Did you know you have basic consumer rights when buying goods or services?

All goods you buy have a basic statutory warranty (also known as implied warranty) which requires the goods to:

• be of ‘merchantable quality’ – meet the basic level of quality and performance expected, considering their description, price and other relevant circumstances. Goods that have a fault should be labelled as seconds or damaged stock
• suit a particular purpose if you have made a specific purpose known to the seller and have relied on the seller’s skill or judgement
• be and remain free of debt, charges or mortgages – have ‘clear title’, unless this debt is disclosed or known to you before you agree to buy the goods
• match any description or sample.

All services you buy must be:

• carried out with due skill and care
• fit for the purpose for which they are acquired (if you have made a specific purpose known to the seller and have relied on the seller’s skills or judgement).

In addition, all goods you purchase must:

• comply with any product information and safety standards applying to them, such as care labels on garments and textiles and safety instructions on dangerous goods
• have accurate information provided with them and include any information required by law, such as price, content details and weight of goods without packaging. 

It is illegal for retailers to mislead you about products or use high-pressure selling tactics.

Every time you buy goods or services, you are forming a contract which gives certain rights and responsibilities to you and the trader. For example, you enter a contract when buying a house, car, TV, lounge or making other everyday purchases.

The contract may be in the form of a receipt, invoice or other document outlining terms and conditions which you and the trader are agreeing to such as deposits, cancellation fees, warranties, delivery and product/service details, price, payment arrangements and more depending on the type of purchase you make. It is your responsibility to read and understand the terms and conditions of contracts so you know what you are agreeing to.

Always keep a copy of receipts, dockets, invoices or contracts in a safe place as you may need them if you want to return, repair or exchange the goods.