The do's and don'ts of holiday sale specials

When run right, Christmas promotions don’t just boost sales, they build trust that lasts well beyond the festive season. Follow these five simple rules to spread holiday cheer without a compliance headache.

Do: offer genuine holiday discounts and Christmas bundle deals.
Don’t: hike your prices beforehand to make your discounts look better than they are.

Do: Be transparent about available stock and time limits.
Don’t: Use countdown timers or “only 2 left!” gimmicks to create a false sense of urgency.

Do: Showcase real, recent customer reviews.
Don’t: Cherry-pick, recycle, or fabricate testimonials.

Do: Keep a close eye on your stock levels.
Don’t: Promote items that are already sold out.

Do: Offer gift cards or vouchers for easy last-minute gifts.
Don’t: Set expiry dates shorter than three years: it’s against
New Zealand law from March 2026.