The Australian caravan industry has recently been put under tremendous pressure due to the unprecedented demand from Australians searching for better services from RV-related businesses.
Consumers are looking to experience the caravanning and camping lifestyle much more conveniently, brought by the global boom of interest in the sector generated by the pandemic. They also seek the industry to address supply issues caused by COVID-19 labor shortages and supply chain delays, primarily out of China, according to a news release.
“While the vast majority of industry businesses understand and adhere to their consumer obligations and supplier indemnification responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law, there always remain opportunities for individual improvement,” said Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) CEO Stuart Lamont.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently released a report, “New caravan retailing: ensuring compliance with the Australian Consumer Law,” which the CIAA sees as a timely reminder for suppliers and manufacturers with obligations under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
The regulator previously highlighted that empowering consumers and improving industry compliance with guarantees in the caravan industry and other high-value goods remain a compliance and enforcement priority for the ACCC.
The recent report provides specific guidance and advice reminding manufacturers and suppliers of their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law,
It showed how to address issues like caravan supply and repair delays, accurate caravan advertisement and description, the supplier’s associated warranties, widespread consumer guarantee failures, and reimbursement to suppliers for consumer remedies.
“The purchase of a caravan is not only a large financial purchase but one which is tied with much emotion and is highly valued and aspirational,” said Lamont.
“The National body will work closely with industry in assisting them to further understand their obligations in dealing with consumers, and industry businesses along the supply chain, so that consumer expectations are met.”
The CIAA supports and welcomes a collaborative approach with the ACCC regarding the report’s contents and other ACL matters impacting the sector.