5 tips for Australian's to consider before buying lighting from an online marketplace!

There are many faceless online brands selling lighting to Australian's, many selling and shipping direct from chinese factories direct to Australian and New Zealand buyers. 

Some of these suppliers might even be okay, and some may even have compliant and have tested lighting for Australia/NZ electricial standards. But most will not achieve these high benchmarks, as they focus on seller to large EU, USA and middle east markets.

You need only read this recent 2026 publication from the Australian Lighting Council which found that 73% of the 131 products they tested purchased from online marketplaces were found to be non-compliant with Australian standards. See: Lighting Council of Australia Report.

So, like always when you shop online, stop and pause before buying. Next time you are shopping on a large platform, perhaps selling a brand you've not heard of, and/or a product which is perhaps cheaper than all comparable products available - perhaps there is a reason the product is so cheap?


 

5 tips for Australian's to consider before buying lighting from an online marketplace!

  1. Where will the product be coming from?
  2. What happens if you get the product home and you're not happy with it?
  3. What materials is this product made from and will these materials withstand Aussie conditions? 
  4. Is the product actually compliant for use in Australia?
  5. Is there a local Customer Service phone number in Australia I can call if I encounter any problems?

Next time you are shopping for wall and pendant lighting, take an extra few minutes to research the brand and product you are considering. 

 

 

Did you know?

SMITH&SMITH create many styles which are also offered in a similar specification to discounted sellers like Observatory Lighting, Alibaba, Ebay, Temple & Webster, Amazon etc. 

Unlike most lighting stores, SMITH&SMITH offer products which are made-to-order, from brass and genuine materials, not cheap iron or aluminium. We produce styles which can often styles made for you in various brass finish colours, including satin brass, brushed brass, antique brass, brown brass, brushed nickel or Bronze.

Email us any style you may want and we will tell you immediately if we can assist with a quality solution, what finishes are available, and what the price and lead time will be. 

SMITH&SMITH won't let you down!

Awarded 5 stars by Customers, 8 years in a row!


 

Disclaimer: All effort has been take to ensure accurate contents. No responsibility or liability is accepted for errors or omissions. More info: smithandsmithlighting.com.au/terms