Bogus discounts on household goods

Some disreputable stores con shoppers by advertising goods like carpets or three piece suites with huge discounts when in fact they have manipulated the before and after sales prices to create false reductions. Some 'Sales' are also extended past the 'Must end today' deadlines that are advertised to pressurise consumers in to buying before the 'sale price' is increased.

Always ....

• look at the actual selling price rather than the amount of discount especially when shopping for expensive household items like furniture, capets or electrical goods.
• check the small print in promotional material to ensure the reduction is genuine.
• shop around and compare prices to get the best deal.

If you believe that a trader is conning the public with bogus discounts

Tell your local Trading Standards Service and tell us - it may help us to stop them and protect other people.