In recent years, with an especially prominent surge during and following the pandemic, the internet has become an increasingly popular platform for businesses to sell their goods and services. With this rise in e-commerce, it has become even more important for businesses to have terms and conditions in place when selling online.
While they may seem like a tedious legal requirement, they serve an important purpose in protecting both you and your customers:
- They establish the terms of the sale.
T&Cs outline the terms of the sale, including the price, payment terms, delivery details, and any warranties or guarantees that may apply. By setting out these terms in advance, both the buyer and the seller know exactly what is expected of them, which can help prevent disputes and misunderstandings, including protecting yourself from any costly legal issues in the future.
- They protect your business.
T&Cs can protect your business from legal and financial risks by outlining your rights and responsibilities as a seller. They can also include provisions that limit your liability, such as disclaimers of warranties or limitations on damages, to protect yourself against unexpected pay-outs.
- They provide transparency.
Having clear T&Cs can help build trust with your customers by providing transparency about how your business operates. It shows that you take your responsibilities seriously and are committed to providing a fair and honest service.
- They comply with legal requirements.
In the UK and other jurisdictions, there are legal requirements for businesses selling goods and services online. These requirements include providing certain information to customers, such as your business details, refund and return policies, and privacy policy.
- They help you enforce your rights.
T&Cs can help you enforce your rights as a seller, such as the right to payment for goods or services provided. If a dispute arises, you can refer to the terms and conditions to help resolve the issue – they essentially work as a handy readymade rulebook to refer to in the event of a customer complaint or issue.
In short, having terms and conditions in place when selling goods and services online is essential for protecting both your business and your customers. By taking the time to create clear and comprehensive T&Cs, you can help ensure the success and longevity of your online business.
T&Cs should be tailored to you and your business and accurately reflect what you are doing day-to-day. Our specialist solicitors at Briffa can help produce bespoke terms and conditions for you to use going forward to ensure that your business activities are properly protected.
We would be happy to offer you an initial free consultation to discuss what works best for you and your business – contact us at info@briffa.com or on 020 7288 6003 to speak with one of our solicitors.
