Digital platforms: The complaints nightmare
In January this year, thousands of Crypto.com users were locked out of their accounts when the digital platform was forced to change security settings after it was hacked. To add insult to injury, support channels were not working and all users were told by the platform’s CEO was that "you could be using the wrong email address" — via a Tweet.
Chances are you have experienced something similar. New research has found that almost three-quarters of Australians are dissatisfied with how complaints are being handled on digital platforms.
World Consumer Rights Day: It’s time to make yourself heard
“Their voice is not always as loudly heard in Washington as the voices of smaller and better-organized groups – nor is their point of view always defined and presented. But under our economic as well as our political form of democracy, we share an obligation to protect the common interest in every decision we make.”
John F. Kennedy was writing on March 15, 1962, on what is now known as World Consumer Rights Day, in a “special message to Congress on protecting the consumer interest”. But swap Sydney or Melbourne for Washington and the then US President’s words are just as true for Australian consumers in the 21st century. If not more so.
Flower power: Avoid some thorny issues this Valentine’s Day
What's your plan for Valentine's Day? Romantic dinner? Tick. Chocolates? Tick. A beautiful bouquet of roses for your Valentine? A big cross!
Flowers are the most popular Valentine's Day gift in Australia. A study published last year found Aussies would spend more than $110 million on flowers for their loved ones - or the ones they’d like to love. And why not? They're pretty, smell good, and are generally cheaper than jewellery and healthier than chocolates.
But while they look blooming lovely, there’s an ugly side to the flower industry. Behind the fragrant scent of roses in full bloom are toxic chemical fumes designed to keep flowers fresh and pretty, specifically the imported ones.
What to wear: Finding a fitness tracker fit for purpose
If you’re a fitness fanatic, it’s likely you have already invested in the modern tool for monitoring your efforts. And you’re not alone - according to Deloitte Consumer Trends 2021 report, one in five Australians own a wearable fitness tracker.
But if you’re kicking off 2022 with an action plan that includes a whole lot more exercise, you may be curious about their benefits. Is it worth adding a fitness tracker to your get-fit arsenal? What do they actually do? And how will they help you reach your goals?
Need to return a Christmas gift? Here’s how to do it with style
So you really don’t like that floral nightie Nana sent you? The shoes you got for your fashion-conscious son are just ‘so last year’? Your daughter received two of the same Nintendo game?
Yes, it’s Christmas and we’ve all received – and given – presents that just aren’t quite right. In the back of our minds, we’re wishing it was a gift card instead. No matter the reason, there’s no need to feel embarrassed about returning them.
Make the most of Black Friday with a good game plan
Australian consumers are set to spend a record-breaking $5.4 billion in the upcoming four-day shopping bonanza, a big jump on last year’s $3.8 billion.
The mammoth shopping event officially kicks off on November 26 with Black Friday and extends until Cyber Monday. However, many retailers are offering sales right now. Some offer savings of up to 80 percent.
Expert tips to avoid the latest scams
Wondering why you’re receiving those misspelled SMS? It’s actually deliberate.
Scammers are bypassing the system that automatically blocks scams with a smattering of bad grammar and spelling. They are getting in front of you and hoping you click too quickly to realise your mistake.
This is just one of the more sophisticated tactics - yes, even bad spelling is sophisticated - scammers are employing to capture even the most cautious among us. Scammers are so successful that, according to the latest reports, Aussies have lost a total of $222,810,200 to scams in 2021. That’s already 26.8 percent higher than 2020, and the year is not yet over.
Grocery shopping: When it is better to shop local than online with Coles and Woolworths
COVID-19 lockdowns mean more of us have switched to online transactions - including grocery shopping. Big supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths have levelled up their game by focussing efforts on our online grocery shopping experience. Beyond accessibility and other benefits, there are important drawbacks to virtually shopping for groceries. In this second part of our series on online supermarkets, we dive deeper into the things we need to look out for before jumping into the convenience of online purchasing.
How Coles and Woolworths are reshaping self-service grocery shopping (again)
Is it time for a grocery run? Supermarkets have been bustling with people buying essentials. The biggest ones like Coles and Woolworths now allow us to shop for groceries online, with more of us now prefering to shop in the comfort and safety of our own homes.
Your Ultimate Guide to EOFY Sales
With the lure of huge discounts and extra money from our upcoming tax return, this is usually the time we buy big ticket items. Electronics like laptops are particularly popular with work from home tax deductions on offer. And even fashion items, like a handbag, can be claimed as an essential for your remote office. For more information on how you can maximise your tax return, we have our guide here. Here's our take on getting the best deals this EOFY sales!