Manchester City Council

One Day or Auction Type Sales

Shoppers are always on the look out for a bargain, but Manchester Trading Standards are warning shoppers to beware of auction type events that sometimes open in temporary venues. These offer "branded" goods at apparently greatly reduced prices, but actually the bargain you thought you were getting never materialises.

We have been very successful in getting this type of shop to close before too many consumers have fallen for the persuasive patter of the trader. Below is a checklist of points to think about before buying anything from a One Day or Auction Type sale:

• Do you know exactly what it is you are being asked to buy, or are you being asked to buy/bid for something you have not seen?
• Do you know who you are buying from ie. will you get a receipt? Is there a notice displayed giving details of the business owner and an address to which you can write?
• Will you get an opportunity to examine the goods before you have paid for them?
• How do you know that the goods are new and not second hand or returned goods, and have you heard of the brand names?
• Is it really the bargain you are being told it is? If you are after a particular item/model, you may be wise to price the article in a "High Street" store before attending the sale.
• In the event of the goods being faulty or unsafe who can you return them to for a refund or repair?

OUR ADVICE IS NOT TO PART WITH ANY MONEY OR CREDIT CARDS UNTIL YOU HAVE EXAMINED THE ACTUAL ITEM YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING.

REMEMBER - IF IN DOUBT - DON'T PAY OUT!