Misleading Sales Tactics during Black Friday
The consumer watchdog has alerted retailers to be vigilant against various deceptive sales techniques, such as fake countdown timers and unclear fine print. Black Friday, originally a one-day sale after Thanksgiving in the US, now extends into a prolonged shopping event both in stores and online, taking place this year on November 28. This trend has also spread globally, including to Australia.
ACCC's Warning to Retailers
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is monitoring retailers closely for misleading sales behavior designed to trick consumers. Retailers caught using deceptive practices risk substantial financial penalties.
Common Misleading Tactics to Watch For
- Fake or false countdown clocks creating a false sense of urgency
- Hard-to-read or hidden fine print that obscures terms and conditions
- Misleading price comparisons or discounts that exaggerate savings
- Sales that appear longer or deeper than they actually are
The ACCC highlighted, “It is watching out for a range of misleading or deceptive sales advertising tactics.”
Consumers should be aware of these tactics to avoid falling victim during this high-demand shopping period.
Conclusion
Understanding how retailers may deceive shoppers during Black Friday helps consumers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Author's summary: The ACCC warns of common deceptive sales strategies during Black Friday, urging consumers to stay alert and retailers to avoid misleading tactics under penalty of fines.