E-Commerce
Trading
E-Commerce
The rapid increase in the global use of internet technology, including e-mail and the world wide web, now means that e-commerce is a very common way to do business. The most noticeable advantage is that transactions with consumers can be carried out at a distance, all across the world. Further advantages of trading this way are the speed at which business can be conducted and the ability for traders and consumers alike to enter into transactions twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
E-commerce is a heavily regulated method of trading, with regulation being introduced at both UK and European levels in order to protect the consumer. Areas which need particular care are advertising, the formation of contracts to ensure that they are legally binding, and data protection.
Traders must comply with the E-Commerce Regulations which came into force in 2002. These regulations govern the formation of the contract, the information that traders must make available on-line to consumers when advertising their goods or services. They also concern the liability of internet providers who merely pass on information to third parties and are not a party to the transaction themselves.
Further regulations have been introduced which govern contracts formed over the internet. Traders must ensure that they provide consumers with specific information regarding their name and address, the price and description of the goods or services for sale, arrangements for delivery, and the right of a consumer to withdraw from a contract within a set period.
The Data Protection Act must be complied with to ensure that any information of a personal nature which is obtained, whether in an electronic or another form, is obtained purely for a lawful purposes and is processed fairly.
If you are interested in establishing your own trading organisation and propose to sell your goods or services on-line, Borneos can help you to avoid the common pitfalls associated with e-commerce.
If you would like to discuss how we might help you, please:
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call any of our office numbers listed at the bottom of this page;
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contact one of our specialists direct by clicking on their name below; or
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complete our enquiry form
Members of our team specialising in this area:
