How to spot a fake sale in Australia

1. Ignore the "was" price. Check the history.

A "was" price only tells you what the store wants you to believe. What matters is what the item actually sold for. The ACCC says a "was/now" saving can be misleading if the product was never sold at the higher price, or was only sold at it in limited amounts just before the sale (ACCC guidance).

So look at the last few months of prices. If today's "sale" price is about what it cost in August, it isn't much of a sale. Our guide to free price trackers in Australia shows how.

2. Check the exact model

Stores often put a sale on a model that looks like the one you want, but isn't. A TV, laptop or vacuum can have near-identical names with different screens, chips or batteries. Match the full model number, not just the brand and size. Then compare that exact model at two or three other stores.

3. Add delivery and extras

A low price can disappear at checkout. The ACCC lists prices that don't include GST or other costs as a misleading price claim (ACCC). Look at the total with delivery, any membership you'd need to join, and any bundle items you don't want. Our real deal checker lets you enter the sale price, the best price elsewhere and the delivery cost, and shows your actual saving.

4. Be wary of countdown timers

"Ends in 02:14:09" makes you rush. In April 2026 the ACCC said some retailers used countdown timers that claimed a sale was about to end when it actually ran longer (ACCC media release). It also named phrases like "3 days only" as a focus of its Black Friday sweep (ACCC). If you're unsure, take a screenshot of the price, wait a day and check again. A real deal is usually still there on the last day.

5. Read the fine print on "sitewide" and "up to"

The ACCC says a "storewide" or "X% off all products" claim can be misleading if exclusions are only in the fine print (ACCC). Check whether the product you want is actually included.

"Up to 70% off" is similar. The ACCC has flagged it as a concern where few products are on sale at the top discount (ACCC). Look at the percentage on your item, not the headline.

6. Check it's really in stock

The ACCC describes bait advertising as promoting sale prices on products that aren't available, or are only available in very limited quantities. It isn't misleading if the store is upfront about limited stock (ACCC). If a deal is sold out when you click, don't let the store talk you into a dearer one without comparing first.

7. Know when the sale really peaks

Not every sale is the best time to buy. Click Frenzy runs 27 to 30 October. Singles' Day is on 11 November, with sales listed from 9 November. Black Friday is 27 November and Cyber Monday is 30 November. Boxing Day sales follow on 26 December. Our sales calendar lists them all. If an item hits a good price early, check its history. If it's near the lowest price, buy it. If not, set a price drop alert and wait.

If you buy and it's not what you were promised

A sale price doesn't remove your rights if something is faulty or not as described. Read your rights on sale items. If you think a store has made a misleading claim, the ACCC accepts reports on its false or misleading claims page.

This is general information, not legal advice.

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