Small business and farmer

Topics

Original packaging and receipts

If you cannot prove where the product was purchased, the store or manufacturer is not obliged to accept your claim, but may still choose to do so. Original Packaging If a product does not meet a consumer guarantee the seller cannot refuse to give a refund, or reduce the amount of the refund,...
Refunds and returns
07 Apr 2014

No refund signs

WATCH
'No refunds’ signs are unlawful. A supplier or manufacturer must not tell you that a consumer guarantee : does not exist; may be excluded; or may not have a particular effect. Generally, you have a right to a refund when there is a major problem with something you bought. Stores cannot take away...
Refunds and returns
07 Apr 2014

Consumer change of mind

Generally, a store does not have to give a refund or replacement if a customer simply changes their mind about a product. Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), the customer is only entitled to choose a refund or replacement for a major problem with a product covered by consumer guarantees . For...
Refunds and returns
07 Apr 2014

Minor or major problems with products

The type of remedy you can request can depend on whether it is a minor or major problem. Minor problems A minor problem can be fixed within a reasonable time. You must give the store the chance to fix the problem. They choose whether to refund, repair or replace. Major problems If there is a major...
Refunds and returns
07 Apr 2014

Returns: refunds, repairs and replacements

After you buy or use a product, you may identify problems with it, in other words, it does not meet a consumer guarantee. Depending on the type of problem (also known as a failure under the Australian Consumer Law) the seller may have to provide a ‘remedy’, such as: a refund repairs a replacement...
Refunds and returns
07 Apr 2014

What goods are not covered by consumer guarantees?

You will not be covered by all of the consumer guarantees for goods: bought before 1 January 2011. These are covered by laws that were in force before 1 January 2011 – contact us for more information; bought from one-off sales by private sellers, such as garage sales and fêtes; bought at auctions,...
Your consumer rights
07 Apr 2014

Unfair contract terms

As a supplier, you must ensure your standard form consumer contracts comply with national unfair contract terms laws. These protect consumers against contract terms that: would cause a significant imbalance in the parties' rights and obligations under a contract; are not reasonably necessary to...
Door-to-door and telephone selling
07 Apr 2014

Records of disposal

Whatever disposal method is used for the goods, be sure to keep a record of communication with the customer, every notice sent and documents relating to your costs for storing and disposing of the goods. The Disposal of Uncollected Goods Act 1970 requires that within seven days of selling or...
Disposing of uncollected goods
07 Apr 2014

When you receive a notice of dispute

There are procedures to follow if your customer gives you a ‘notice of dispute’ within one month of you serving them with a Form 1, Form 2 or Form 4 as set out in the Disposal of Uncollected Goods Regulations 1971 . There is no prescribed notice of dispute in the Regulations but it needs to set out...
Disposing of uncollected goods
07 Apr 2014

Once a Court Order has been obtained

If you sell the goods (pursuant to a court order) Deduct from the proceeds all of your lawful and reasonable moneys owed, charges and sale expenses (including advertising, storage, sales commission, insurance, etc. If there is a shortfall, you may claim the balance from the party who left the goods...
Disposing of uncollected goods
07 Apr 2014

Pages

Publications

Complaints: A guide for business

READ
Paying proper attention to customer complaints is an essential part of a well-managed business operation. In fact, complaints can improve your efficiency and profitability. Why have a complaint...
Consumer Protection
Guide / handbook
06 Jan 2021

Investigation Report - Slips, trips and falls

READ
This document was developed to assist in the investigation of slips, trip and falls in the workplace.
WorkSafe
Checklist
04 Sep 2023

Industry checklist - noise in agriculture

READ
This checklist has been developed to address the issue of noise in agriculture and provides information on how to best manage risks to minimise workplace injuries.
WorkSafe
Checklist
22 May 2014

Industry checklist - horse stables

READ
WorkSafe has produced this document to increase awareness of safety issues around horse racing stables and highlight the importance of appropriate systems of work and safety management systems...
WorkSafe
Checklist
05 Mar 2021

Checklist for working at height

READ
This checklist has been developed to assist you in identifying risks associated with working at height .
WorkSafe
Checklist
18 Feb 2015

Checklist for evacuation

READ
WorkSafe has produced this checklist to assist you in inspecting your workplace in regards to evacuation and first aid. Although the checklists do not cover all the requirements under workplace safety and health laws, they will give you a better idea of whether your workplace meets basic standards of safety. They will also assist in laying the foundation for a safety and health management system at your workplace.
WorkSafe
Checklist
10 Jan 2023

Checklist for confined space

READ
WorkSafe has produced this checklist to assist you in inspecting training, risk assessment and safe work procedures associated with confined spaces. Although the checklists do not cover all the...
WorkSafe
Checklist
22 May 2014

Checklist for chemicals in the workplace

READ
WorkSafe has produced this checklist to assist you in inspecting chemical or hazardous substances hazards at your workplace. This checklist covers both requirements for hazardous substances under the...
WorkSafe
Checklist
22 May 2014

Checklist for chemicals in the workplace

READ
This checklist covers both requirements for hazardous substances under the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 and general chemical safety.
WorkSafe
Checklist
20 May 2014

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