Warning to parents: Beware VCE courses
Consumer Affairs Victoria is warning parents and students about the high-pressure selling of study skills courses for secondary school students.
Consumer Affairs has received complaints from parents who have signed up for courses costing $2500 or more in the hard-sell environment of a free seminar. Some parents have found that these expensive courses don’t deliver what they expect.
Parents are keen to help their children to succeed at school. However, it is crucial that they do their own homework before choosing courses and seminars. A wrong choice can be of little or no benefit to the student and can leave the parent severely out of pocket.
While there may be many ethical providers offering courses, warning signs for parents might include:
- free (or cheap) seminars, which can often be used to sell expensive seminars
- heavy marketing of the seminars e.g. wrongly indicating the limited number of seats available
- a requirement that a parent attend all, or part, of the seminar; and
- once at a seminar, any pressure to sign up for further seminars or courses ‘on the spot’.
A legitimate business would respect your right to take time to consider the offer. If you are unsure about a product, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice before you sign up.
For further information and advice, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au
Maths tutoring software
Consumer Affairs Victoria also urges parents to be wary about aggressive selling methods of maths tutorial software. Some of these programs cost more than $6000 and are marketed by salespeople who visit the home and offer a ‘free demonstration’ or ‘free aptitude test’.
Consumer Affairs Victoria continues to receive complaints about these products and the way they are sold. Parents have reported feeling pressured into signing a sales contract, and in some cases, have found the software is not suitable for their child.
Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends that before you sign:
- Be aware that similar maths programs are available for much less. Price is no guide to quality, whatever the salesperson might say
- Make sure it suits your child. Talk to your child’s maths teacher before you sign anything to see what your child may need and whether the program can provide it
- Be sure that you can afford it. If you sign a credit contract, it will cost you much more in interest
- If you have signed and have second thoughts, you can cancel the contract in writing within the 10-day cooling-off period.
For further information and advice, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au