Reviewed and revised — 12 September 2026. This article has been updated to correct unsupported claims and reflect the current enquiry-based offer. Its original publication date and URL are retained.
Lay-by changes when an item is available and when the full payment is received. For consigned goods, the store also needs to explain that timing to the owner.
Establish the agreement
The ACCC requires a written lay-by agreement with clear terms. A consumer can cancel before receiving the goods; any termination fee must meet the applicable rules and cannot exceed reasonable costs. Business cancellation is limited to specified circumstances. Check the ACCC payment-method guidance when drafting terms.
Do not treat a missed instalment as automatic permission to keep every payment. Record the agreement and obtain advice on the terms used by your business.
Reserve the correct stock
Link the agreement to the item ID and quantity. Decide how staff will prevent another channel from selling the held item. Confirm removal or reservation results rather than assuming a central status updates every marketplace.
Track payments separately
Keep each instalment, due date, receipt and adjustment. Show the amount received and outstanding clearly. A promised payment and a verified payment are different states.
Explain consignor settlement
The consignment agreement should establish when the owner becomes entitled to payment and how cancellation affects the item and balance. Preserve any notification or approval history without assuming an automated message was delivered.
Evaluate your own outcomes
Track completed agreements, cancellations, administration time and retained proceeds. A higher order value does not establish higher profit. This article withdraws the earlier general revenue benefit and automatic workflow claims; confirm any TurnGoods functionality before relying on it.
Enquire about a TurnGoods listing review . We will confirm the scope and current availability before any work is agreed.