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ACL quote & independent logbook

Australian Consumer Law explainers for the front desk: ask for a written quote, approve extras before you do them, invoice the breakdown. AAAA and ACCC both state that independent logbook servicing does not void a manufacturer warranty by itself.

  1. Step 1

    Write the estimate before the work

    Wherever possible give a written quote or estimate that names the job, parts, labour, and GST. Customers can ask for this — treat it as the default, not a favour.

  2. Step 2

    Approve extras before you do them

    If the job grows (seized bolt, extra pad, second caliper), stop and get a yes on the extra lines. A portal approval or signed variation beats a surprise invoice.

  3. Step 3

    Invoice the breakdown

    The finished invoice should still split parts, labour, GST, and any statutory fees. “Repair — $1,840” is how disputes start.

  4. Step 4

    Independent logbook does not void warranty by itself

    AAAA and ACCC both state that a vehicle owner is not required to use a franchised dealer to keep manufacturer warranty, provided the work meets the manufacturer’s specification and is recorded. Keep the stamp, the parts used, and the oil spec.

  5. Step 5

    Consumer guarantees still sit on top

    ACL consumer guarantees (acceptable quality, due care and skill, fit for purpose) apply to the repair itself. A warranty stamp is not a licence to skip them.

ACCC motor vehicle sales & repairs guide →AAAA — warranties and logbook servicing →MVIS — manufacturer information for independents →State inspection names (pink slip / RWC / safety cert) →

Theory

ACL is national. Motor-trader law is state. MVIS is information, not a scrape.

Australian Consumer Law covers acceptable quality, due care and skill, and fit for purpose on the repair itself. Write the estimate, approve extras, invoice the breakdown. NSW adds the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013 (repairer licence classes; dealer Form 5 if you also sell cars). VIC typically wants an RWC on transfer. QLD wants a Safety Certificate and, for dealer used sales, Form 3 damage disclosure. The Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS) requires manufacturers to offer independents the same service information they give affiliates. It does not authorise scraping an OEM EPC.

How to use it

Role
Advisor (P02) at ESTIMATE → APPROVE → INVOICE
Shop-day step
ESTIMATE → APPROVE → INVOICE
Do
Send a written estimate (portal is how extras get a yes), then a tax invoice that would survive an ATO glance.
Do not
Do not start extras on a verbal “just fix it.” Do not tell a customer a dealer logbook is legally mandatory.

Official sources

Related tools

Explainer, not legal advice. State motor-trader rules still apply on top of the ACL.

Put this next to the job card

Public tools stay free. The shop OS is the board, DVI, estimate, and GST invoice that use the same vehicle.