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What you should know before you start chasing bargains at the EOFY sales

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/park-thaichon-175182">Park Thaichon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> What cost-of-living crisis? Millions of Australians are expected to spend <a href="https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/9592-ara-roy-morgan-media-release-eofy-mid-year-sales-2024">A$10.1 billion</a> during the end of financial year (EOFY) sales. Many products, from cars and holiday packages to clothing and white goods will be available at marked down prices over the next few weeks. Clothing and accessories will attract the biggest spend, followed by electronics and technology, household items and decorations and then appliances and white goods. To put the estimated $10.1 billion EOFY spend in perspective, in 2023 Australians spent <a href="https://ecommerce-report.auspost.com.au/">$361 billion on retail goods</a>, with $63.6 billion of that spent online. With such high spending, consumers need to make informed decisions to maximise their savings and avoid pitfalls. <h2>Buyer beware</h2> It is important to understand the return and exchange policies of the different retail stores. Most retailers allow shoppers who change their mind up to 30 days to return and receive a refund or exchange the product. Some may have shorter return periods or may not accept returns on sale items. These items are sometimes referred to as final sales, non-refundable purchases, last-chance deals, no-return sales and clearance items. This means if a customer bought something on sale and later doesn’t want it, they can’t return or exchange it. Some retailers have specific conditions about where items can be returned. For example, in Melbourne <a href="https://www.davidjones.com/return-options">David Jones</a> requires boutique brands to be returned to specific branch locations. For example, items purchased instore from Chanel can only be returned at Elizabeth Street and Bourke Street Mall branches. Other conditions might include <a href="https://www.myer.com.au/content/returns-exchanges">no refunds/no exchanges</a> on large electrical items, furniture or mattresses unless faulty or damaged. Or retailers may only offer instore credit or charge a <a href="https://www.davidjones.com/return-options">25% restocking fee</a> when a customer cancels an order for a large or bulky item. Many retailers, such as streetwear brand <a href="https://www.culturekings.com.au/pages/shipping-returns">Culture Kings</a>, also require a payment if the return process involves shipping. As well as these conditions, retailers require any returned items to be in their original condition and sometimes, their original packaging. Being aware of these policies can help customers make more informed decisions and avoid being stuck with items they don’t want. <h2>What to buy and where to get it</h2> Certain items, such as off-season clothing, electronics and furniture are often discounted during EOFY sales, making it a good time to get them at reduced cost. However, some items, like the latest Playstation or newest smart phone, may not be as heavily discounted and might be better bought at other times of the year. Shoppers should also avoid buying items they are unlikely to use or consume before they expire including perishable goods like food, cosmetics and vitamins. <hr /> <iframe id="dnC1Y" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/dnC1Y/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> <hr /> It’s also important to consider the value of the item and whether the discount offered during sales justifies the purchase, especially for big-ticket items that may require significant storage space or maintenance. Customers should also consider where to buy their items. Online retailers often have competitive prices and a wide selection, but some customers may prefer to see the item before they purchase instore. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14413582231167664">Multi-channel shopping</a> is a combination of both instore and online shopping. It gives customers the flexibility to choose how and where they want to browse and purchase. For example, some customers prefer to touch, feel and try a product instore but then make the purchase online for convenience, taking advantage of any free shipping offers and online discount. <h2>Pressure tactics</h2> It is important to be wary any deceptive tactics to persuade you to buy unwanted products. For example, some stores might use misleading advertising or pressure tactics to convince customers to make purchases with the feeling of fear of missing out (FOMO). <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ijcs.12649?casa_token=271MN72XdP8AAAAA%3AfhYF_2yUJtM7KGv5jvFdXn5UsXQLkMcIM_F6hffYa30QaSdRivjf2mhFX-cr5C7ttCuLl1-e2OFYXBA">Our research found</a> FOMO played a role in panic buying. During the EOFY sales, businesses may try to create a sense of urgency by claiming that items are selling out quickly or prices will increase soon. For example, online sites might state a product is “low in stock”, “151 items have been sold today” or “25 people are watching this item”. By being aware these tactics are intended to lock them into buying, customers can take their time to consider purchases carefully and avoid being swayed into buying things they do not really want or need. Ultimately, the best approach for customers is to plan ahead, research prices and shop around to find the best deals for their needs. <h2>Why we have EOFY sales</h2> The original purpose of the EOFY is to mark the end of a 12-month accounting period for businesses and individuals. EOFY sales help businesses clear out last year’s stock and make way for new. Moving stock also helps to improve the bottom line by converting unsold goods into revenue. If consumers are savvy, they can find ways to make savings while also putting money back into the economy.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/232568/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/park-thaichon-175182">Park Thaichon</a>, Associate Professor of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-you-should-know-before-you-start-chasing-bargains-at-the-eofy-sales-232568">original article</a>. </div>

Money & Banking

The top 11 situations to always haggle for a lower price

Mortgage rates Buying a new home is probably the biggest purchase you will make over the course of your life, so every last penny you can save is worth it. “Borrowers should shop their business around to many banks/lenders to see what rates are available,” says mortgage broker Ade Labinjo. “Then use the rates obtained to pit the banks against each other for the purpose of either matching or driving down the rates they were quoted.” Labinjo says that by getting at least one extra quote rate, the average borrower could save up to $1,500. Never settle for the initial quote rate that the bank offers you – haggle for a better price because chances are, they’re not giving you their absolute best offer upfront. Flea markets, farmers markets, garage sales At flea markets, farmers markets, and garage sales the sellers typically set their own price. If you know how to haggle, this is a great opportunity to get a really good deal. Also, see if buying in bulk or large quantities can get you a price reduction. Hotel rooms Hotels want their rooms filled, so it never hurts to haggle with the people at the front desk for a better price or room upgrades. “Hotels have to pay a commission to booking websites, and pass on some of that as a benefit to the user,” says Saurabh Jindal, founder of Talk Travel. If you find that the price is the same on the booking website and the hotel’s website, ask the hotel for a room with a better view or more amenities. “Hotels have rooms allocated to various booking platforms and may give you a better option which has not yet been sold.” Memberships Memberships always come along with extra fees. It might be a renewal fee, startup fee, or a maintenance fee if it’s your gym membership. Ask if they can waive some of the fees or threaten to cancel and go somewhere else. They want to keep making money off of you and might just give you a discount. Lease renewal If you’re considering re-signing your lease, know that it is most likely more expensive for the landlord to prepare your apartment for a new tenant than to lease to you for another year. If you’ve had a good relationship with your landlord, try to negotiate in a deal before you re-sign. If the landlord is going to increase your rent, ask if you can increase it by less or not at all. If you consistently pay rent on time, are a respectful neighbour, and take good care of your apartment they may keep your rent from increasing. It’s important to remember who your lease is with though, says Julie Ramhold, Consumer Expert at DealNews.com. If your apartment is owned by a management company, they probably won’t offer any wiggle room. But, if you’re renting from a single landlord or owner, try negotiating for a lower price. Online selling platforms People who post items for sale online are typically moving or looking to get rid of unwanted items. Use that to your advantage and ask for a lower price – the worst they can say is no. You could also offer to come and pick it up quickly if they give you a better deal. Internet and phone bill As annoying as your internet and phone provider may be, they don’t want to lose you as a customer. “If you’re signing up or looking to renew, sometimes you can get a lower rate by telling a rep what the competitor is offering and saying it works better with your budget,” says Ramhold. A lot of cable companies give you a promotional price for your first year, make sure to call right before the price goes up for your second year. The competitors will most likely offer better prices for new customers and that can work in your advantage and possibly get you a better deal with your current provider. Insurance rates Just like internet providers, insurance companies don’t want you to switch to a different provider. “Use your customer loyalty to your advantage and try to talk to the right person on the phone,” says Kelan Kline a personal finance expert and co-founder of The Savvy Couple. “Tell them the service you are receiving is not good enough for the price.” They might offer you a discount to keep you. Home services If you’re renovating your kitchen or getting some landscaping done, make sure to shop around and get a few different quotes first. Use those quotes to negotiate with the contractor you want to work with. Also, you may be able to haggle for a better price if you offer to pay upfront in cash or schedule a contractor during the winter months when business is typically slower. Jewellery “You should know that the markup on diamond jewellery is anywhere from 50 to 200 per cent and more,” says Chhavi Agarwal, a personal finance expert. There is always room for haggling. Agarwal suggests politely making a counteroffer. You’d be surprised the changes they are willing to make to the bill. If they refuse to come down in price, try to haggle the labour charges. Returned items Never miss an opportunity to haggle for a better price on items that have been returned to stores. Stores will typically mark returned items that have been slightly used or have a ding with a price reduction, but it doesn’t hurt to ask for more off. They know that items that have already been opened aren’t as appealing to customers and they want to get them sold. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/money/11-times-you-should-always-haggle-for-a-better-price?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Money & Banking

Bargain rental is “spacious” but missing key features

A studio apartment up for rent in Birmingham, England, for less than $850 a month isn’t unusual just for its cheap price - it’s missing some crucial amenities. <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/126124685#/?channel=RES_LET" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Listed on Rightmove</a> for £425 ($NZ 810) a month, the studio’s shower is located in an unlikely spot, directly opposite the bed. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/cheap-uk-flat1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The prime location of the shower in relation to the bed could be a perk for some, but it's clear screen makes for a lack of privacy. Image: RightMove To make matters worse, the shower is encased in a clear cubicle, with no toilet in sight. The kitchen, located on the other side of the room, seems to consist of sink and cabinet underneath, a fridge, an oven, and another cabinet above a tile splashback. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/cheap-uk-flat2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The rental's kitchen boasts an oven, two cabinets, a fridge, a sink and a bench (plus an overflowing bin). Image: RightMove The apartment, described as “spacious” and “part-furnished”, also includes a single mattress crammed in one corner, with a lounge chair stationed right next to the oven. Though it is just a single room, the listing agent described it as a “great home for single working professionals”. It comes just months after a similar apartment in Australia sparked outrage, with many slamming the renovated rental as “real-life satire”. Like its British counterpart, the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/greedy-and-despicable-rental-renovation-causes-outrage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North Adelaide studio apartment</a> featured a bathroom with a clear casing - though it does come with a toilet and a shred of privacy in the form of selective frosted glass - but differed in its hefty price amid the city’s worsening rental crisis. Image: RightMove

Real Estate

Adele buys Sylvester Stallone’s home at bargain price

Pop superstar Adele has expanded her property portfolio once again, after she <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nine.com.au/property/news/adele-buys-sylvester-stallone-beverly-hills-mansion-for-80-million-dollars/0df9aa49-c3bd-45a3-9d4f-a08992d2093f" target="_blank">dropped $80.1 million</a> on the deluxe mansion of Rocky star Sylvester Stallone. The sprawling Mediterranean-style estate - located in Beverly Hills - has eight bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and sits on a 14,164-square metre block. The home boasts a variety of luxe features, including a two-storey foyer, infinity pool, movie theatre, gym, and a two-storey, two-bedroom guest house. The listing also notes that the home comes with its own putting green, cigar room, custom bar, and a master bedroom featuring its own dual bath, sauna and steam room. Though Adele has previously told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/adele-british-vogue-interview" target="_blank">British Vogue</a> she made the move to LA because she couldn’t afford London’s house prices and an $80 million price tag sounds quite steep, the singer actually scored herself quite a good deal. “The kind of house I have in LA I could never afford in London. Ever,” she said at the time. “I looked at houses. It’s like hundreds of millions of pounds. I don’t have that much money at all. I’d throw up.” One LA property expert even told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tmz.com/2022/01/01/adele-buying-sylvester-stallone-estate-house-steal-rocky/" target="_blank">TMZ</a> that the purchase was an “outright steal”. Stallone first listed the home for an eye-watering $152 million in January 2021, as reported by <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/adele-buys-sylvester-stallones-mediterranean-style-beverly-hills-mansion" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a>. After receiving little interest, the 75-year-old dropped the price to $117.5 million in May, before Adele snapped it up with a discount of almost 50 percent this year. Her latest purchase comes as her fourth in LA within the last five years. The <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/property/real-estate/see-inside-adele-s-41-5-million-property-portfolio" target="_blank">previous three LA pads</a> cost Adele between $9.5 and $10.5 million each, and her latest acquisition brings her total spending to $110 million. Images: @adele (Instagram) / Getty Images, Realtor

Real Estate

Bargain Italian homes sell for under $2

Houses in Italy are selling for as little as one euro, thanks to a new initiative started by several Italian municipalities. The 1 Euro House Project hopes to revitalise particular areas of the country and stem the rate of residents moving away. Sambuca di Sicilia, a municipality in the region of Sicily, has seen incredible success from the initiative, with approximately 16 dwellings being purchased since the scheme was announced in 2019. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CODg8wLNIqu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CODg8wLNIqu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bell’Italia (@bellitalia_magazine)</a> </div> </blockquote> Since then, Sambuca has attracted reporters and foreign buyers looking for a bargain home. Though the reasons behind Sambuca’s huge popularity in comparison to other unpopulated towns involved in the scheme are unknown, the area has hopes to replicate its initial success. A second batch of abandoned homes have been put on the market for a symbolic two euros (NZD $3.38). <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKG2wZbslyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKG2wZbslyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sambuca di Sicilia (@sambucadisicilia)</a> </div> </blockquote> Since the 2019 scheme, local authorities have continued to receive requests from foreigners interested in buying a bargain property. In response to the continued interest, they have decided to sell about 20 abandoned buildings, many of which are adjacent houses, giving buyers an opportunity to buy more than one and knock them through. The chosen properties are all within the old “Saracen” neighbourhood, which were abandoned after a catastrophic earthquake devastated the area in 1968. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbEoqpsUP8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbEoqpsUP8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sambuca di Sicilia (@sambucadisicilia)</a> </div> </blockquote> The homes will be going to auction at a starting price of two euros and will be sold to the highest bidder. Most of the homes are in need of repairs, while others are still filled with forgotten items and broken furniture. Any who are interested in partaking can complete and submit an application - available from the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.comune.sambucadisicilia.ag.it/Case%20a%202%20Euro/Index.htm" target="_blank">town’s website</a> - until November 5, with the public auction likely to take place several weeks later. In 2019, the homes sold for prices ranging from one euro to €25,000 (approximately $40,000 NZD). However, most went for somewhere between €5000 and €10,000 (NZD $8000 to $16,000). Image: irusya_busya / Instagram

International Travel

Four ways to snap up a bargain online

Picking up a bargain buy is always an enjoyable moment, whether it’s in a physical store or while shopping online. Here are four tips to help you become a savvy online shopper and save some cash. 1. Take advantage of the algorithm Though brands often target customers with ads relating to their most recent searches to tempt them into making a purchase, you can use this to your advantage. If you’re looking for a particular product, search for it and monitor how the price changes in ads so you can nab it when the time (and price) is right. 2. Look for second-hand first Online shopping makes it easier to find pre-loved items that match what you’re looking for - without a hefty price tag. If you have an idea of the item you want - whether that’s a particular garment, device, or model - search second-hand online sales platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or Gumtree to ensure you aren’t missing out on a deal. When buying second-hand, always check the condition and keep any receipts. 3. Compare and save Just as online shopping makes it easier to find pre-loved items, comparing prices across websites is just as straightforward. As well as comparing the price of a garment or device between retailers, search engines such as <a rel="noopener" href="https://compareclub.com.au/" target="_blank">Compare Club</a>, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.paylessdeal.com.au/" target="_blank">PayLessDeal</a>, and <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.shopmania.com.au/" target="_blank">ShopMania</a> can help you find the cheapest version in seconds. 4. Look out for e-coupons When you reach the virtual checkout, adding in a discount code could help you nab free shipping or a general discount. Many of these codes can be found on a brand’s social media accounts or website, or promoted by influencers on their individual social media accounts.

Money & Banking

Unbelievable deal: ALDI shopper scores lamb roast for under $1

An ALDI customer has shared how she bought a lamb roast for just 83c and the unexpected reason why. Posting the story on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1034012533313136">ALDI Mums</a> Facebook page, Monique said she was excited to pick up the dinner favourite at her local ALDI. The half leg of lamb was still four weeks out from its ‘best before’ date, so it wasn’t reduced because it was close to expiring. Upon closer inspection, the ALDI label shows that it had been incorrectly weighted at 68g. Seasoned ALDI shoppers estimate that a similar leg would weigh anywhere from 1.5kg to 2kg, with the error pricing it at well under 100g. “I was so excited about my bargain find today I knew you mums would appreciate it!” Monique wrote on the page. “I paid a whole 83c for this lamb roast today as it was marked and weighed wrong!” Monique said she even checked if the price was right with the checkout worker. “I was like so this is marked 83c, does that mean I get it for 83c? He went and spoke to his manager and they were like ‘Yeah we can’t charge you any more for it’.” Since it even scanned at 83c, Monique said, “I was like, ‘Yes! Get in my basket!’” Fellow shoppers were amazed by her good luck. “Lucky you, enjoy! Just about need a bank loan to buy any cuts of lamb these days!” one said.

Food & Wine

Woman issues warning after getting more than she bargained for in her Coles Caesar Salad

An Australian woman has made a revolting discovery in her Caesar salad from Coles. Simone Solodchuck-Boston made a post to the Coles Facebook page outlining that she had bought two of the pre-made Coles Caesar salads and was mid-bite when she made an unfortunate discovery. “After enjoying most of one I noticed something strange hanging off my fork - turns out it was a slug,” she wrote. “The slug had been squashed and inadvertently been mixed through the salad so not sure how much I may have eaten,” she wrote to Coles. Solodchuck-Boston said that she was making the post public, as she had tried to alert those in store to what she had found but was hit with a roadblock. “I called Coles to let them know that maybe they should pull the rest off the shelf as slugs can contain a pretty nasty bacteria and parasites,” she wrote. “I was told they couldn't find the form they needed to fill out to take them off the shelf at the moment and they can't pull them off the shelf with out it.” Some commenters on the post saw the funny side to the matter. “On the other hand nothing says fresh like slugs still being in the salad,” one wrote. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcoles%2Fposts%2F2669758893088109&width=500" width="500" height="804" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> “Includes fork... apparently includes slugs too!” another commenter wrote. In a response to the post, Coles said that it was “disappointed to see this”. “We're sorry for the poor experience,” a Coles spokesperson wrote. Coles also spoke to Coles also spoke to <a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/mans-nasty-find-in-his-coles-caesar-salad-052807886.html" target="_blank">Yahoo News Australia</a> about the incident, saying that the customer was contacted and the supermarket has followed up with the supplier of the Caesar salads to investigate the matter. “Coles takes the quality of all our products seriously,” the statement said. “As always we encourage customers to return any item, they’re not 100% happy with to their nearest store for a full refund or replacement.”

Food & Wine

Is this the worst customer ever?

We all love a bargain, and if there’s room to haggle, most of us will take the opportunity to bump the price down even more. But one customer has taken it to the next level, requesting a custom-made, queen-sized, crocheted wool blanket from an artist for just $70, despite it being worth $400. What ensues is the most frustrating message exchange you’ll see today. <img width="500" height="7414" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7816925/exchange_500x7414.jpg" alt="Exchange" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Tell us in the comments below, who do you think is in the wrong? Image credit: krafty_katt/Reddit.

Technology

How to book a cruise bargain

Grab yourself a great deal for a holiday at sea. 1. Leave it til the last minute A cruise ship sails with the same number of cabins every time, so as the sailing date approaches there is a greater incentive for the line to start dropping prices. They make no money sailing with empty cabins so even very low fares are a win for them. Keep an eye out for great deals on sailings that depart within the month – you could be paying less than half of the original brochure fare. 2. Be flexible If you have one very specific itinerary, departure date or ship in mind, it will be harder to secure a bargain. Flexibility is key here – have a look online, in the travel section of the newspaper or at your travel agent’s and see what is available. Grabbing a deal might mean choosing a destination or line that you haven’t tried before, but that can be the best way to discover a new favourite. 3. Travel off season If you’re looking to save money on any kind of travel (not just cruise) then you’ll want to avoid peak season. That means school holidays, public holidays or potentially ‘perfect weather’ times for season destinations. These are always popular and will book up first, so it’s unlikely there will be any big price reductions. Instead, travel in off peak or shoulder season and be prepared for a little bad weather, or choose a time that falls right in the middle of school term. 4. Try something different Ever heard of a repositioning cruise? At the end of a season, cruise lines need to move their ships from one part of the world to another. For example, a ship might spend the northern summer months cruising the Mediterranean and then sail to Australia to cruise the South Pacific during our summer. You can find great deals for these cruises – plus it's a unique experience you can’t normally find. These cruises tend to be long, have lots of sea days and call at some unusual ports. 5. Use an agent Since the internet became our go-to resource for travel (and just about everything else) many people assume that they can get a better deal themselves online. And while that may be the case sometimes, when it comes to cruising a dedicated cruise agent will almost always be able to save you some cash. They have access to special offers, can throw in some bonus goodies and will work hard to hunt down the best fare for you. What are your tips for booking a cruise bargain? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

4 ways to check for cruise price drops

Your last cruise was probably much more expensive than it had to be. Here’s how to keep your ear to the ground, and snare the best discount. 1. Check the web This is the simplest option – just keep checking the cruise line’s website! Prices change all the time, so you never know when a new deal could come up. It can also help to clear your cache or browser history. Some sites use cookies that track when you’ve visited them, so won't show you a cheaper price. Clearing your cache means the site treats you like a brand new user and won’t base the prices on your previous visits. 2. Sign up for newsletters Individual cruise lines, dedicated cruise booking sites and travel agents all have enewsletters that they send out to their databases every day or week. This is a great way to keep up to date with the latest deals. Many of these only last a short time (often only 24 to 48 hours) so keep an eye on your emails and act fast when the latest newsletter comes in. 3. Get the app Cruising is so popular now that a number of companies have launched apps to help savvy travellers snag the best deals. Ship Mate is one app that covers all the major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and more. Once you book your cruise, enter the details into the app and sign up for a Cruise Price Alert. If the price of your cruise drops, you’ll receive a notification and you can go back to your travel agent to negotiate a better deal. 4. Be friendly with your agent A good cruise travel agent is your best asset when looking for a deal. They will receive daily updates from the cruise lines or wholesalers and can pass the savings on to you. Tell them what you’re looking for and they can be on the lookout for the best deal on offer. Even if they can’t get you a cash discount, they might be able to get you some added extras like an upgrade, drinks package or sailaway gift. Have you ever found a cruise price drop? Tell us about it in the comments section below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/10/6-tips-for-doing-laundry-on-a-cruise/">6 tips for doing laundry on a cruise</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/10/7-tips-to-make-your-cruise-crew-love-you/">7 tips to make your cruise crew love you</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/10/the-cruise-of-a-lifetime-through-the-oxford-canal/">The cruise of a lifetime through the Oxford Canal</a>

Cruising

The secret to booking a bargain cruise

Timing is everything. If you know when to book your trip on the high seas, you can slash hundreds, or even thousands, from the cost by following these one simple rule of thumb. Leaving it to the last minute. “The early bird gets the worm” does not apply to cruise ship savings. In contrast to airlines, cruise companies cannot count on selling tickets to last-minute business travellers at more than the going rate. If any cabin remains empty, that means big losses, not only on the accommodation but on those few less passengers to spend money on the ship. So the nearer the departure fate, the cheaper the prices. The very best are on offer just a few days before the ship leaves harbour, but remember, you probably won’t be getting the prize pick of cabins. Most cruise companies offer good deals in January, when passengers traditionally plan their holidays. Another trick is to look out for “repositioning cruises”. This is when a liner needs to relocate from one region to another, say from a winter season in the Caribbean back to the Mediterranean for summer. These cruises tend to offer fewer stops and a more offbeat itinerary, but the cruise company will often throw in a flight home as a perk. Early September and late April are peak times for pound-stretching trips. Ask when the cruise ship is repositioning or visit <a href="http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/" target="_blank">cruisecritic.co.uk</a> for more details. Have you used this trick to book yourself a cheap cruise? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/04/cheaper-to-cruise-than-live-in-london/">It’s cheaper to live on a cruise ship than in London</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/04/santorini-planning-to-ration-cruise-tourists/">Santorini planning to ration cruise tourists</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/04/tugboat-pushed-underwater-by-cruise-ship/">Tugboat pushed underwater by cruise ship</a>

Cruising

How to spot an online bargain from a scam

We’ve all been there. One minute we’re captivated by an online deal that really does seem too good to be true, the next we’re sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to a Nigerian “Prince”. But how do you spot an online bargain from a scam? We take a look at some of the tell-tale signs. Be wary of the risks: It’s important to know about the many risks online. We touched on these risks April when we talked about online scams you need to know about<a href="/(http:/www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/technology/2015/04/online-scams/)"></a>. This sites can be anything from auction and shopping scam sites, spam (junk mail) offers, “free” offers, fake online dating profiles and sites that require you to enter information that may include personal information or banking details. Potential online risks: 1. Know who you’re talking to - If you’ve never actually talked to the person you’re communicating with online you’re entitled to feel a little bit sceptical. Take some time to do research before you press send. Even something as simple as a Google image search can help you determine legitimacy. 2. Be wary of suspicious emails - If you’ve received a message out of the blue that has an offer that seems too good to be true, that probably means it is. If possible, try and verify the sender’s identify by using a general online search, of even an independent source like a phone book. 3. Keep your passwords safe - We're online all the time these days which has made it so much easier for scammers to access passwords and pin numbers, so make sure you keep this information in a safe place. And as a general rule you should never give out any of this information online. 4. Only shop with services you trust - It’s become so easy for fraudulent sites to mimic legitimate ones that it can be a bit of a minefield out there at times, but here the most important thing to do is use your best judgement. Only make transactions with brands that you know and trust. How to spot a scam: Fake email If you’re not expecting an email from a company it’s important to be highly alert. Scammers are able to pretty accurately replicate logo and email deigns of real companies these days. Always be alert and if you’re the slightest bit concerned don’t click on the link or the attachment. Fake dating profile Scammers often employ fake photos they’ve found online when they’re compiling their new profile so always be wary of the photo, location and interests of your online admirer. If possible use an image search service such as Google or TinEye to figure out where the photo is popping up online. Follow up scams Online scammers will sometimes try to take further advantage of you by extracting more money through a follow up scam. Common examples included fake messages from “law enforcement agencies”, “doctors” and of course, “Nigerian princes”. Be wary and if it feels weird don’t click.

Money & Banking

November cheapest month to travel

November is the month in the year when the travel industry struggles to sell rooms and seats. Why? People just don’t travel between now and the first couple of weeks of December. As travel is about supply and demands, it means November is the cheapest time of year to travel. There are some exceptions of course, but for most destinations around the world you can get a deal, bargain flight or nice hotel room much cheaper than any other time of year. So if you were thinking about a spontaneous trip away, here are five suggestions. Venice – The Autumn mist is stunning and as it’s not peak season, it won’t be overrun with tourists. If it rains, check out some of the greatest museums. Seville – It has one of the warmest and sunniest climates of any European city. It has great food and drinks, as well as excellent architecture and museums. Barbados – There may be showers but on average there’s eight hours a day of sunshine in November. Tenerife – Temperatures are 21°C on average and there’s around six hours of sun a day. Cape Town – The jacaranda trees are in blossom and there are top temperatures of 21°C.

Cruising

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Woman issues warning after getting more than she bargained for in her Coles Caesar Salad

Is this the worst customer ever?

How to book a cruise bargain

4 ways to check for cruise price drops

The secret to booking a bargain cruise

How to spot an online bargain from a scam

November cheapest month to travel