Bait advertising

Bait advertising is a common form of false advertising in the NT. It occurs when an item is advertised at a sale price but the seller does not have sufficient stock to last until the end of the sale.  Often consumers may purchase other more expensive items from the store instead.

It is a requirement that sellers supply advertised goods for a reasonable time and in reasonable quantities.  There may be an explanation for running out of stock but it isn’t sufficient for sellers to claim that goods aren’t available due to freight delay, when these delays occur regularly and should be expected. 

It is an acceptable solution for the trader to offer you a similar or equivalent product at the sale price, or to obtain the item for you at the sale price within a reasonable time.

Consumer Affairs regularly conducts audits of retailers for bait advertising, especially in the lead up to mother’s day and father’s day.  If you think you have been the victim of false or misleading advertising by retailers, contact Consumer Affairs.