Setting up a business

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK

My son is in the process of setting up an online business.

He needs terms and conditions as he is selling goods.

Anyone know how to actually make terms and conditions up or where to go for them. Does he need a solicitor?

I apologise for this being such a stupid question

Mahmood_Reza

A couple of options to initially consider. Look at a number of other websites, you will see a pattern of "standard" terms & conditions (T&C) and this will give you an idea of what to include; there are companies that offer to provide standardised T&C - google search. In addition he needs to check with the Data Protection Registrar (personal details will be held).
If you don't know the answer to a question it cannot be a stupid question

PlutoinCapricorn

Looking at the best websites for similar businesses is a very good suggestion.

https://www.businesslink.gov.uk is very helpful: you get a lot of free advice, information and workshops.

It is always a good idea to do a lot of research to be sure that you know what setting up a business actually involves and what the many aspects are.

Many people start by selling on eBay - has he considered this?

Premier_2

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK wrote: »

...Anyone know how to actually make terms and conditions up or where to go for them. Does he need a solicitor?...

Ideally yes!

He may one day be relying on those very terms & conditions to get paid and or not becoming liable to pay refunds/compensation, so best to get them done properly.

paulwf

You can get templates from other websites but it is worth reading up on Distance Selling Regulations and writing at least some of it yourself. This is because having written T's & C's is one thing, understanding them properly and implementing them is another. That's why I'm against pure copy and paste jobs.

As to whether you need a solicitor depends on what you are selling. If you are selling lots of expensive items get yourself covered. If it is a low volume of cheap items then it'll be more cost effective to write off a couple of items than pay a solicitor.

I've not had a problem doing T's and C's myself. However, what really helps is giving good customer service, and this partly depends on having a realistic profit margin and allowing for a few returns. If you cut your margins to the bone and can't afford to be flexible with customers that is when problems arise and you get wrapped up in the legals.

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK

Firstly thank you for the advice, all taken on board.

Hope it's ok I have another question?

I take it the consumer act standard terms and conditions have to also be included?

and

Seeing as this is an online business for selling goods a privacy policy will be needed, Is there a standard one for this or does it have to written in legal terms.

and Lastly

Is it necessary to have the legal bit that states the business as in (name), you as being the customer, us as being (name) etc?

Premier_2

A solicitor employed to draw up the terms should be able to fully answer these questions, and ensure the terms are legally binding to the fullest extent.

Any statutory terms do not usually need to be included - they will apply anyway!

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK

Thaks for your reply its really appreciated.

I am actually trying to do this withought the added cost of a solicitor if this helps the thread

Savvy_Sue

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK wrote: »

I am actually trying to do this withought the added cost of a solicitor if this helps the thread

Only insofar as it enables us to say "Use a solicitor".

You should not regret the cost of doing so when something goes wrong and you have reliable T&C. You WILL bitterly regret the cost of NOT doing so when something goes wrong and you find you do NOT have reliable T&C.

You asked in your first post if your son needed a solicitor. He does if he wants his T&C to be right for his business. He cannot get adequate, reliable advice from an online forum.

supermonkey

Does it not all depend on what you are doing? I have always written my own t & c and not had a problem.