Save
When ‘was/now’ pricing doesn’t add up
An Australian retailer has been slammed by a consumer watchdog for allegedly misleading consumers about the “was/now” price comparisons it was providing on its website.
When ‘was/now’ pricing doesn’t add up
An Australian retailer has been slammed by a consumer watchdog for allegedly misleading consumers about the “was/now” price comparisons it was providing on its website.
Outdoor Supacentre Pty Ltd – trading as 4WD Supacentre – has paid $63,000 in penalties after being issued with five infringement notices.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), between December 2018 and January 2019, 4WD Supacentre advertised some of its highest-selling products with a high “was” price and a low “now” price, despite the products not being advertised or sold by the retailer at the “was” price at any time during the previous three months.
“4WD Supacentre advertised a camp oven with a ‘was’ price of $279 and a ‘now’ price of $84, representing an apparent saving of $195. In fact, the camp oven had not been advertised at a price higher than $104 for the three-month period beforehand,” a statement said.
Mick Keogh, acting chair of the ACCC, said the watchdog was “very concerned that this was misleading consumers into thinking they could achieve significant savings with 4WD Supacentre, when this was not necessarily the case”.
“Businesses must tell the truth when advertising ‘discounted’ prices and must not fabricate increased savings,” Mr Keogh explained.
“All businesses should ensure they provide consumers with accurate price information, enabling informed choices by consumers based on potential savings and an even playing field for competing businesses which are doing the right thing.”
The consumer watchdog indicated it had also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking in which 4WD Supacentre committed to not engage in similar conduct.
About the author
About the author
Expenses
What are the top 10 most expensive cities in the world?
Logistical issues and currency fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the most expensive cities in the world drastically change, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Expenses
Sydney adviser pleads guilty to misappropriating $2.9m
A Sydney financial adviser has pleaded guilty to misappropriating $2.9 million in his clients’ funds. ...Read more
Expenses
Telstra set to refund 10,000 customers
Ten thousand past and present Telstra customers are entitled to a refund due to being overcharged a total of $2.5 million. ...Read more
Expenses
iSelect in hot water for energy plan comparisons
Comparison tool iSelect has been ordered to pay $8.5 million in penalties for making false and misleading representations about its electricity comparison service. ...Read more
Expenses
Pandemic puts stopper in big spending
Two-thirds of Australians have seen their finances impacted by COVID-19, according to new research – and it’s affecting everything from holidays to houses and careers. ...Read more
Expenses
The financial products giving Australians the most grief during COVID-19
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has received 7,420 complaints about financial products since the onset of the pandemic. ...Read more
Expenses
Tips for managing your finances during a recession
When a recession hits, it’s natural to be concerned. After all, an economic recession can spell disaster for your financial welfare. ...Read more
Expenses
How couples can solve financial disputes without separating
The pandemic has put a new set of pressures on relationships, with finances oftentimes a trigger – so how can couples put such arguments to rest? ...Read more
Expenses
What are the top 10 most expensive cities in the world?
Logistical issues and currency fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the most expensive cities in the world drastically change, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Expenses
Sydney adviser pleads guilty to misappropriating $2.9m
A Sydney financial adviser has pleaded guilty to misappropriating $2.9 million in his clients’ funds. ...Read more
Expenses
Telstra set to refund 10,000 customers
Ten thousand past and present Telstra customers are entitled to a refund due to being overcharged a total of $2.5 million. ...Read more
Expenses
iSelect in hot water for energy plan comparisons
Comparison tool iSelect has been ordered to pay $8.5 million in penalties for making false and misleading representations about its electricity comparison service. ...Read more
Expenses
Pandemic puts stopper in big spending
Two-thirds of Australians have seen their finances impacted by COVID-19, according to new research – and it’s affecting everything from holidays to houses and careers. ...Read more
Expenses
The financial products giving Australians the most grief during COVID-19
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has received 7,420 complaints about financial products since the onset of the pandemic. ...Read more
Expenses
Tips for managing your finances during a recession
When a recession hits, it’s natural to be concerned. After all, an economic recession can spell disaster for your financial welfare. ...Read more
Expenses
How couples can solve financial disputes without separating
The pandemic has put a new set of pressures on relationships, with finances oftentimes a trigger – so how can couples put such arguments to rest? ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
