Be a savvy shopper

25 January 2006

January is the month when high street shops are adorned with bright red signs screaming ‘Sale!’, but before you shop ‘til you drop beware of common retail tricks of the trade. The vast majority of advertisers are truthful and honest, but here are few tips to make sure your shopping spree is not spoilt by the few that are not:

- Does the discount seem too good to be true? Beware of vague price comparisons; 50% cheaper may be comparing the price to much higher prices that have applied at some point in the past, not necessarily in recent weeks
- Be wary of bundled offers for products such as digital TV services; the headline package price may sound very attractive but have you checked there are no hidden costs that have to be paid so that you can take advantage of the deal?
- Before you get your hopes up about an offer, look out for those all important words “while stocks last” or “very limited stock” to avoid disappointment
- If you’re thinking of jetting off to warmer climes and taking advantage of cheap flight offers beware of hidden charges. Be clear of the total cost of your ticket by asking what additional fees such as taxes and transaction charges may be added on top of the headline price
- Diet products are often promoted at this time of year but bear in mind that the advertising codes state that claims should not say that you can lose precise amounts of weight within a stated period or that that weight or fat can be lost from a specific part of the body. If they do, read these ads with caution and a good dose of salt!
- Or perhaps you’re fed up of hearing about promotional offers? Remember you can register with the telephone, mail, email and fax preference services which means that companies cannot, by law, target you with their commercial, unsolicited messages.

Click here for further information on sales shopping.