grocery inquiry

The ACCC is currently holding a public inquiry into the competitiveness of retail prices for standard groceries.

Petrol price cycles

To help consumers decide when to buy petrol, the ACCC has compiled data on petrol price cycles in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. It also provides information on the determinants of petrol prices, country prices and links to other sites on the internet that provide petrol price data.

Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS)

Many consumers find it convenient to pay for goods and services electronically. The Electronic Funds Transfer Code (EFT Code) protects consumers who use electronic banking to transfer funds. While advances in technology are exciting, scammers are also out there taking advantage of technological development to generate new scams. Learn how to transfer money safely.

Lay-by

A 'lay-by' arrangement can be a convenient way to pay for your purchases over a period of time rather than upfront. Each lay-by agreement is different, so check that you understand what you are agreeing to before you make your purchase.

Discount voucher schemes

Discount voucher schemes, including shopper dockets, may give you the opportunity to purchase goods and services from participating businesses at a discounted cost or with some other benefit. Before you purchase or use a discount voucher, you should carefully read the terms and conditions of the offer.

Overcharging & overpayment

By checking your receipts, shopping around and researching the market, you can reduce the chances of paying more than you need to.

Interest-free promotions & offers

Promotions such as 'buy now, pay later' or 'interest free' are popular and may help you to make a purchase you might not have otherwise been able to afford. Before you take up one of these offers, make sure you are aware of all your rights and obligations so you don't get a surprise later on.

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

Warranties, guaranantees & refunds

As a consumer, it is really important to understand your rights. If you understand your rights, then you will feel more confident to stand up for yourself when things go wrong.

Unless you are very familiar with the law, you may be easily confused by terms like 'statutory right' or 'express warranty' or 'guarantee'. In our experience, it is not only consumers who may be confused by words like these, but also retailers, service providers and manufactures too.

You don't need to read the whole Trade Practices Act to learn about your rights as a shopper. In this section, you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, such as when you are entitled to ask for a refund or exchange and what rights you have when something you buy breaks or doesn't do what it should.

If you need to know more, we have a range of brochures and fact sheets that might be helpful—check the titles of our publications in the 'for more information' at the bottom of this page.

Your statutory rights

The Trade Practices Act implies certain promises into all consumer contracts that you make, which are often referred to as your 'statutory rights'.

Voluntary and express warranties (including 'guarantees')

A retailer, manufacturer or service provider is legally obliged to stand by any extra or voluntary promises it has made to you. A 'guarantee' is an example.

Resolving problems

If you have a problem, there are steps you can take to resolve it. Depending on the nature of your problem, you may be entitled to seek a refund.

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

What is an internet auction ?

No other online forum can bring as many buyers and sellers together as an internet auction 'marketplace'.

For buyers, online auctions offer the chance to snap up every possible kind of consumer good, often at bargain prices. It is not surprising that they are an extremely popular way to buy.

There are two main styles of internet auction:

1. Marketplace internet auctions: The business that runs the website is not directly involved in the auction process. It simply provides a forum and rules for buyers and sellers to deal with each other through a bidding process. Ebay is the best known example.
2. Traditional auctions: Instead of conducting an auction 'in person', an auction house uses a website to sell goods on behalf of a vendor.

Buying from another person on an auction website is not the same as buying from a business online or a shop. You should be aware of how your rights may differ and what protections are available to you.

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission