02.06.2025 | Australian competition authority
Reebelo Australia, an online marketplace specializing in new and refurbished electronics, has faced penalties totaling $59,400 after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued three infringement notices. These notices were based on claims that Reebelo made on its website, which allegedly misrepresented consumer guarantee rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
The infringement notices specifically addressed statements that suggested a 14-day limit on consumers' rights to remedies for faulty or misrepresented goods. This included limitations on receiving remedies for products that were damaged, not as described, or different from what was ordered.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe emphasized that consumer guarantees are automatic rights that cannot be overridden by business claims. She stated that consumers are entitled to remedies beyond the 14-day period if products do not meet these guarantees, and misleading consumers about these rights is illegal.
Concerns were raised regarding potential financial harm to consumers, particularly given that Reebelo sells high-end refurbished electronics. The ACCC received multiple complaints from consumers who struggled to obtain remedies for faulty or incorrect products from Reebelo.
In response to the situation, Reebelo Australia has committed to several measures to ensure compliance with the ACL, including updating its website, enhancing its online complaint handling processes, and implementing training programs for staff.
Reebelo operates as an intermediary platform for third-party suppliers, offering a range of products from electronics to home appliances. The company, which began in Singapore, has expanded internationally with offices in several countries.
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