Can I get out of my contract due to COVID-19?
At the time of writing this article, the Australian Government is continuing to announce increasing measures to shut down businesses, including many retailers, in order to slow or cease the spread of...
‘Pivoting’ could save your business in the COVID-19 pandemic
It is undoubtedly a tough time for retailers and businesses in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Focusing on online sales are a given. But have you considered 'pivoting' to a diffe...
Are your contracts enforceable?
In Australia, unfair contract terms are made void and unenforceable under Australian Consumer Law. These laws apply to contracts with individual consumers, as well as small business contracts. What...
Do you want more website sales?
When considering accessibility, most people would consider wheelchair ramps and accessible toilets and tactile and audible elevator signals for those with vision impairment. But have you considered th...
Unfair terms in business to business contracts
Australian competition and consumer law provides protection against unfair contract terms in standard form contracts, making them void. Standard form contracts are not legislatively defined, but gener...
What is the difference between assignment and novation?
Transferring rights in a contract can be a bit like a game of musical chairs, where someone else steps into your position, usually by means of an 'assignment' or a 'novation'. The words 'assignment' a...
New Year Legal Checklist for Retailers
Want to start the new year on the best foot? We recommend spending some time to check off the following list to make sure everything is in order for the new year. Review your existing co...
Do you sell gift cards? New Australia-wide laws may soon apply
The Australian Government recently released an exposure draft of the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Gift Cards) Bill 2018 (the Bill) for public consultation. If the Bill is passed, retailers and...
Did you know the way you sign a contract matters?
One thing that often confuses people is the difference between execution clauses that look like this: EXECUTED by Company Pty Ltd in accordance with s 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 VS SIGNED for an...
5 common mistakes in signature clauses
Signing a document incorrectly can make it completely invalid. I have reviewed more contracts than I can count – including contracts prepared by businesses themselves in order to save on costs. ...
Are you paying lazy tax?
Lazy Tax: Paying money for something unnecessarily when a little effort may save you money. Reviewing your agreements before they automatically renew could allow you to renegotiate the terms and save...
Review your returns policies!
Are your returns policies compliant with the Australian Consumer Law? In November last year, the ACCC announced that it will be cracking down on clothing retailers, particularly those trading online,...