Published Tuesday, 24 June, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Go Easy During the Stocktake Sales: Shine
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine is urging consumers to be sensible during this season’s stocktake sales to avoid later problems with their credit card.
“My clear and simple message today is don’t spend more than you can afford,” Mr Shine said.
“The sales can be an excellent way to pick up much-needed items for a cheaper price; however you can take the joy out of a bargain if you don’t spend your money wisely.
“Don’t get caught up in the sales hype, this can easily lead you into debt you won’t be able to pay off later.
“Just because something is on sale it doesn't mean you have to buy it. Think about what you really need and ensure you have the money to afford it.”
Mr Shine said consumers should work out a budget BEFORE they hit the shops to avoid financial stress later on.
“Be cautious about using your credit card and make sure you can afford the item and the repayments.”
“Credit cards are one of the easiest ways to get into debt, with many people buying items on impulse knowing they are only obliged to make a small minimum payment each month.
“You may not see the discount if you end up paying interest on your credit card bills for purchases you haven’t paid off in time,” he said.
Mr Shine also reminded shoppers to check the sales signs carefully before handing over their cash at the register.
“Remember the sign may say 'up to 50 per cent off' but you may pick up an item that has only been reduced by 10 per cent,” he said.
“Don’t be afraid to ask the sales assistant questions to find out exactly how much the item costs, or you could end up spending more than you expected.”
Mr Shine said it was important that consumers know their refund rights and responsibilities, particularly during the sales.
“Even if the goods are on special, you have the right to ask for a refund if they have a fault you could not have known about at the time of purchase,” he said.
“If you buy an item that has been discounted because it is damaged, you should be informed of this at the time you purchase it.
“If an item is marked as 'damaged' or 'as-is', you are accepting the product in that condition, and if you find it’s faulty when you get home you may not be entitled to a refund.”
Mr Shine said consumers were not entitled to a refund if they changed their mind, found the same item cheaper elsewhere or if they bought a gift the receiver does not want or need.
He said in some instances however, a store will offer you credit out of goodwill if you change your mind or decide you no longer like what you bought, however this is not an obligation.
For more information visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au to download a free copy of How to be Consumerwise.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
“My clear and simple message today is don’t spend more than you can afford,” Mr Shine said.
“The sales can be an excellent way to pick up much-needed items for a cheaper price; however you can take the joy out of a bargain if you don’t spend your money wisely.
“Don’t get caught up in the sales hype, this can easily lead you into debt you won’t be able to pay off later.
“Just because something is on sale it doesn't mean you have to buy it. Think about what you really need and ensure you have the money to afford it.”
Mr Shine said consumers should work out a budget BEFORE they hit the shops to avoid financial stress later on.
“Be cautious about using your credit card and make sure you can afford the item and the repayments.”
“Credit cards are one of the easiest ways to get into debt, with many people buying items on impulse knowing they are only obliged to make a small minimum payment each month.
“You may not see the discount if you end up paying interest on your credit card bills for purchases you haven’t paid off in time,” he said.
Mr Shine also reminded shoppers to check the sales signs carefully before handing over their cash at the register.
“Remember the sign may say 'up to 50 per cent off' but you may pick up an item that has only been reduced by 10 per cent,” he said.
“Don’t be afraid to ask the sales assistant questions to find out exactly how much the item costs, or you could end up spending more than you expected.”
Mr Shine said it was important that consumers know their refund rights and responsibilities, particularly during the sales.
“Even if the goods are on special, you have the right to ask for a refund if they have a fault you could not have known about at the time of purchase,” he said.
“If you buy an item that has been discounted because it is damaged, you should be informed of this at the time you purchase it.
“If an item is marked as 'damaged' or 'as-is', you are accepting the product in that condition, and if you find it’s faulty when you get home you may not be entitled to a refund.”
Mr Shine said consumers were not entitled to a refund if they changed their mind, found the same item cheaper elsewhere or if they bought a gift the receiver does not want or need.
He said in some instances however, a store will offer you credit out of goodwill if you change your mind or decide you no longer like what you bought, however this is not an obligation.
For more information visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au to download a free copy of How to be Consumerwise.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273