A sale price was fake and the 'original price' was made up. Where can I complain?
You can report it to the Commerce Commission, because fake discounts and misleading 'was/now' prices break the Fair Trading Act. The Commerce Commission will not handle your personal dispute. To recover your own losses, you need to go to the Disputes Tribunal or the District Court.
Official figures
- Who and what is covered
- Goods and services for personal or household use, bought from a business that trades in New Zealand (including online shops). This applies whether or not the business has its own warranty.1
- Changing your mind
- Not a legal right. If nothing is wrong with the item and you just changed your mind, the business usually does not have to give a refund or exchange, unless its own returns policy allows it.2
- Minor problem (can be fixed)
- The business can choose to repair it, replace it with the same item, or refund you. This must be free and done within a reasonable time.1
- Major problem (substantial character)
- You choose: return the item for a refund or replacement, or keep it and ask for compensation for the drop in value.1
- Business offers only store credit
- You can refuse it.1
Official sources
- Consumer Guarantees ActConsumer Protection (MBIE) · consumerprotection.govt.nz
- Change of mindConsumer Protection (MBIE) · consumerprotection.govt.nz
- LaybysConsumer Protection (MBIE) · consumerprotection.govt.nz
- WarrantiesConsumer Protection (MBIE) · consumerprotection.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Returning faulty goods: your consumer rights →
People also ask
- Something I bought broke after a month and the shop says to contact the manufacturer. Is that allowed?
- I bought clothes but don't like them now. Can I return them for a refund?
- The shop will only give me store credit for a faulty item, not my money back. Can I refuse?
- My warranty has expired and the product stopped working. Can I still go back to the shop?
- I bought an extended warranty in the shop. Can I cancel it?
- Do I have consumer protection if I buy second-hand from a person on Trade Me or Marketplace?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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