All advertising should tell the truth about a product or service and allow consumers to make well-informed decisions.

Advertising rules apply to advertising in all media – print, radio, television, electronic and outdoor.

Consumers should not have to 'read between the lines'. This means that leaving out relevant facts can be just as misleading or deceptive as including inaccurate or incorrect information.

Retail advertising guide

The following retail advertising guide provides information on common ‘tricks’ used in advertising.

• 'Special' price
• Percentage discounting campaigns
• 'Dollars off' savings
• Price reductions
• Price comparisons
• Bait advertising
• Fine print exclusions
• 'Free' offers
• Gifts or prizes
• Non-stop sales
• Introductory offers
• Ambush advertising
• Illustrations and photographs
• Finance and advertising
• Correction notices
• Unfair business practice list
• Misleading or deceptive conduct
• False or misleading representation
• Unconscionable conduct
• Country of origin claims
• Rounding
• Multiple pricing
• Pyramid schemes
• Referral selling
• Harassment and coercion
• Information standards