Information required on UK ecommerce websites

If you run an e-commerce website, it is a criminal offence not to include the following information:

• A description of the different technical steps the customer must follow to conclude the contract.
• Confirmation of whether or not any contract will be filed by you and, if so, whether it will be accessible by the customer.
• A description of the technical means by which the customer can identify and correct input errors before he places an order.
• The language(s) offered for the conclusion of the online contract.
• If you subscribe to a code of conduct (such as the Direct Marketing Association code), the name of the code and how the customer can consult the code.
• A description of the main characteristics of the goods or services offered on your website.
• The price of the goods or services, including all taxes.
• The cost of delivery of the goods or services.
• Any arrangements applying to payment and delivery, or performance of the goods or services.
• A notice that the customer has the right to cancel the contract for any reason during the seven-days following the date of the contract.
• If customers are to use a premium rate telephone number, the cost of the call, which must be specified before any call charges are incurred.
• The period for which any special offer remains valid.
• The minimum duration of any permanent or recurrent contract.
• Where goods or services ordered are unavailable, whether you propose to provide substitute goods or services of equivalent quality and price.
• That the cost of returning any goods already delivered will be borne by the consumer (if you fail to specify this you will be liable for the cost).

To ensure that you include all of this information and the essential protections for your business, you would be wise to have a lawyer draw up e-commerce terms and conditions for you. It is a one off fee and it then protects you on every contract you make with your e-commerce customers. Lawyers4mumpreneurs can help you with this at affordable rates. Please contact Suzanne Dibble at support@lawyers4mumpreneurs.com.

Lawyers4mumpreneurs is a new legal practice established to focus on mumpreneurs’ needs. We cover the full range of business law services and have over 12 years’ experience at the highest level in providing such services. Our aim is to provide mumpreneurs with a top quality, approachable and flexible service that most importantly is affordable. See details of our experience, clients and testimonials at www.lawyers4mumpreneurs.com.