Consumer Law Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on consumer law for new zealand businesses.
NZ Returns And Refunds Policy Requirements For Online Retailers
If you run an online store, you’ve probably had this moment: a customer emails saying “I want a refund” and you’re thinking, “Sure… but are we actually required to do that?” This...
31 May 2026
NZ Gift Card Refund And Expiry Rules For Businesses
Gift cards can be a win-win for small businesses. They bring cashflow in upfront, they’re popular around holidays and birthdays, and they’re a great way to turn a “maybe later” customer into...
30 May 2026
Not Fit For Purpose In New Zealand: CGA Obligations For Businesses
If you sell goods or services to customers in New Zealand, you’ve probably had a customer say something like: “This isn’t what I bought it for” or “It’s not fit for purpose.”...
28 May 2026
NZ Raffle and Prize Draw Laws for Businesses
Running a raffle or prize draw can be a great way to build buzz, grow your email list, move stock, or support a cause your customers care about. But in New Zealand,...
27 May 2026
No Refund Policies In New Zealand: What Businesses Can And Can’t Do
“No refund policy” signs can feel like a simple way to protect your cashflow and avoid difficult customer conversations. But in New Zealand, refund rules aren’t something you can opt out of...
26 May 2026
Legal Requirements For Free-to-Enter Competitions In New Zealand
Free-to-enter competitions can be a great way to build your brand, grow your email list, drive foot traffic, and reward loyal customers. But even when you’re not charging an entry fee, you...
16 May 2026
Legal Requirements For Accepting Credit Card Payments In New Zealand
If you’re running a small business in New Zealand, accepting credit card payments can feel like a no-brainer. Customers expect it, it speeds up checkout, and it can help you increase sales....
16 May 2026Legal Options For Fake Google Reviews In NZ Businesses
Few things are more frustrating for a small business owner than waking up to a sudden drop in your star rating - especially when you suspect the reviews aren’t genuine. Fake Google...
15 May 2026Late Payment Fees In New Zealand: What Businesses Can Legally Charge
Late payments are one of the quickest ways to turn a profitable month into a stressful one. You’ve done the work, delivered the product, paid your suppliers and staff - and then...
12 May 2026
How To Charge And Enforce Cancellation Fees Lawfully In New Zealand
You’ve booked staff, set aside stock, blocked out your calendar, and turned away other work - then the customer cancels at the last minute. If you’re running a small business, this isn’t...
23 April 2026How NZ Businesses Can Respond To Bad Online Reviews
Bad online reviews can feel brutal when you’re a small business owner. One negative comment can pop up at the top of search results, scare off new customers, and put your team...
19 April 2026
How Long Should A Refund Take Under New Zealand’s CGA & Fair Trading Act?
Refund requests are one of those “day-to-day” moments that can quickly turn into a bigger issue for a small business. A customer might be perfectly reasonable - or they might be frustrated,...
18 April 2026Handling Google Review Disputes In New Zealand
If you run a small business in New Zealand, you’ve probably felt it: one unfair online review can undo months of hard work. Sometimes the review is genuinely negative (and you can...
15 April 2026
Gift Voucher Expiry Laws In New Zealand: What Businesses Need To Know
Gift vouchers (and gift cards) can be a win-win: your customer gets a flexible present, and your business gets cashflow and a future sale locked in. But they can also create awkward...
12 April 2026
Do You Have To Pay A Service Charge In New Zealand?
If you run a café, restaurant, bar, hotel, or even a retail store with a “hospitality-style” checkout (think: tasting rooms, events, in-store dining, or group bookings), adding a service charge can feel...
1 April 2026
Distance Selling And Online Consumer Law In New Zealand
Running an e-commerce business in New Zealand is exciting because you can reach customers anywhere, sell 24/7, and scale fast without a physical shopfront. But selling online also comes with a specific...
30 March 2026
Defamation And Slander In New Zealand: Key Risks For Businesses
If you run a small business, your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. But reputation can also be fragile. A single post, review, or “off-the-cuff” comment can spread quickly -...
27 March 2026Dealing With Faulty Goods Under The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 In NZ
If you sell products to customers in New Zealand, you’ve probably dealt with at least one “this is faulty” message at the worst possible time - during a busy trading week, a...
27 March 2026Credit Card Refunds For NZ E‑Commerce: What The Law Says
If you run an online store, you’ve probably had this moment: a customer emails (or comments on social media) demanding a “credit card refund now”, and you’re left wondering what you actually...
26 March 2026
Consumer Protection Laws NZ E-Commerce Businesses Must Follow
Running an e-commerce business in New Zealand is exciting - you can sell nationwide (or globally), automate a lot of your operations, and build a brand that scales. But because your customers...
23 March 2026
Consumer Guarantees Act vs Fair Trading Act: NZ eCommerce Rules
If you run an online store in New Zealand, you’re almost certainly dealing with consumer law every day - even if you don’t realise it. Two of the big ones are the...
23 March 2026
Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 in NZ: Business Compliance Guide (2026)
If you sell products or services in New Zealand, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (often shortened to the “CGA”) is one of those laws you can’t afford to ignore. It’s easy to...
23 March 2026Client Not Paying An Invoice In NZ? Legal Options
Having a client not paying your invoice can be more than just frustrating - it can seriously squeeze your cash flow, your ability to pay suppliers, and even your own salary. The...
18 March 2026
Commerce Commission Rules For Gym Membership Cancellations In NZ
Running a gym or fitness studio is all about creating momentum - helping members show up, stay consistent, and get results. But behind the scenes, the legal side of your memberships needs...
17 March 2026
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