Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge, today urged mums and dads to exercise caution when buying back-to-school items.

Ms Judge said nearly 1.1 million students across the state were preparing to head back to school at the end of the month.

“This is one of the busiest times of the year for parents and carers as they shop for school books, bags, uniforms, stationery and electronic goods,” she said.

“While most of these items are essential, they can be expensive so it’s important that you shop wisely to avoid financial headaches.”

Ms Judge said parents and carers should always follow these simple lessons when shopping for back-to-school items:

• know your rights and responsibilities including refund policies
• make sure you keep receipts
• plan ahead
• shop around for the best prices
• avoid impulse purchases and
• stick to your budget.

“Avoid putting expensive items on the credit card and be very careful when entering into ‘interest-free’ deals, which often slug consumers with high-interest repayments once the free period expires,” she said.

“Where possible, use lay-by for expensive goods such as laptops or school uniforms.

“If you’re having difficulty meeting compulsory school expenses, speak to your school principal in confidence so they can help you work out a plan.

“Make sure you keep receipts and if any products are broken, defective or fail to do what they claim, take them back to the place of purchase.

“Remember you aren’t entitled to a refund if you change your mind. For example, if you buy white school shoes when you should have bought black ones.

“Finally, and most importantly, contact Fair Trading if you need help on 13 32 20 or visit the Fair Trading website.”

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