1. Return and Refund Policy
• Comply with Australian Consumer Law: Under Australian Consumer Law, customers are entitled to a refund or replacement if a product has a major defect, is unsafe, differs from the description, or fails to do what it’s supposed to do. This should be clearly outlined in your policy.
• Return Timeframe: State how many days customers have to initiate a return. Most e-commerce businesses offer 14–30 days.
• Conditions for Returns: Clarify if the return is allowed for change-of-mind or only for defective products. If change-of-mind returns are allowed, you can specify that return shipping is the customer’s responsibility.
• Process for Returns: Describe the steps for customers to start a return, including any required documentation, such as order slips or packaging, and details on how refunds are processed (e.g., to original payment method or as store credit) .
2. Shipping Policy
• Shipping Costs and Delivery Estimates: Outline your shipping fees and delivery times, including options for express shipping if available. Be clear about any additional fees for certain regions.
• Handling and Dispatch Time: Provide details about how quickly orders are processed and shipped. For example, you might mention that orders are typically dispatched within 1-2 business days.
• Tracking and Lost Packages: Offer tracking information for customers to follow their orders. Specify your policy for lost or delayed shipments and how customers can contact you in such cases.
3. Privacy Policy
• Ensure compliance with Australian privacy laws by detailing how you handle customer data, including the collection, use, and storage of personal information. Clearly explain what data you collect, how it’s used, and with whom it might be shared.
4. Terms of Service
• Include a general terms of service agreement outlining the rules of purchasing from your site, including any age restrictions, limitations on liability, and a disclaimer about product availability and pricing accuracy.
These policies should be easily accessible on your website, ideally linked in the footer, and presented in a clear, straightforward language. For templates and legal guidance, resources like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or legal sites like Lawpath can provide additional insights and templates tailored to Australian regulations.
