Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O’Brien is warning multicultural communities about high pressure sales of some children’s educational software.
“Forty per cent of complaints about educational software received in 2012 were from Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” Mr O’Brien said.
“While enquiries and complaints have fallen, we still see some operators target certain communities with high pressure tactics.”
Parents reported feeling pressured signing contract for expensive software, by salespeople using highly emotive arguments.
“Some parents were convinced to sign on the dotted line by being promised ‘money back guarantees’. “Mr O’Brien said.
Some of the programs cost nearly $8,000 and are marketed by salespeople who make home visits and offer “free demonstration” or “free aptitude test.”
Mr. O’Brien suggested the following tips for people thinking of signing up for one of these programs:
1) Shop around – similar programs may be available for much less and price is no guide to quality, whatever the salesperson may say;
2) Talk to your children’s teacher before you sign anything, to see what your children may need and make sure the program can provide it;
3) Be sure you can afford it. If you sign a credit cointract.it will cost you much more in interest; and
4) You can cancel contracts in certain circumstances under the Australian Consumer Law. You have 10 days to reconsider an ‘unsolicited consumer contract” made through door-to-door telemarketing sales.
Consumers concerned about education software sales and contracts can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or through the National Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.