As Father’s Day approaches on Sunday, 1 September, locals on the Hibiscus Coast are looking forward to celebrating the dads and father figures in their lives.

For local businesses, it’s an opportunity to boost sales with special offers.

To ensure these promotions are both fair and successful, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) offers five key tips.

Genuine Urgency Only

Techniques like countdown timers and “limited stock” alerts can drive sales, but MBIE advises that they must be truthful.

Misleading customers with false urgency can erode trust and deter price comparisons.

Authentic Reviews Matter

Featuring customer reviews is powerful, but only if they’re genuine.

MBIE highlights the importance of using current and accurate reviews to reflect the true quality of your products.

Real Discounts, No Gimmicks

Discounts should be based on real, recent prices.

Inflating original prices to exaggerate discounts is misleading and could harm your reputation.

Be clear about which items are genuinely on sale.

Keep Stock Updated

Regular stock checks are vital.

Advertising products that aren’t available can frustrate customers and damage your brand’s credibility.

Be Upfront About Details

Transparency builds trust.

Avoid burying critical details in the fine print.

Clear and straightforward communication about your offers ensures happy, loyal customers.

Consumer Watch

For Coasties looking to shop smart this Father’s Day, keep an eye out for exaggerated claims like steep discounts on items that may never have been sold at their “original” price.

Be cautious of “limited stock” alerts that seem suspiciously widespread, and always read the fine print to understand the true terms of any promotion.

Shopping with care ensures you get a fair deal while supporting local businesses.

By adhering to these guidelines, Hibiscus Coast businesses can create Father’s Day promotions that resonate with customers while building long-term loyalty through honesty and fairness.