Australian consumer law with regard to a misleading representation
The Australian consumer law prohibits any form of misleading representation that may influence consumers to make a decision to purchase a product. The law requires businesses to give accurate information to consumers so that they can make informed choices.
The assessor must delete the statement on the banner because it leads prospective buyers to think that the piece of land on sale is few yards away from the train station. According to Jack, the actual distance is estimated to be almost an hour’s walk which means it is a longer distance contrary to what the statement says. This is “misleading conduct as to the nature of goods and services” (Taylor and McNamara 112).
Considering the piece of land that is on sale, the assessor will be lying about the characteristics, nature, and the suitability of the piece of land (Paterson 2). Also, putting up the advert in its current form without removing the misleading clause they will be displaying insensible conduct which is against the law in Australia. The law is very clear that a person should not make any forged or deceptive demonstration regarding the location of a piece of land on sale (Paterson 2).
Misleading advertising according to the office of fair trading guidelines
Bait Advertising is one of the major unfair practices in the marketing field today. Most business people are using false claims and misleading information about a product in order to persuade consumers to purchase their products. The assessor should be warned that putting up a clause in an advert that leads to a deceptive end is against the law in Australia.
The law prohibits business people from giving misleading information about the details of a product. In this case, the piece of land is the product and the distance to the train station is the detail that has been altered to entice and attract prospective buyers.
People will be interested in purchasing land if it is closer to the train station due to convenience in terms of transport. The advert says that the piece of land is at close proximity to the train station but jack confirms this is not accurate information. According to Australian laws, this is bait advertising and it is against the business law.
Agents that deal with advertising and marketing material
When dealing with advertising and publicity materials in Australia, it is important to look for authentic agencies that can advise you accordingly. Like in any other country, there are a number of fraudulent agencies. However, some of the trusted agencies in the country include, the ZOO Group, McCann, and Ogilvy Australia, among others (Doloswala, Thompson, and Toner 410).
These are reputable advertising agencies and their reputation has been as a result of fair practice and adherence to the Australian Consumer Law. If Jack wants to be on the safe side and in order for him to avoid breaking the law, he should consider seeking the services of such reputable agencies.
With such agencies, one can be assured that their products will be represented in the right manner without any fraudulent or misleading information. Contravening the consumer law can lead steep penalties and in extreme cases a jail term. To avoid such misfortunes, the jack should be careful with the agencies that he will choose to work with (Doloswala, Kalika Navin, Darrell Thompson, and Phillip Toner 420).
Works Cited
Doloswala, Kalika Navin, Darrall Thompson, and Phillip Toner. “Digital based media design: the innovative contribution of design graduates from vocational and higher education sectors.” International Journal of Technology and Design Education 23.2 (2013): 409-423. Print.
Paterson, Jeannie Marie. “Developments in consumer protection law in Australia.” Legaldate 25.2 (2013): 2. Print.
Taylor, Des, and Noeleen McNamara. “The Australian consumer law after the first three years-is it a success?” Curtin Law and Taxation Review 1.1 (2014): 96-132. Print.