JB Hi-Fi has been a hot topic in online forums over the weekend, with consumers claiming salespeople at the retail chain told them if they didn’t buy accessories they wouldn’t be sold an iPad.

A consumer said on www.forums.whirlpool.net.au that he had been pressured by a salesperson at the Bondi store to purchase a docking station or a screen protector.

“I asked the salesperson what would happen if i choose not to buy add-ons, they said they could just sell to the next customer who are happily (sic) to accept their policy,” he said on the forum.

In response to his post other consumers came forward with similar stories from stores in Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT. Many were told it was “company policy” or “Apple’s policy.” A consumer who visited JB’s Chermside store reported being told they would need to buy a power adapter as one wasn’t included in the box.

“I said, ‘Really, well I suggest you look on (sic) the box and you will find a 10w power supply is included,’” he said.

Another user reported being informed he would need to buy a Telstra 3G SIM card as the device is locked to the Telstra network. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Telstra has since said it has no agreement in place with any retailer to urge consumers to buy its SIM cards.

“The iPad is definitely not locked to Telstra and shouldn’t be sold on that basis,” a Telstra spokesperson told the newspaper.

A number of Whirlpool users also related they had purchased the device from JB Hi-Fi without incident or any mention of an accessory policy.

Smart responds to the claims

Terry Smart spoke to the Herald regarding the claims, saying that the tactic isn’t company policy “in any way shape or form.” According to the newspaper, Smart was concerned that the complaints don’t appear to be isolated to a single store.

“We’ve addressed it with Warrawong and told them it’s not our policy,” Smart told www.smh.com.au. The retailer will be refunding any accessory that consumers had felt pressured into buying.

“We will do whatever is required. We fully understand our obligations under the Trade Practices Act,” Smart said.

Apple has also confirmed it does not endorse any add-ons practice either.