eBay would like to remind all buyers and sellers that from 1st January 2011 the new consumer protection law comes into force.

“The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) replaces 20 existing Federal, State and Territory laws with one national law,” said the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Hon David Bradbury MP.

The ACL includes new regulations guaranteeing consumer rights when buying goods and services, replacing existing laws on conditions and warranties. It is illegal for a seller to display signs such as ‘no refunds’ or ‘no refund after seven days’ or ‘exchange, repair or credit only’.

Consumers are not automatically entitled to a refund if they change their mind about a product after buying it; however, refunds are available if goods are faulty, defective or not fit for the purpose intended.

Make sure you check the terms and conditions of each trader’s refund policy before purchasing an item.

Also remember to keep your receipt and eBay messages otherwise it will be difficult to prove when or from whom the item was purchased, which may limit your chance of receiving a refund.

Transactions that take place before 1st January 2011 will not be covered by ACL Act. For example, goods sold on 24th December 2010 will be covered by the existing statutory warranties, not the new consumer guarantees.

Further if you buy on eBay.com.au with PayPal, and your purchase does not arrive or is significantly not as described you may be covered for up to AUD $20,000 with PayPal Buyer Protection. See Protection for Your Purchases for more information on this.

Further information on shopping and refund could be found at: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

Further information about the Australian Consumer Law is available at: www.consumerlaw.gov.au