Gary Bourne’s Megasave Couriers admits to breaching Australian Consumer Law

Gary Bourne’s fledgling courier company Megasave guaranteed would-be franchisees that for an outlay of $27,500 they would earn $91,000 a year. But the promise wasn’t met.

NSW man Gary Bourne’s fledgling courier company Megasave guaranteed would-be franchisees that for an initial outlay of $27,500 they would earn $91,000 a year.

But the promise wasn’t met and now a court has declared Mr Bourne was “knowingly concerned” in Megasave’s misleading or deceptive conduct.

Megasave sold 52 franchises between September 2019 and July last year, reaping more than $1.25 million.

Many buyers who did not get what they were promised soon complained to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which then filed proceedings against Megasave and its sole director Mr Bourne.

The proceedings included seeking orders compelling Mr Bourne, of Gosford, to disclose any payments made by him or Megasave since April 2019 to Mariz Bourne in the Philippines. She is believed to be his wife.

Gary Bourne.

Mariz Bourne.

ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said franchisees bought into Megasave believing their purchase would provide a secure future income.

“Many of the affected franchisees experienced significant financial hardship and emotional distress due to Megasave’s failure to make the guaranteed payments that it promised,” Mr Keogh said.

Megasave and Mr Bourne admitted breaching Australian Consumer Law.

He consented to an order banning him from managing a corporation for five years.

The franchisees have not been fully refunded.

A hearing to set compensation and a penalty will be held on April 29.

The Daily Telegraph sought comment from Mr Bourne.

“I am not allowed to,” he said.

Megasave Couriers director Gary Bourne.