Selling products and services

Under the Australian Consumer Law, businesses must meet a set of basic rights called consumer guarantees when they sell products or services.
Nothing a business says or does can take away a consumer guarantee.
Warranties are extra promises that a business makes about the product or services. Warranties apply in addition to consumer guarantees.

Woman purchasing items from staff at a cafe

Consumer rights and guarantees

Under consumer law, businesses must meet a set of basic consumer rights known as consumer guarantees when they sell products or services. A business can be a consumer too, and these rights apply to businesses in certain situations.

Contracts

From 12 November 2016, a law protects small businesses from unfair terms in standard form contracts.

Payment methods

There are rules business must follow on the use of credit cards, interest-free offers, buy now pay later services and lay-by agreements.

Product safety responsibilities

Businesses must protect consumers by selling safe products, complying with standards, and taking action if a safety issue occurs.

Selling parallel imports

If your business sells parallel imports in Australia you must be aware of and understand your obligations to consumers.

Selling tickets to events

Ticket selling businesses, including ticket resellers must ensure they follow their obligations under consumer law.

Supplying products or services that are paid for

If businesses can’t supply the product or service that a consumer has paid for, then the business must provide a solution.

Woman sitting at computer with shoppings bags

Supplying unrequested products or services

There are rules when a business tries to charge a consumer or another business for products or services they didn’t ask for.

Woman wearing headset sitting at computer

Telemarketing and door-to-door sales

Salespeople must follow rules when approaching a person without the consumer having invited the contact. This includes over the phone, and door-to-door sales.