The sharing economy connects you with users who can buy, hire or lease your products or services via an online platform or marketplace. Uber, Airbnb and Airtasker are examples of the many organisations operating sharing economy platforms.
Platform operators generally perform administrative tasks, such as facilitating payment and managing the operation of the website or app.
The sharing economy offers you and other traders new ways to earn an income. It also benefits consumers by giving them a greater choice and sometimes lower prices.
Australian Consumer Law
If you sell, hire or lease goods and services through an online marketplace or sharing economy platform, you are covered by the Australian Consumer Law. You have all the same rights and obligations to consumers as you would if you were to sell services through a shop front.
You should be aware that even though you are using an online platform, you are responsible for guaranteeing that the services you provide comply with consumer law.
As a trader in the sharing economy, keep in mind that you must:
be transparent about the product or service you are advertising so there are no surprises to consumers
Watch these videos for tips on how to share fair in the sharing economy and to learn more about Australian Consumer Law.
Duration 00:00:45
Sharing Economy—Introduction/Protection
Do you ride share, book accommodation on a community marketplace or share your skills online? Then you're a part of the sharing economy.
As a consumer, your rights are the same whether you hire or buy goods or services online, through an app or sharing platform, or in-store.
As a trader, even though you’re using a platform, you’re responsible for guaranteeing the services you're providing comply with the law.
Know your rights and responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law and make sharing fair.
Watch our videos in this series to find out more.
Duration 00:00:41
Sharing Economy—Advertising
Do you host your place on accommodation websites, drive for ride sharing apps or share your skills online? You're a part of the sharing economy and have responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law.
Be transparent about the product or service you are advertising so there are no surprises to consumers.
Even though you're using an online platform, you still have responsibilities for guaranteeing the services you provide comply with consumer law.
Know your obligations under the Australian Consumer Law and share fair.
Duration 00:00:42
Sharing Economy—Reviews
Are you using ride sharing apps or hosting your place on accommodation websites to earn money?
You're a part of the sharing economy and have responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law.
If you use reviews or ratings to attract customers, you must make sure reviews provided about your service are not misleading or fake.
It would be breaking the law if someone were to write you a fake review or if bad customer feedback is hidden.
Know your obligations under the Australian Consumer Law and share fair.
