Do I Need License to Retail Electrical Goods?

SunElf on 07/10/2023 - 22:16
Last edited 07/10/2023 - 22:56 by 1 other user

Hi, I am sole trader and I want to advertise and sell electric appliances (for ex. TV, camera, PC, etc) to the residential customers. These appliances usually don't require wiring and just need to be pluged to the standard power socket. Do I need a license to carry such business activities in NSW? If yes which license do I need?

Next question: I may need to subcontract an electrician with the proper electric license in case I will need a wiring. Will I need any license to subcontract him?

I apologies guys for such newby questions, but I've got tons of completely contradictory answers from my google search and multiple friends. Thank you.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 07/10/2023 - 22:21
    +2

    Are you importing the goods from overseas?

  • AndyC1 on 07/10/2023 - 22:31

    Why do they need re-wiring?

    • kerfuffle on 08/10/2023 - 08:37
      -2

      So they can blow up, forcing OP's customers to come back to OP to buy more

  • JimmyF on 07/10/2023 - 22:32

    and sell electric appliances

    New in boxes or 2nd hand?

    • SunElf on 07/10/2023 - 22:41

      PC can be second hand but everything else is brand new, just installed and configured by me to help customers

      • JimmyF on 07/10/2023 - 22:58
        +5

        You'll need a 2nd hand dealers licence to sell 2nd hand goods.

  • foxmulder on 07/10/2023 - 23:28
    +3

    You need to make sure all your electrical appliances or devices have AU/NZ tick on them.if they do, you are good.

  • Mikefr on 07/10/2023 - 23:33
    +1

    Might be advantageous to build a working relationship with a competent wiring tech, IF you go into wall hung TV’s, or (Security?) cameras…
    Just my $0.05

    • holdenmg on 08/10/2023 - 01:01
      -1

      5c is 2c + inflation and GST. lol

  • freefall101 on 08/10/2023 - 01:17
    +3

    If you have no idea what you are doing… why do you think running this business is a good idea?

    Most likely you'll wind up with a pile of stock you can't shift and selling it below cost.

  • AustriaBargain on 08/10/2023 - 01:29

    In NSW, you do not need a license to sell imported electrical appliances such as computers and TVs ². However, certain appliances and equipment (known as declared articles) must be approved by NSW Fair Trading or by an approved equivalent, have the appropriate approval mark, and follow the relevant safety standard before they can be sold ³. All other electrical goods are called non-declared articles and must be safe but do not need approval before sale ⁴.

    I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

    Source: Conversation with Bing, 08/10/2023
    (1) Safe Electrical Goods Retailer Guide - NSW Fair Trading. https://bing.com/search?q=license+to+sell+imported+electric+….
    (2) Approved electrical articles register | NSW Fair Trading. https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/online-tools/….
    (3) Safe Electrical Goods Retailer Guide - NSW Fair Trading. https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/00….
    (4) Electrical licences | NSW Fair Trading. https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/lic….
    (5) How to import Requirements to import goods - Australian Border Force …. https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing….
    (6) . https://bing.com/search?q=license+to+sell+imported+computers….
    (7) The Good Guys. https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/kotara?utm_source=bing&utm_me….
    (8) Max Computing Services. https://www.maxcomputing.com.au/.
    (9) Check guidelines for importing and buying goods from overseas - Service NSW. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/check-guidelines-….

    • iforgotmysocks on 08/10/2023 - 08:15

      You use bing?

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 08/10/2023 - 15:34

      Op said appliances are bought locally so op is just reseller. They won’t need to worry about the certification stuff, it would be suppliers responsibility to arrange and ensure declarations are legit.

  • holdenmg on 08/10/2023 - 01:37

    Also:

    Guide to starting a business
    https://business.gov.au/guide/starting

  • kerfuffle on 08/10/2023 - 08:37
    +2

    Obligatory Whirlpool thread

  • GordonD on 08/10/2023 - 09:44
    -1

    In British English, Canadian English, Irish English, Australian English, South African English, and New Zealand English the noun is spelled licence and the verb is license.

    • Baysew on 08/10/2023 - 13:52
      +1

      Thanks for the advise on how it is spelt.

  • deme on 08/10/2023 - 11:05
    -1

    You should stop right now.

  • brendanm on 08/10/2023 - 11:21
    +3

    Hi, I'd like to start a business in an already saturated market, in addition, I know absolutely nothing about the market I'm trying to enter, is this a recipe for success?

    • AustriaBargain on 08/10/2023 - 12:44
      +1

      Yup. OP can drop ship imported TVs, which people won't go for because shipping would take too long. Or he can store them here, which won't work because DIY inventory is very expensive when you can't move them fast enough. OP will be paying rent for TVs for months at at time.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 08/10/2023 - 15:37

      Op should give it a red hot crack anyway. No drama posts in a while on forums.

  • thesilverstarman on 08/10/2023 - 16:18

    Keep in mind the Australian Consumer Guarantee, which you will be liable for. Essentially, every device sold has to be durable and perform as it should, and last as long as an informed consumer would expect. This means that if the item has a warranty of 12 months from the manufacturer, but dies at 2 years, you may be responsible for replacement or refund. Consumer rights can not be replaced, overwritten or signed away. Make sure that you make allowances.
    As a guide, consumer advocate Choice published a list of how long items should last. Whilst it has no legal status, it is a guide that is likely to be accepted by state consumer bodies and courts.The list is as follows:

    How long should appliances last?
    Our estimates are based on advice from manufacturers.

    Life expectancy is how long we estimate an appliance should last, given reasonable use and some maintenance and minor repairs.
    Fridges
    Life expectancy:
    · Budget / entry level: 6 years
    · Mid-range: 9 years
    · High-end: 13 years

    LCD TVs
    Life expectancy:
    · Budget / entry level: 5 years
    · Mid-range: 8 years
    · High-end: 11 years

    Laptops
    Life expectancy:
    · Budget / entry level: 4 years
    · Mid-range: 6 years
    · High-end: 8 years

    Ovens
    · Budget / entry level: 10 years
    · Mid-range: 15 years
    · High-end: 20 years

    Small appliances
    Life expectancy:
    · Budget / entry level: 2 years
    · Mid-range: 4 years
    · High-end: 6 years

    Washing machines
    Life expectancy:
    · Budget / entry level: 5 years
    · Mid-range: 8 years
    · High-end: 11 years

    • brendanm on 08/10/2023 - 17:35
      -1

      Haha where the hell did you get those life expectancies from?

      • thesilverstarman on 08/10/2023 - 18:14

        If you read the post, these were published by Choice, and reported on most of the media. I have used them successfully in court, and state consumer government bodies also accept them. Most people have no idea about the Australian Consumer Guarantee. There are also guides published by the ACCC on the matter.

        • brendanm on 08/10/2023 - 18:41

          Most of those expectations are insane for low end items.

  • thesilverstarman on 08/10/2023 - 16:19
    +2

    Also, don't forget Insurance, especially liability insurance!

  • SunElf on 08/10/2023 - 22:08

    Thank you very much guys, a lot of information. Looks like I should be ok without any specific licence as soon as I have right insurance and won't touch any wiring. Seconds hand license may be required but I will prefer to avoid second hand in this case. Appreciate all responses

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