Contract Law Details
Distance Selling Regulations (DSRs) are a form of contract law covering many aspects of creating or representing a contract for goods or service provision electronically. The e-commerce law regulations are in place to ensure that consumers are protected during e-commerce business transactions.
DSRs mandate that certain information must be supplied to consumers before the conclusion of a contract or with sufficient time for the consumer to take actions regarding the contract. This information required by e-commerce law includes:
- your business name and, if payment is required in advance, your postal address;
- a description of the goods or services;
- the price including all taxes;
- delivery costs where they apply;
- arrangements for payment;
- arrangements and date for delivery of goods or performance of services;
- the right to cancel the order;
- how long the offer or the price remains valid;
- the cost of any premium rate telephone, fax or internet charges;
- whether substitute goods will be supplied if the order is out of stock or unavailable;
- if substitute goods will be supplied, in the event of cancellation, you must inform the consumer of the cost of returning any substitute goods;
- the minimum duration for any long-term contract (eg mobile phones).
When an order for goods or service has been made, as part of contract law you must provide the consumer written confirmation of the previous information. This can be sent via email, letter or fax. According to the e-commerce law regulations, your confirmation should also include:
- when and how the consumer can exercise the right to cancel;
- details of whether the consumer is required to return the goods;
- information as to whether you or the consumer would be responsible for the costs of returning or recovering the goods;
- a geographical address where the consumer can contact you;
- details of any after-sales services and guarantees.
This information must be delivered to the consumer by the time goods are delivered or during the performance of a service contract. As part of the Stay Legal Seal service, we can help you draft the information required for compliance to the e-commerce law requirements.
