With ongoing cost of living pressures impacting household budgets, see our tips to help you be a savvy consumer and save some money along the way.
Be an informed consumer
- Budget and spend sensibly
- Shop around
- Read and keep the paperwork – e.g. receipts and online order confirmations.
Video: Be a savvy shopper!
Visual:
A light bulb is next to text that says ‘Savvy shopper tips’.
Then a woman is looking at some colourful charts.
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Do your research, don’t be rushed to buy straightaway. And know when you’re entitled to a refund, repair or replacement.
Visual:
A money icon appears on the screen to show a refund. Then a spanner, nut and bolt appear on the screen to show repairs. Then two boxes with arrows between them appear to show a replacement.
A woman is standing next to a giant coin.
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Use unit pricing to quickly and accurately compare the cost of groceries to see if you are getting value for money.
Visual:
An example is shown to compare a 2 litre bottle of fresh milk which has a unit of price of $2.65 per litre with a 2 litre pack of long life milk which has a unit price of $1.20 per litre.
Then a person is holding several items and icons including a laptop, mobile phone, email icon, magnifying glass and a calendar.
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Before signing up to a trial or subscription read and understand the terms and conditions.
Visual:
A laptop has the word ‘subscribe’ on its screen, and next to the laptop is a tablet with a credit card.
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Be aware of any ongoing fees; and check what the process will be to cancel.
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A person is standing next to a petrol bowser. They are holding a mobile phone with a map on its screen showing the petrol station’s location.
Narrator:
Feeling the pinch at the pump? Fuel apps and websites can help you find the best deals in your area and keep your costs down.
Visual:
Icons appear on the screen showing a petrol bowser and a fuel price app on a mobile phone screen.
Then a person is holding up a protecting shield.
Narrator:
Scams comes in many forms. They work because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you’re not expecting it.
Visual:
An icon appears on the screen showing a credit card and a locked padlock. Then an icon shows an eye looking through a magnifying glass. Then an icon shows a person in a call centre making a phone call.
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Always stop, think and check before you act.
Visual:
A person is wearing a superhero cape, next to text that says ‘Be a savvy consumer!’.
The Consumer and Business Services logo appears on the screen.
Use unit pricing when grocery shopping
Unit pricing shows not just the cost of a product, but what the value of that product is as a cost per standard unit of measurement – e.g. the cost per kilogram or per litre.
Unit pricing helps you to compare the cost of grocery products quickly and accurately, for example between brands, specials, different package sizes, between packaged and unpackaged, or fresh and frozen.
The unit price is usually displayed on shelf labels. Check if the store’s website or app provides unit prices, and if it allows you to sort by ‘lowest unit price’.
Read more about unit pricing.
Visual:
The words ‘Unit pricing’ are on the screen, above a shopping trolley containing groceries.
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Many people are looking at ways to save money to balance their family budget.
Visual:
An icon showing a group of people appears on the screen, then an icon showing a dollar sign.
Narrator:
One way to help you budget and save while grocery shopping, is using unit pricing.
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The dollar sign icon is now in a shopping trolley, with text underneath that says ‘Unit pricing’.
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Unit prices are displayed on grocery shelf labels, making it easy to check, compare and save.
Visual:
An example is shown to compare two products which both weigh 370 grams. One product costs $5.20 and has a unit price of $1.41 per 100 grams. The other product costs $7.60 and has a unit of price of $2.30 per 100 grams.
Then a shopper is walking through a supermarket pushing a shopping trolley.
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You can quickly and accurately compare:
- if specials are cheaper
Visual:
An example is shown to compare two bottles of laundry liquid which both hold 1.8 litres. One bottle has a unit price of $11.11 per litre. The other bottle which is ‘on special’ has a unit price of $10.40 per litre.
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- different sizes and package types
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An example is shown to compare two bottles of soda. One bottle holds 1.25 litres and has a unit price of $2.72 per litre. The other bottle holds 2 litres and has a unit of price of $1.83 per litre.
Narrator:
- products packaged to give added convenience
Visual:
An example is shown to compare two packs of rolled oats. One pack weighs 500 grams and has a unit price of $0.90 per 100 grams. The other pack holds sachets and weighs 340 grams with a unit price of $1.80 per 100 grams.
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- similar and substitute products
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An example is shown to compare two milk options - both hold 2 litres of milk. The pack of long-life milk has a unit price of $1.60 per litre. The bottle of fresh milk has a unit price of $2.10 per litre.
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- unit prices in different parts of the supermarket
Visual:
An example is shown to compare two salami options. Packed salami weighing 80 grams has a unit price of $4.06 per 100 grams. Deli salami weighing 100 grams has a unit price of $3.20 per 100 grams.
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The same product may be sold in different sections, for example meats, cheese, nuts, seafood, fruit and vegetables.
- fresh, frozen, dried or canned items
Visual:
An example is shown to compare two blueberry options. The frozen blueberries have a unit price of $11.60 per kilogram. The fresh blueberries have a unit price of $52.00 per kilogram.
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- loose and pre-packed items.
Visual:
An example is shown to compare loose oranges with pre-bagged oranges. The loose oranges have a unit price of $4.90 per kilogram. The pre-bagged oranges have a unit price of $2.00 per kilogram.
Narrator:
The next time you are grocery shopping, find the product you need and check and compare the unit price.
Visual:
Text on the screen says ‘check and compare’.
The Consumer and Business Services logo appears on the screen.
Be aware of dark patterns
Some businesses use dark patterns to try to nudge, manipulate or trick you into spending more than you planned or providing personal data that’s not needed. For example, they might offer a free trial or a discount if you sign up. But before you take up the offer you should make sure you won’t get caught in a subscription trap or share with them more personal information than you want to.
If you spot dark patterns when you’re shopping online and don’t want to accept them, choose a different retailer or shop in store.
Read more about dark patterns.
Save on fuel
Doing a little research before you fill up might help save you money. While a lot of factors can influence the price you pay for fuel, a quick look at a fuel price app or website before you fill up will inform you of fuel prices in your area so you can compare and save.
Read more about finding the cheapest fuel.
Review your bills
Some businesses offer lower rates or premiums to new customers while charging higher rates or premiums to customers who’ve been loyal to a company or institution for many years. To avoid a ‘loyalty tax’ shop around and compare deals offered by other providers. This will help you get the best price, products and services for your circumstances.
Using comparison websites can be helpful but they have limitations and may not cover all your options. See the Australian Government’s Moneysmart website for tips on using comparison websites.
Know your refund rights
You are entitled to a refund, repair or replacement if a consumer guarantee is not met – e.g. if an item you buy is faulty or doesn’t match the description. The remedy you’re entitled to will depend on whether the issue is major or minor.
If something goes wrong with a purchase, talk to the business and describe the problem and explain how you would like them to fix it.
Bear in mind that businesses don’t have to give you a refund if you change your mind, buy the wrong size or the wrong colour. Some businesses still offer refunds in these situations. This is their choice to provide good customer service, and not a legal requirement. Always check the store’s returns policy.
Learn how to spot a scam
When money is tight you might be looking for extra income to help ease cost of living pressures, but beware of employment scams.
Protect yourself:
- Don’t trust a job ad is real just because it appears on a trusted platform or website. Messages or calls out of the blue could be from a scammer.
- Never send money or personal information to anyone you’ve only met online, through email or over the phone.
- Don’t be pressured to respond. A legitimate offer won’t require you to make a fast decision. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
- Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately if you think you’ve given your financial details to a scammer.
Learn ways to spot and avoid scams at Scamwatch, and if you’ve encountered a scam online please report it through ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover.
Other helpful websites
- The Australian Government’s Moneysmart website contains tips, tools and resources to help you manage your money, reduce your debt and plan for your future. It also has information on budgeting, reducing living costs and getting help if you need it.
- Check if you’re entitled to any government grants or rebates at sa.gov.au/concessions
