We’re loving the sharing economy but do you know your rights if things go wrong?

If you’ve ever used services like Uber, AirBNB or Airtasker, you’re part of the booming sharing economy but while they are quite convenient – do you know your rights if things don’t go to plan?

These platforms have been enormously successful and offer a convenient way to obtain goods and services being offered by other members of the public rather than an organisation.

But what happens when things go wrong? Where does a customer stand?

The good news is anyone using these services through an online marketplace or sharing economy platform have the full protection of Australian Consumer Law.

It’s no different to the protection offered to a customer who buys something in a store.

Australian state and territory governments today launched a national campaign to help educate customers and traders about their rights when using the sharing economy platforms.

There are six educational videos that address sharing economy issues including protection, reviews, cancellations, remedies, resolving disputes and advertising.

These videos guide viewers through their rights and how they can take action if they don’t get what they pay for.

Here’s what you need to do if things go wrong to resolve your issue.

– Speak to the seller or service provider

– Use the platform’s internal dispute resolution process if they have one

– Writer factual review on their own platform and rate the trader

– lodge a complaint with the consumer affairs agency in your state or territory

More than half the Australian population is already using the sharing economy platforms which are held to the same standards as traditional platforms which are already established.

For further information about your rights and responsibilities in the sharing economy go to the Australian Consumer Law website.