 The BBC revealed today that 40% Dorset firms' Web sites are in breach of distance selling regulations (click here to download an official guide) and e-commerce regulations (click here to download an official guide) as published by the government.
Intergage advises all its clients to download the appropriate guides (see above) and to familiarise themselves with the key points.
The distance selling regulations (DSRs) apply to your business if you sell goods or services without face-to-face contact with your consumer in any way - not just Web sales but also if you sell via text messaging, phone calls, faxing, interactive TV, or mail order.
Distance Selling & e-Commerce Guidelines
Distance Selling Regulations give protection to consumers who shop by phone, mail order, via the Internet or digital TV: The protection includes:
- The right to receive clear information about goods and services before deciding to buy;
- Confirmation of this information in writing;
- A cooling off period of seven working days in which the consumer can withdraw from the contract;
- Protection from credit card fraud.
For the web site owner, your focus must be to ensure that you provide clear and comprehensive information about
- your business
- the goods or services you are selling
- your payment arrangements
- your delivery arrangements
- consumers' right to cancel their orders where appropriate
- terms and conditions of business
- guarantees and warranties
So, if in doubt, download the guides now! | 
