Web Designer in Hastings

Advice: Online Retailers


Requirements for online sellers

The main requirements when using a website to sell products or services online are listed below:

Physical name and address

A PO Box is okay for post only, not Ts & Cs. You cannot conclude a contract with a PO Box number. In the case of companies the registered office address, any trading name if different, company number and VAT number if applicable.

Physical Location of Business

Phone number

Even if it only goes to answering service for you to pick up later. If this is anything other than a local phone number charge the cost of calling the number must be made clear.

Phone number

Cookie Policy

On your home page you should say whether or not you use ‘cookies’ and have a link to your cookie policy. The policy must say that continued use of the site confirms the visitor’s acceptance of that policy.

Cookie Policy

Credit card security

You should say how online credit card payments are secured e.g. by a third party or SSL/128 bit encryption.

Credit Card Security

14 days returns

From 13 June 2014, UK law requires that you allow a 14-day ‘cooling off’ period, from the date of the consumer receiving the goods, for returns based on change of mind. Your Ts & Cs should reflect this.

Returns Policy

No re-stocking charges

You should NOT try to impose a ‘re-stocking charge’ for returned goods based on change of mind. This is illegal. But you do have the right to ask that the consumer takes ‘reasonable care’ of the goods and packaging prior to any return.

Re-stocking charge

Goods can be tested

You should NOT aim to prevent use of the goods for test purposes. The consumer has the right to assemble and put power on if needed.

Product testing