A price list is a formal document issued by a business that sets out the prices at which it offers its goods or services to customers. In Australia, price lists are used by retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, and service providers to communicate pricing to customers, account holders, and trade buyers. A well-constructed price list does more than just list prices — it also sets out the GST treatment of each item, bulk discount tiers, minimum order requirements, payment terms, delivery charges, and the conditions under which prices may change.

Under Australian law, price lists must comply with several key legal requirements. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL), Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct (section 18) and false or misleading representations about price (sections 29 and 30). Price advertising and consumer-facing price lists must display prices inclusive of GST where GST applies. A business that advertises a price but then charges more may face ACCC enforcement action and substantial penalties.

The A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) requires GST-registered businesses to show GST-inclusive prices in consumer-facing advertising and price lists. For B2B price lists directed at other GST-registered businesses, it is acceptable to display prices excluding GST, provided this is clearly stated. Where a tax invoice is issued, the GST must be separately identified.

A price list also plays an important commercial role in establishing the terms on which a supplier is willing to sell. By specifying the conditions of the price list — including that prices are subject to change with notice, that prices apply only to standard products, and that minimum order values apply — the supplier defines the legal basis on which any contract formed by reference to the price list will operate.

This template is designed for Australian businesses across all industries and includes all the elements needed for a professional, legally compliant, and commercially effective price list.

A formal price list is appropriate whenever your business offers goods or services at standardised prices and you want customers, sales representatives, and account managers to have a clear, authoritative reference for pricing. A price list is particularly important in the following circumstances.

Wholesale and distribution: Businesses supplying to retailers or other trade buyers use formal price lists to set out trade pricing, minimum order quantities, and bulk discount tiers. A documented price list protects you from disputes about what price was agreed.

Retail and e-commerce: Retailers with an extensive product catalogue use price lists to manage pricing internally and to communicate pricing to suppliers, buying groups, and franchise operators. A dated price list with version numbers enables you to prove what price was on your list at any given time — important if a customer disputes a charge.

Professional services: Consultants, designers, accountants, marketing agencies, and other service providers use service price lists or fee schedules to inform prospective clients of their standard hourly or project-based rates before providing a formal quotation.

Annual price reviews: If your business conducts annual price reviews, issuing a formal updated price list with an effective date and notice period demonstrates transparency and gives customers the chance to place orders at current prices before increases take effect.

New markets: When entering a new market — whether a new geographic region, a new customer segment, or a new product line — a formal price list presents your offering professionally and ensures your sales team is quoting consistently.

A professional Australian price list should contain the following key elements to be legally compliant and commercially effective.

Business identification and ABN: The price list should clearly identify the issuing business, including its full registered name, ABN, and contact details. The ABN is required on tax invoices and its inclusion on a price list signals that the business is GST-registered and operating legitimately.

Effective date and version number: A price list should bear an effective date — the date from which prices apply — and a version number. This allows disputes about 'which price list was in force' to be resolved quickly by reference to the document. When prices change, issue a new version with a new effective date.

GST treatment statement: The price list must clearly state whether prices are GST-inclusive or GST-exclusive (or whether certain items are GST-free). For consumer-facing price lists, prices should be GST-inclusive. For B2B price lists, GST-exclusive pricing with a statement that 'GST will be added at invoicing' is common commercial practice.

Itemised products and services with prices: The core of any price list is the itemised list of products or services with their prices. Items should be grouped into logical categories with clear descriptions. Unit pricing (per item, per metre, per hour) should be specified.

Bulk discount tiers: If you offer volume-based pricing, the discount tiers, thresholds, and calculation method should be clearly set out. This prevents disputes about what discount applies and ensures consistent pricing across your sales team.

Payment terms and ordering process: Customers need to know how to place an order, when payment is due, and what payment methods are accepted. Clear payment terms reduce debtor days and disputes.

Returns policy and ACL notice: Your price list should summarise your returns policy and include an Australian Consumer Law notice confirming that customers have statutory guarantee rights that cannot be excluded. This is both good practice and a legal requirement.