By: Natasha Archary
False retail promotions and dishonest marketing tactics are not a new concept in the world of retail. It’s a deliberate ploy to lure in feet to stores as shoppers are always looking for a bargain to save money.
Trudie Broekman, Consumer Law Expert joins Gugulethu Mfuphi on Kaya Biz to share what your rights are as a consumer when a retailer displays the wrong price.
While some consumers scrutinize prices and “special offers,” many do fall into the trap set by stores.
An example of such was witnessed over the weekend when Makro faced a technical glitch on its online shopping platform, and high end products were advertised for ridiculously marked down prices.
Trudie says if it’s a clear mistake in the advertised price by the retailer, they do have the right to correct the incorrect pricing.
While mistakes do occur, consumers should be mindful of some of the deceptive pricing strategies that retailers use to persuade consumers to make a purchase.
How to spot false retail advertising:
- Promotion catalogues that include items on special for the day, week or month have competing stores advertising similar products at different prices. Compare all the stores before making a decision on where to shop.
- Some stores offer mid-month specials which are sometimes priced higher than month end deals, so watch for this and don’t fall into the trap of shopping mid month.
- Check the labels. Clothing stores have been found to mark items on sale only to change the labels on items to be higher than the original price. But because it’s on the sale rack many people don’t think twice before buying. Always check the labels to see if there is another label underneath the new price.
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Biz:
Also read: Who is the rightful owner of the MK Party?
