Setting up an online retail business. Where should I start?

Answer:

To set up an online retail business you’ll need three key legal documents; 1) business terms and conditions, 2) website terms of use and a 3) privacy policy. More complex businesses may need more complex terms and conditions (for instance seller terms and buyer terms for online marketplaces).

An online business’s terms and conditions apply to every customer that uses the site. These set out the terms under which you sell products or services to customers.

Your online business also needs website terms of use. Website terms of use also apply to every visitor to your website. These set out the terms under which you allow visitors and users to access your website, including protection of your intellectual property.

If you collect customers’ personal information and use it for direct marketing purposes or to provide to third parties, then you will need a website privacy policy. Your website privacy policy should set out how you capture, store, use and manage a customer’s private information.

These are the minimum requirement for getting started with your online retail business from a legal perspective.

Answered by Priscilla Ng

Priscilla is a lawyer. She practises in the areas of business and commercial law, intellectual property and employment law. In her past work experience, she practised in property law, family law, wills and estates, and civil litigation.

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