Sales and refund terms and conditions are a set of rules and guidelines that govern the returns and refunds on the sale of goods or services by a company.
Further, Sales and Refund Terms and Conditions include the company’s return policy, the return period, the customer’s entitlement to the issuance of a refund or store credit. This also includes information about the company’s warranty policy and any additional terms or conditions for the sale.
These are typically made available to customers prior to purchase, either on the company’s website or on the product packaging.
This article will discuss what the Sales and Refund Terms and Conditions are and the benefits of having it in a contract. Farrah Motley wrote this article. Farrah is an experienced contract lawyer with over ten years of experience.
Governing Legislation for Sales and Refund Terms and Conditions
Furthermore, here are few current governing legislation under Australian jurisdiction regarding sales refund terms and conditions:
ACL provides specific rights and protections for consumers on refunds or replacements for goods or services that do not meet consumer guarantees.

Benefits of Sales and Refund terms:
Sales and refund terms are governed by Australian Consumer Law (ACL). It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both consumers and businesses. Compliance with consumer guarantees and other requirements set out in the ACL can help protect businesses from legal action by consumers. Thus, having clear sales and refund terms helps businesses avoid legal repercussions.
Moreover, ACL compliance helps establish a good reputation, which can lead to increased customer trust, loyalty, and brand recognition. Providing clear and fair terms and conditions for sales and refunds sets the customer’s expectation. Thus, can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Likewise, customers trust and love to do business with a company that is transparent and fair in its dealings. It reduces the number of disputes that arise between businesses and consumers, since rights and obligations are clear.
Overall, clear sales and refund terms provide benefits for both consumers and businesses. They protect consumers’ rights, ensure legal compliance, improve customer satisfaction, increase trust, and help to resolve disputes.

Relevant cases:
In ACCC v TPG Valve Corporation (2016), the court found that it was making false or misleading representations in its standard form consumer contract regarding consumers’ rights to obtain a refund for games purchased from the Steam online platform. Hence, the court held that Valve Corporation had breached the ACL and was ordered to pay a penalty of $3 million.
Moreover, in ACCC v Allphones Retail Pty Ltd (2013) the court held that Allphones Retail had breached the ACL by making false or misleading representations in its standard form consumer contract regarding the consumer’s right to terminate the contract. Thus, it was ordered to pay a penalty of $2.75 million.
Australian courts take breaches of consumer protection laws, including those relating to sales and refund terms and conditions seriously. Failure to comply with the law may result in significant penalties. Hence, it is imperative for businesses to have clear, easy-to-understand, and compliant terms and conditions to protect themselves from legal liability.
How can Prosper Law help?
Prosper Law is Australia’s online law firm. We provide legal advice to businesses and individuals across Australia. Our areas of legal practice include contracts, eCommerce, publishing, legal counsel and employment law.
If you need to talk to a contract lawyer to help you draft your business terms and conditions, get in touch today.
Contact the team at Prosper Law to discuss how we can provide you with legal advice on a fixed fee or at affordable hourly rates.
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