Inside the playbook used to dupe Hongkongers into making big beauty product buys

Hong Kong customs is investigating Opatra London and its local distributor Sayles Retail for alleged high-pressure sales tactics, particularly in beauty product purchases exceeding HK$100,000. Former employees and customers of similar beauty chains report that aggressive sales tactics are common across the industry. Opatra London, originally incorporated as Oro Gold, has distanced itself from Sayles Retail following accusations of deceptive sales practices.

The company denies any connection to Orogold, a brand with an almost identical name. Industry insiders confirm that both Opatra London and Orogold utilize strikingly similar tactics. A former junior employee at Orogold, Ms Chan, revealed that she would bring prospective buyers into the shop to pitch products to senior staff. Top sales representatives could earn six figures monthly thanks to high commission rates.

Staff were trained to identify affluent, responsive individuals and manipulate them into making large purchases during a single visit. The sales process began with offering a free eye cream sample, leading to a gift set pitch, and culminating in high-tier treatment packages. If a customer attempted to leave, representatives would use flattery to keep them in the store.

These tactics have sparked criticism, with Hong Kong customs seizing documents from Opatra London's corporate secretarial office in Sheung Wan following complaints.