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Pricing & purchasing

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.

From 1 December 2009 some grocery retailers will have to display a unit price where a selling price is displayed on store labels and in advertising. The new rules will make it easier for you to compare prices when you are shopping for groceries.

From 25 May 2009 businesses are required to provide you with clear information on the total price of goods and services they advertise.

Cash-backs are offers by businesses to refund some of your money or provide bonus products, often after you purchase goods. Before you buy goods that involve a cash-back offer, make sure you understand all of the steps you need to take to get your money back or claim the bonus item or you could miss out.

The ACCC monitors the prices of fuel including petrol, diesel and LPG in Australia's capital cities and over 100 country towns.

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.

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, 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.

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

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.

The report of the ACCC’s public inquiry on the competitiveness of retail prices for standard groceries was published on 5 August 2008

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