A law passed in 2022 is about to bring big changes in 2025. The Privacy Act amendments introduce tougher rules on how businesses collect and handle customer data. What used to be a concern mainly for large corporations is now something every furniture business, big or small, needs to take seriously.
What’s Changing?
Furniture retailers handle a lot of personal information, from delivery addresses to financing applications and warranty registrations. With stricter privacy laws now in place, even adding a simple “We will never share your information” disclaimer to a contact form is a step in the right direction. However, compliance goes beyond that.
Businesses must now:
Get clear consent—pre-ticked boxes or vague agreements are no longer allowed.
Strengthen security—data breaches must be reported to regulators and affected customers.
Limit data collection and storage—only collect what’s necessary and securely delete old information.
Previously, small businesses earning under 3 million per year were exempt from the Privacy Act. This exemption is expected to be removed, meaning even independent furniture stores will need to comply with these stricter regulations.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Failing to meet these new rules comes with serious penalties. Fines can go up to 50 million. If a business misuses customer data to make money, the penalty could be up to three times what they earned from the breach. Alternatively, fines can reach 30% of annual revenue, whichever amount is higher. This is a major jump from the previous 2.2 million cap.
For furniture businesses, the risks extend beyond fines. A simple mistake, such as leaving customer financing records unsecured or failing to notify customers of a data breach could lead to lawsuits, bad press, and a loss of trust. Customers expect their personal information to be handled with care, and a privacy breach could send them straight to a competitor.
What Needs to Change?
To comply with the new rules, furniture businesses should update their processes in key areas:
Point-of-sale systems: Customer data must be encrypted and only accessible to authorised staff.
Customer databases: Review stored data and remove anything no longer needed.
Marketing tools: Ensure customers can easily opt in and out of marketing emails and messages.
Staff training: Employees must understand their responsibilities when handling customer data.
Privacy policies: Websites, warranty registrations, and in-store transactions should clearly explain how customer data is collected and used.
The Future of Privacy in the Furniture Industry
Privacy compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s about customer confidence. People are more aware than ever of how their data is used, and businesses that take privacy seriously will stand out. Furniture stores that clearly communicate their privacy policies and invest in security measures will build stronger relationships with customers.
On the other hand, businesses that ignore these changes could face not only legal trouble but also a loss of customer loyalty. In an industry where trust and referrals drive sales, protecting customer data is just as important as offering quality furniture.
Final Thoughts
These privacy law changes represent a shift in how the furniture industry handles customer data. But they’re also an opportunity. Businesses that take action now won’t just avoid legal trouble they’ll build a reputation as trustworthy brands. Taking privacy seriously means staying ahead of the curve and ensuring customers feel safe when they shop, whether online or in store.
If in doubt or for any other commercial law enquiries contact AFA Partners, Lazarus Legal who have significant expertise across an extensive range of services on a national and international scale. HERE