A popular electronic accessory can create a lot of support work when its compatibility is unclear. Treat the model number, included components and support arrangements as part of the product. Before comparing prices, establish exactly what a customer can connect it to and what happens when it does not work as expected.
What to check
- Confirm the exact model and revision. List supported devices, connectors, operating systems and power requirements. Test the combinations you plan to describe rather than relying on a broad 'universal' label.
- Check Australian safety and compliance requirements for the product type. Request relevant evidence for the actual model, including supplied chargers or batteries. Confirm the responsible supplier and check for applicable recalls.
- For connected products, investigate account requirements, subscriptions, app availability, permissions and the supplier's software-update policy. Explain any ongoing dependency before a customer makes a decision.
- Get a written process for faults, troubleshooting, repair and replacement. Ask who pays freight and how long assessment usually takes; distinguish the supplier's warranty process from your obligations to customers.
Keep instructions, sample results and supplier documents together, and recheck them when a model changes. If an essential answer is missing, leave the product off your shortlist until you can resolve it. Search interest is useful evidence of demand, but it does not establish compatibility, safety or a workable support process.
Start with ACCC Product Safety guidance for businesses for product safety rules, standards, bans and sourcing guidance. Check the requirements that apply to your specific product before offering it for sale.