[Leon Della Bosca]

Consumer advocate CHOICE is looking out for shoppers during EOFy sales and has shared these tips to help you avoid dud purchases or rip-offs at the register.

“If you’ve had your eye on a special product or appliance, the end of financial year sales can be a great time to find a bargain. But remember, the sales are designed to make you feel like you’re missing out – do your research and buy the product on sale if it’s right for you,” says CHOICE Director of Reviews and Testing, Matthew Steen.

These expert tips should help keep costs down when buying new appliances without sacrificing on quality or performance.

1. Stick to the basics (don’t be swayed by fancy features)
“Newer appliances tend to come with fancy features, adding more money to the price tag for things you might not even use. If you’re trying to save money, it’s best to stick to the basics. Decide on the features that are your ‘must haves’ and the ones that are nice but possibly not worth paying more for,” says Steen.

2. Buy an older model
“Chasing the latest and greatest appliances might not be the best way to save your hard earned money. Consider looking for older models that have been replaced by the latest versions. They may be almost identical, give or take a few features or upgrades, and you’ll often find them at a discounted price,” says Steen.

3. Do your research and consider alternative brands
“You don’t always get what you pay for. Our tests often find that cheaper products can perform just as well as, or ever better than, the pricier big brands. Checking reviews before you buy may also reveal a cheaper brand that performs well that you may not have considered before,” says Steen.

4. Always ask for discounts
“It’s worth heading into a store and directly asking a sales person for their best price after you’ve compared prices online. If you’re confident and have done your research, you can usually shave a decent amount off the price tag by haggling. Always ask ‘what’s the best price you can do?’ and go from there,” says Steen.

5. Don’t pay for extended warranties that offer you little value
“Extended warranties are often no more than a sneaky sales tactic. Ask the salesperson, or read the fine print, and find out what guarantees it gives you above and beyond what you are already entitled to under Australian Consumer Law. Otherwise, you’re paying for rights you already have,” says Steen.

What’s your best tips for shopping sales? Or do you stay away from EOFY sales?

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