Top ways you're getting ripped off

Store Mark-Ups

The Rip-Off: That the same pair of Nike running shoes that costs $240 at a major Australian sports retailer could be purchased for $140 from an online store based in the U.S.

An Australian Institute study found that in the pricing battle between bricks and clicks, some local goods such as clothes and shoes were being marked up as much as 142 per cent by brick retailers.

How To Avoid It: Simple, shop online. It's easier than you think and any decent online company will allow you to return or replace an item if it is not the correct size. Seller won’t ship to Australia? Never fear, there are parcel forwarding services like priceusa.com.au that receive the package/s on your behalf and forward them on for a small fee.

With the Aussie dollar at historic highs, buying designer labels from American and Europe online could save you significant amounts of money.

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