Each year, we hear lots of complaints from consumers who believe they have paid too much at the check-out or been charged too much for services like car repairs. By checking your receipts, shopping around and taking time to research the market, you can reduce the chances of paying more than you need to.
Whether its mechanical work on your car, home maintenance, plumbing or electrical repairs, make sure you get a written quote that clearly explains what you will be charged. Make sure the quote is itemised so you can see exactly how much you are paying for parts, labour and call-out fees. Do not accept the quote unless you are satisfied that the terms are reasonable.
It is good practice to get at least two or three quotes, particularly for higher priced goods and services. If a trader wants your business and knows that you are prepared to shop around, they are more likely to give you the best deal they can. Not all traders will offer you the same quality or terms, so some variation between quotes is normal. Your family, friends, and colleagues might be able to suggest reliable traders.
By shopping around and comparing different quotes, you will get a good idea of what is a reasonable price range for the type of goods or services that you are looking for. You could also contact the relevant association or industry body to help you determine if the price you have been quoted (or charged) is reasonable. If you are looking to purchase or repair goods such as jewellery, artwork or other collectibles that are more difficult to price, ask for an independent valuation.
You can find details of many industry bodies in our Consumer and Business Directory.
Businesses must not make false or misleading representations about the price of goods or services. For example, a business should disclose the total cash price when displaying, quoting or advertising prices. The price you see should not be subject to additional or ongoing costs unless these are clearly specified.
To learn more about false and misleading pricing and your rights, visit our page on misleading pricing.
Check that the price you have paid corresponds to the price advertised for the goods. Advertised prices can be found in various places such as supermarket shelves, catalogues and TV commercials.
If the price you paid does not correspond to the advertised price, you should attempt to resolve this issue with the trader.
If you are unable to resolve your concerns with the trader, follow the steps on our How to complain page.
Most of the major supermarkets in Australia have signed up to the Scanning Code of Practice. This is a voluntary code that has been developed to protect consumers from errors in checkout systems. Supermarkets that have signed up to the code are required to ensure their checkout systems are price accurate. If a product scans at a higher price than it should, you may be entitled to receive that item free. Where multiple identical items are purchased, you may be entitled to receive the first item free of charge and the remaining items at the lower price. Some conditions apply and there are some goods like liquor and tobacco which are not covered. Supermarkets that have signed up to the code normally display a sticker at the register.
You can find out more about the code by calling the Australian Retailers Association on 1800 252 660 or by visiting their website at www.ara.com.au.
