Whether it’s a Black Friday deal that’s too good to miss, or something that’s so in-demand that it’s almost sold out, salespeople and advertisers know the tactics that work when you’re shopping.
Before you head to the sales counter, click ‘buy now’ online, or sign up to a service, pause and think about whether you need (and can afford) the things you’re about to buy.
Going shopping? Sales techniques to watch out for
No matter whether you’re buying online or in-person, businesses use a range of techniques to sell their products.
Some sales and marketing tactics to watch out for:
A 'one-time' offer
Claims of benefits
- Statistics or results from studies that may or may not be true.
Testimonials and reviews
- Stories and recommendations from 'real' people that sound believable.
Anything that's too good to be true
If something seems too cheap or too easy, perhaps there's a reason (for example, poor quality or hidden costs).
Overly friendly or revealing
Salespeople who tell you a personal story or that what they say is 'the truth' to gain your trust.
Making you feel guilty
'Free' gifts or sign-up bonuses
- Incentives that rush you into making a decision or make it seem like you're getting a good deal.
How to deal with a pushy salesperson
For all purchases
Take your time
If a salesperson is pushing you to buy something, tell them you need time to think it over. Keep repeating this until they agree.
If it’s a big purchase, or a door-to-door sale, ask for their contact details and tell them you’ll be in touch when you’ve decided.
Then take this time to do your own research and shop around. This is especially important for expensive items, for getting credit or finance, and for signing up to any long-term agreement.
Say no firmly
If you're really not interested, or you have a bad feeling, just say no. If you're firm, a salesperson is less likely to continue pushing or contacting you.
You don’t need to explain why. Lots of salespeople will use pre-prepared responses to common reasons, and you might end up giving in to the pressure.
For bigger purchases
Get verbal promises in writing
Some salespeople will say anything to get a sale. Ask for any verbal promises to be put in writing (in a contract or agreement) to avoid disputes later down the track.
Check the cooling-off period
If you sign up for something, ask about the cooling-off period (or check the contract). This period gives you time to change your mind and the option to cancel the contract or agreement.
There's a 10-day cooling off period for telemarketing and door-to-door sales. Contact the consumer protection agency in your state or territory to find out the cooling-off periods for other types of sales and contracts.
For financial products
Check the business is legitimate
If someone is selling a financial service or financial product, or asking you to invest money:
- Check that they have an Australian financial services (AFS) licence on our financial advisers register.
- Read their Financial Services Guide so you understand what they're offering.
For other products and services, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website can tell you how to identify a genuine business.
This is especially important if a company you've never heard of contacts you out of the blue.
Beware if someone you don't know asks for your personal details or offers you a loan. It could be a banking or credit scam or an investment scam.
Check the fine print, to make sure you know what you're buying
Before you sign a contract, such as a sales contract, loan contract or credit contract, ask for a copy to read before you sign it.
Read all the documents to make sure you understand any fees and charges and the terms and conditions. Check the interest rate, and whether there are any charges to exit the agreement.
Take action to avoid future pressure
There are laws that can protect you from salespeople contacting you, or misleading or deceiving you when selling a product.
Put a 'do not knock' sticker on your door
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Order a 'Do Not Knock' sticker from the Consumer Action Law Centre to prevent salespeople coming to your house.
Register on the Do Not Call Register
- The Do Not Call Register is run by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). By registering, you can reduce the number of telemarketing and research calls that you receive.
Make a complaint
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If something goes wrong with a product or service you've paid for, contact the consumer affairs agency in your state. The ACCC has a list of consumer affairs agencies.
For problems with a financial product or service, find out how to complain to ASIC.
Report a scam
- To find out about the latest scams or to report one, visit the Scamwatch website.
Keen for more shopping tips? Learn how buy now pay later services can affect your credit rating. And try our Budget Planner to track where your money is going.