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

As Hong Kong customs expands its investigation into Opatra London following complaints of high-pressure sales tactics involving purchases of up to HK$100,000 (US$12,800), former employees and customers of similar beauty chains say the aggressive sales playbook feels all too familiar.Although the UK-based luxury beauty chain – originally incorporated as Oro Gold – has distanced itself from local distributor Sayles Retail following allegations of “deceptive sales practices”, and denied any connection with another business, Orogold, people familiar with the industry say both brands use strikingly similar tactics.Ms Chan*, a former junior employee at Orogold, said she made about HK$30,000 a month bringing prospective buyers into the shop so senior staff could pitch them products.