Q: I bought a cot from the Sleep Store for 20 per cent off last week. This week it's on special for $100 cheaper with a free mattress. What rights do I have here?
Myra
A: I rang the Sleep Store, who said their usual policy was to offer a store credit when someone had bought an item that then went on special. But in this situation, they are willing to give you a free mattress. It's not as good as getting the cash difference but it is not a bad result because legally they don't have to do anything.
Hayley Miller, of Kensington Swan, says unless the retailer has a price guarantee that applies into the future, or made some sort of promise to you about the price you paid being the best you would get all year, you don't have any legal recourse if you find something you've paid for is then discounted dramatically.
"It's tough but that's the way it is," she says. "If the retailer has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind, you could use that."
