Related information and links
Consumer guide
In Australia, every person has consumer rights and responsibilities, and our trade practices are different from many overseas countries. Every person has the right to be protected from unfair business practices.
This information provides you with basic tips about your consumer rights and responsibilities in NSW.
Shopping rights
The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) gives you rights when you buy goods and services in Australia, including rights to repairs, replacements and refunds.
Repairs, refunds, replacements
To make a claim about faulty products or services you need to show a receipt or other proof of purchase, such as a credit card or bank statement so traders can provide a remedy. A remedy could be a refund, repair or replacement.
Businesses must give you a receipt for goods or services valued at $75 or more. You can ask for a receipt for a transaction under $75 and the business must give it to you within seven days.
In some situations, you are entitled to a refund for a product you buy. For example, if you bought a microwave but it does not do the job that it is supposed to do. However, there are also situations where you may not be entitled to a refund for example, if you damage the microwave by not following the instructions on how to use it correctly.
A sign in a store that states ‘no refunds’ is illegal, as it implies you will not be provided with an appropriate remedy, even if the goods you bought are faulty. Signs that state ‘No refunds will be given if you have simply changed your mind’ are legal.
Read more about refunds for more information about when they do and do not apply.
Shopping online
Follow these tips when shopping online in Australia:
- Check the seller’s business details by calling them before your first purchase.
- Compare prices, postage, delivery, refund and return policies.
- Read customer reviews about the seller.
- Check if the site is secure before paying. Look for a key or closed padlock icon at the bottom or top of the computer screen.
- Never give your password or personal bank details.
- Check the exchange rate, sales tax and import duties (overseas seller).
- Print out the payment or order confirmation and keep it in a safe place.
Read more about shopping online.
Buying a car
Before you buy a car from a private seller, follow these tips:
- Shop around and check prices.
- Check the car’s service history (log book) if buying a used car.
- Ask the seller to go for a drive to test the car.
- Pay a mechanic to do a car safety inspection for you, as there is usually no warranty.
- Do a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) search online to check if the car has money owing (debt) from a previous owner. A car with debt could be repossessed (taken away) from you.
Watch the buying a used car video on YouTube in seven community languages including English.
ServiceNSW is the one stop shop in NSW for all transactions relating to cars and driving, for example, driver licence and car registration. Call 13 77 88 or go to website for more information.
Mobile phones and data plans
If you are planning to buy a mobile phone or data plan, follow these tips:
- Shop around – Look at different types of plans, compare prices, services and network providers. Consider using pre-paid services.
- Read the contract – If you decide on a plan (pay monthly), read the terms and conditions, including the small print, before signing. Make sure you understand the terms for cancelling the contract.
- Check the payments – Find out what your monthly payments will be and if you will be charged at a higher rate if you exceed your call or data allowance.
- Check network coverage – Check coverage maps on the provider’s website and contact the provider to find out the quality of reception in the areas you will use the service.
- Keep your contract – Make sure you keep your receipts, warranty and other paperwork. You may need them if you have an issue with the phone or service provider.
Go to the Telecommunications page for more information.
For problems with phone cards, mobile phones and internet services call the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) on 1800 062 058 or go to the website.
Gift cards/vouchers
A gift card or gift voucher is a card/voucher loaded with an amount of cash. It enables you or the person you give it to, to buy goods and services. There are some important things to remember when buying gift cards/vouchers:
- Check the expiry or issue date.
- Treat your gift card like cash – if you lose it, it's gone.
- Read the terms and conditions about getting ‘change’.
Changes to the laws about the sale and use of gift cards in NSW started on 31 March 2018. Go to the gift cards page for more information.
Credit card chargeback
Chargeback is a refund facility available from credit card providers. It may be possible for you to request a chargeback from your credit card provider if:
- goods or services that you have ordered have not been provided, but your credit card has been charged.
- a transaction is made with your credit card without your approval or authorisation.
- a transaction is illegal such as a forged signature, or use of an expired credit card.
A time limit may apply for the use of this facility.
For further information regarding chargeback, contact your credit card provider.
Scams
A scam is a trick or a fraud when you pay money but get nothing back for it, or you get something that is worth much less than the money you paid. Scams can be anywhere – in the mail, email, internet, in person or over the phone. Scams can include offers of work, requests to transfer money, rental scams, mobile phone scams and online shopping and auction scams.
Here are some tips to avoid scams:
- If an offer sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
- Never send money or give personal details to a person or business you do not know.
- Never use public computers to do shopping or banking online.
- Do not respond to or open unknown emails or click on the links provided in them.
- Do not be pressured to make a decision on the spot. Take time to do your own research and ask lots of questions.
- Keep your computer secure with up-to-date anti-virus software.
- Always check if the site is secure before paying online.
Report scams to SCAMwatch and read about the latest scams.
Renting
When you start renting a house or unit, you must be given the Fair Trading fact sheet New tenant checklist, which has important information about your rights and responsibilities. This fact sheet is in community languages on the Fair Trading website. Some important things to know:
Renting advertisement - Check renting advertisements are real by visiting the property and checking the company or person’s details. If you are overseas, ask a friend or a relative to check them for you.
Agreement of lease – To rent a house or unit you must sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement with a landlord or agent. This legal document is called a lease. It explains what the tenant (you) or landlord can do and cannot do. It includes the amount of rent you need to pay, how and when to pay it, and the lease term – which is usually for 6 to 12 months.
Rental bond - When you agree to rent, you must pay a rental bond, which should be no more than the amount of 4 weeks rent. Your agent or landlord must offer you the option to use the Rental Bonds Online service.
Other costs – You will be required to pay up to 2 weeks’ rent in advance.
Having trouble with your landlord or agent?
Contact our free complaint service if you have tenancy issues or disputes. We can assist with a range of matters and can help negotiate an agreement. You can lodge a complaint online via the Fair Trading website or call 13 32 20 to discuss your matter further.
Are you a boarder or lodger?
If the landlord, or ‘operator’ keep control over your room and the rest of the accommodation, you may be a boarder or a lodger. Boarders living in a ‘registrable’ boarding house have a basic set of rights called ‘occupancy principles’. Go to the boarding house page for more information.
Education and training
Here are some tips when planning your study:
Check if the institution you wish to study at is registered to deliver training – go to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) website.
- Do not pay any course fees to a training provider until you have signed a written agreement.
- Read the agreement and the terms and conditions carefully before you sign any paperwork with a training provider.
- You cannot transfer to another education provider before completing six months of your principal course and without a release letter from your provider.
- Check your written agreement to see what your provider’s policy says about transferring to another provider, as well as fees and refunds.
- If you have received your letter of release from your training provider, only then you can complete your enrolment, and sign a written agreement with the new provider.
- Contact the International Students Office of your institution or call Australian Education International Students on 1300 615 262 if you have questions or problems.
If this does not resolve the problem with your private school, college or university, the Overseas Students Ombudsman may be able to help. Contact the Ombudsman on 1300 362 072 or visit the website.
Strata laws
If you live in a unit or townhouse you may be living in a strata scheme. There are rules, called by-laws, which people who live in strata and their visitors must follow. For example, these may affect where you can smoke, and where you can park your car (tenants should also refer to the conditions of their lease).
Go to the strata laws page for more information.
If things go wrong
If you have a problem with something you have bought, follow these steps:
Contact the seller:
- Explain the problem and how you want the situation resolved.
- Keep the receipt and any documents that relate to the sale (such as credit card and bank statements, warranty or quote).
- Write down the names of the people you speak to, what was said and the date you contacted them.
- If you cannot come to an agreement with the seller, call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or lodge an online complaint from the website. We may contact the seller to help negotiate a resolution.
- If the problem remains unresolved, contact the NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). NCAT provides low-cost tribunal services to help resolve a wide range of disputes. Call 1300 006 228 or go to website.
NSW Fair Trading language resources
For more information about your shopping and other consumer rights watch the My Consumer Rights animatic videos available in eleven community languages, including English, at www.youtube.com/NSWOFT. Go to the community language page to find out more.
Contact NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading is the state government agency responsible for protecting consumers' rights. We provide free assistance and information on shopping and renting rights. We can provide information to consumers about options to resolve disputes with traders and in some cases, our staff can attempt to negotiate a solution.
If you have problems with refunds, warranties, consumer guarantees, buying a car, mobile phones, gift cards and vouchers, scams, renting, strata or education and training call 13 32 20. You can also visit ServiceNSW website to obtain information and to find your local centre.
If you need language assistance, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 and ask for an interpreter in your language.