Bunnings issues warning to bargain hunters amid Masters ‘fire-sale’

You can now say you’ve been warned, as Bunnings revealed its price promise will not apply to Masters’ fire-sale prices.

Australia’s largest household hardware chain, owned by Wesfarmers, has told the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and state-based authorities that it won’t be extending its “if you happen to find a lower price on a stock item, we’ll beat it by 10 per cent” promise to the fire-sale prices in place at failed competitor, Masters.

You’d think Bunnings would be taking such action to avoid any complaints from consumers, especially with speculation the Masters sale could go on until the end of the year.

However, Bunnings says its price guarantee has never applied to stock liquidations and that if it were to cut costs just to beat Masters discounts it could be breaching consumer law.

“It may be unlawful and it is not responsible for us to price match or beat stock liquidation prices where large volumes of stock are sold below cost,” a Bunnings spokesperson told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Bunnings says it has a commitment to delivering long-term value for you, as its customers, and does not want to “undermine our focus” or damage competition in the industry as a whole.

Have you visited a Masters since the sale started in search of a ‘great deal’? When it comes to shopping for specific items, such as hardware and household products, do you look for quality products or cheap prices?