Price increases and poor customer service
We visited on the weekend and spent considerable time with a sales assistant discussing a bed we wanted to purchase for our daughter. At the time, we weren't quite ready to commit, but the sales assistant specifically told us that we could simply come back in a few days if we decided to go ahead.
When we returned just a few days later, ready to purchase the bed, the price had increased dramatically from $449 to $677. Unfortunately, the original sales assistant wasn't working that day, but we showed the sales staff and the store manager a photo we had taken of the bed a few days earlier displaying the $449 price.
Rather than trying to help, both the staff and manager were unfriendly and refused to honour the advertised price we had been shown only a few days earlier, despite us having relied on the advice that we could "come back in a few days."
We understand that retailers are generally free to change their prices. However, under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), businesses must not engage in misleading or deceptive conduct or make representations that are likely to mislead consumers. While we are not suggesting the price increase itself was unlawful, it was extremely disappointing to be encouraged to return in a few days without any indication that a significant price increase was imminent. Had we been told the price was about to change, we would have made our decision then and there.
What disappointed us most wasn't just the price increase—it was the lack of customer service and unwillingness to acknowledge the circumstances, despite us having evidence of the advertised price and having relied on the advice given by their staff.
Unfortunately, this experience has left us with little confidence in shopping at Focus on Furniture and we recommend others also avoid this store.








