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...
How to word your warranties
Do you provide a warranty against defects for your goods and services? Mandatory wording may apply under Australian Consumer Law. What is a warranty against defects? Suppliers and manufacturer...
$1.95 million penalty for misrepresenting consumer guarantees
The purpose of the Australian Consumer Law is to protect consumer interests by keeping businesses accountable. This extends to a broad range of protections including but not limited to unfair contract...
Toughening Gift Card Consumer Laws
Last year, NSW legislation came into effect requiring gift cards to have a minimum expiry period of 3 years. In a similar vein, Federal legislation passed on 25 October 2018, amending the Compet...
Top 3 tips for running a sales promotion (legally)
Retailers and businesses need to be quick when it comes to planning and executing sales promotions in a fast paced consumer goods market. However, it is important to take the time to consider wh...
$25 million fine imposed for criminal cartel conduct
The purpose of competition law is to regulate the market to ensure businesses in competition with one another remain competitive to protect consumer interests. Making or giving effect to cartel provi...
International online retailers: Does the Australian Consumer Law apply?
In a recent post, we discussed how Valve, one of the largest game retailers with revenue reported at over $3 billion, was left with a $3 million penalty in 2016 for false or misleading representations...
Unfair terms hampering your holiday trading season
I love the holiday season! Christmas trees and lights, carols in the stores, the smell of gingerbread. I also love the business of getting ready, preparing holiday meals and spending time with f...
Coles to acquire Superbarn Supermarkets
Will Coles’ new venture will reduce competition The ACCC has reported that it will be undertaking a public review of Coles’ proposed acquisition of the Supabarn supermarkets. The ACCC considers that...
Driving Traffic Through Exclusivity
Exclusivity agreements can be great for your business. By having exclusive access to certain brands or product, customers will be drawn to your store. Having exclusivity over certain product can incr...
Hoping to profit from extended warranties in 2015?
It’s the time of year when retailers are hoping to sell lots of extended warranties and planning for new products in 2015. Not only do extended warranties add profit to the bottom line, but they...