Friends With Money #248: Kmart chaos and third-party sellers
Hosted By
Guests
Published
Share
In this Friends With Money podcast episode, Money magazine managing editor Vanessa Walker speaks with journalist Ryan Johnson about the rise of third-party marketplaces and why Australians are often confused when trusted retailers like Woolworths, Big W, Bunnings, Kmart and others sell items supplied by third-party sellers.
They discuss how widespread online shopping is in Australia, how marketplaces benefit retailers through rapid range expansion without holding inventory, and what consumers gain - and risk - through wider product choice.
Ryan shares an example of a Big W marketplace return dispute and outlines common issues such as inconsistent delivery, extra fees, and return complications, plus concerns about lower-quality or unsafe products.
They also explain that Australian Consumer Law guarantees still apply, but shoppers should check who the seller is and escalate unresolved disputes to fair trading agencies or the ACCC.
Episode timestamps
01:20 How many Australians shop online
02:01 Why shoppers get confused
04:34 Why retailers love it
05:31 Consumer upsides and tradeoffs
06:17 Hidden traps and returns
08:01 Safety and trust risks
09:00 Your rights under Australian Consumer Law
10:04 How to protect yourself
Subscribe to Friends With Money
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts
Friends With Money podcast FAQ
What is the Friends With Money podcast?
Friends With Money is a weekly personal finance podcast by Money magazine, offering expert insights on investing, budgeting, superannuation, property, and other money strategies for everyday Australians.
Where can I listen to the podcast?
You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube (with closed captions available).
Who hosts Friends With Money?
Episodes are hosted by Vanessa Walker and Tom Watson from Money magazine, featuring expert guests and real conversations about money.
Is the podcast suitable for beginners?
Yes! It's designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering valuable insights for seasoned investors.
What topics does the podcast cover?
The Friends With Money podcast covers topics including banking, property, budgeting, superannuation, investing, saving, insurance, employment, travel and more.
How often are new episodes released?
New episodes are released weekly, so you can stay up to date with the latest financial tips and trends.
Can I watch episodes with captions?
Yes, full episodes with closed captions are available on YouTube.
Why subscribe to the Friends With Money podcast?
Boost your financial literacy anytime, anywhere with the Friends With Money podcast from Money magazine. Whether you're commuting, working out, or relaxing at home, this weekly podcast makes it easy to grow your money knowledge on the go.
Each episode dives into real conversations about money - how it's earned, shared, saved, and grown - with tips and insights that make finance simple and relatable. Perfect for beginners and seasoned investors alike, it's your go-to guide for building better financial habits.
Get stories like this in our newsletters.
