Consumer and trader disputes involve disputes, arising out of a contract between a consumer and a trader (which may be a person or a company) or between two traders, for the supply of goods and/or services up to and including $25,000.

(This amount is prescribed in Schedule 3 of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009).

Below you can learn about when you can and cannot make a consumer and trader dispute application, how QCAT will decide a consumer and trader disputes and steps you need to consider if you are named as the respondent.


What do you need to know about Consumer and Trader Disputes?

Who is a consumer?

A consumer is a person who purchases good and services for their own use.

Goods include food, clothes, appliances and furniture.

Services include car maintenance, meals served in restaurants, or haircuts provided by a hairdresser.


Who is a trader?

A trader is a person who runs a trade or commerce business supplying goods or services to consumers.

A person supplying good and services outside of trade or commerce is not considered to be a trader.

For example, lawyers, doctors, dentists, valuers, podiatrists and town planning consultants are not considered traders.


What is a contract?

A contract is an agreement reached between two or more people. It can be made either in writing or verbally. When you offer to buy something from a trader and they accept your offer you have formed a legally binding contract.

If you are unsure about any of the above descriptions, you should seek independent legal advice about how to proceed.

How do I make an application about a consumer and trader dispute?

To make an application, please select your case type from the list below: