Mistakes of online stores: how to avoid legal problems

The mistakes you may have made can be costly. After reading this article, you will no longer be able to shrug off your legal responsibilities. What's happened? How to avoid unpleasant consequences? I will tell you about 8 main legal mistakes that can occur in the operation of online stores. Open your eyes to the facts so you don't break the law and pay an exorbitant price for your carelessness.

Glossary

• Online Store: An electronic platform that allows users to purchase goods and services online.

• Privacy Policy: A document that defines what information is collected and stored in the Online Store, and how it is used and protected.

• Product information: Complete, accurate and understandable information about the characteristics of the product, its price, payment methods and delivery.

• Intellectual property rights: Rights to intellectual property objects created or acquired by the online store, such as product mark, logo, design and content copyright.

• Information about the advertiser: Clear and reliable information about the company that advertises goods and services in the online store .

• Electronic messages: Exchange of information between the online store and suppliers, carried out via email or instant messengers.

• Other people's photos: Photos belonging to other people or companies, the use of which without the consent of the copyright holder may lead to infringement copyright.

• Delivery features: Conditions, terms and cost of delivery of goods from the online store to the buyer.

• Lawyer: A legal specialist who helps ensure the legality and protection of the interests of the online store, as well as provides advice on legal issues.

This glossary provides definitions of key terms used in the article on online shopping legal errors. It will help you better understand and absorb the information presented in the article, ensuring that the text is clear and accessible.

Mistake #1: Lack of privacy policy on the online store website

When I owned my first online store , I made one of the main legal mistakes that many newbies to e-commerce make. I have not published a privacy policy on my website. Initially, it seemed to me that this was not so important, because I did not have a large number of users and I did not process their personal data. However, I later realized that this was a serious violation of the law and could lead to trouble.

The Personal Data Law clearly sets out the requirements that online store owners must comply with. It requires processors of personal data to take all necessary measures to protect data. One of these measures is the publication of a privacy policy on the website, which should clearly indicate the purposes for collecting data, methods of processing and protecting it, as well as the procedure for transferring data to third parties.

In addition, the law itself establishes a requirement that personal data processors assess potential security threats and take appropriate measures to prevent them. Such measures include the use of secure data transfer protocols, encryption of information and regular security updates.

Correctly drafting a privacy policy is not only a legal requirement, but also a sign of respect for your customers. They trust you with their personal information, and they need to trust that you will handle this information with due care and responsibility.

I have tried to make the privacy policy on my website simple and understandable for my customers. I have indicated that I only collect information necessary to process orders and communicate with customers. I also emphasized that I do not share this data with third parties and do not use it for commercial purposes. My privacy policy was available on every page of the site, and I provided customers with the opportunity to review it before placing an order.

After some time, I noticed an interesting effect: the level of customer trust in my store increased significantly. Many of them have left positive feedback saying they feel confident ordering from me and providing their details. My sales also increased as customers preferred to shop from a reliable and transparent seller.

My recommendation to all online store owners: don't make the same mistake I did. Publish a privacy policy on your website that meets the requirements of the personal data law. Make it accessible and understandable to your customers. This will help you avoid legal problems in the future and build trust with your customers.

📊 Overview table

👉 Note: It is important to understand that the privacy policy is an integral part of the operation of an online store. It protects the interests of your business and creates trust among customers. Don't put it on the backburner, implement it on your site as soon as possible.

Error No. 2: Incomplete information about a product, service, product

The main mistake, The problem that online stores face is the provision of incomplete information about their products or services. Buyers cannot visually evaluate a product before purchasing it, so it is important for them to receive the most complete and reliable information about the product they are planning to buy.

Many sellers make the mistake of simply listing the main characteristics of a product without a detailed description. It is important to understand that the more detailed the products are, the more likely they are to sell. A complete set of information is required to comply with the Consumer Protection Law, as well as to establish trusting relationships with customers.

As an online store owner, I have always believed that providing complete information is an important element of my business. I went by the principle that it's better to be on the safe side and provide more information than just a couple of lines of description. Thanks to this, my clients are always satisfied with their purchases and often return to us again.

One of the key aspects in providing complete information in an online store is a detailed description of the product and its main characteristics. Buyers want to know what they're getting for their money, so pay attention to every aspect of the product. Tell us about its functionality, the materials from which it is made, sizes, colors and other parameters that may be important to the consumer.

The next important aspect is the publication of complete instructions for using the product. Regardless of whether your store sells electronics, household appliances or cosmetics, the buyer must know how to properly use the purchased product. Develop clear and detailed instructions to help customers get the most out of the product.

Another mistake I want to highlight is providing incomplete seller information. The law requires online stores to provide seller contact information, including address, telephone, fax and email. Without this information, the buyer will not be able to contact the seller if there are questions or problems with the order. It is also important to indicate information about warranty service and possible repairs of the product.

Recommendations for online stores:

• Provide a complete description of the product with all its characteristics.
• Post detailed instructions for using the product.
• Provide valid seller contact information, including address, phone, fax and email.
• Describe the procedure for servicing and repairing the product if necessary.

Use these tips to gain customer trust and increase sales in your online store. Remember that providing complete information is the key to a successful business.

"Unfortunately, many online stores today do not pay enough attention to providing complete information about their products. I believe that attention to detail and detailed descriptions are what helps us stand out in the market. Providing complete information allows us to interest the client and convince him to make a purchase. I recommend that all online store owners pay special attention to this mistake and avoid it in their business." - my friend and successful online store owner Denis Sirotenko tells me.

Overview table:

Providing complete and accurate information is an important aspect of a successful online store. Pay attention to product descriptions, instructions for use, as well as seller information and terms of service. This is the only way you can build trusting relationships with customers and achieve success in your business.

Error No. 3: there are unprotected intellectual property rights

When I decided to open my own online store, I had to deal with various legal issues and complexities. One of the main mistakes I made at the beginning of my journey was not paying attention to protecting intellectual property rights.

Common situation: my friends and I are opening an online store together. But as soon as we started developing trading processes, disagreements and inconsistencies arose. Each of us wanted to take on most of the responsibility, and this led to conflicts. To avoid such situations and establish clear rules, it is worth settling in advance issues about the rights to the site, its name and the developed software. This way, turmoil and disputes can be avoided in the future.

Creating an online store is the result of our intellectual work. Sometimes it happens that a successful trading platform is faced with the appearance of a duplicate site with a similar name and design. If we do not take action when registering the site and the necessary rights, then we become powerless and cannot protect our rights. This could result in significant financial loss and damage to our business.

The issue of copyright for the design of your online store also plays a big role. If you liked the design of a functioning online store and decided to order a similar one, then it is worth remembering the concept of “derivative work” in the legal practice of copyright law. To use a design or content developed by someone else, you must obtain permission from the copyright holder.

Advice from IT lawyers to consider the following aspects when registering an online store:

• Check the patent database and make sure that trademarks with similar the name has not yet been registered.
• Secure a domain name and register it in your name. This way you will have legal rights to use this domain name.
• Never copy the content, design or name of other online stores without permission from the copyright holder.

It is important to pay attention to all these aspects to avoid legal problems and maintain your reputation in online business. Protection of intellectual property rights is an integral part of the successful operation of an online store.

An example of a real situation and its solution

I once noticed that my online store was faced with a duplicate site problem. It had a similar name, similar design and even offered a similar range of products. After learning this, I decided to take steps to protect my intellectual property rights.

First, I contacted a lawyer to understand the legal aspects of this situation and find out what actions I should take. The lawyer recommended that I go to court and file a lawsuit against the violator, demanding termination of use of such a duplicate site and compensation for the damage caused.

To confirm my rights and establish the fact of violation, I collected all the necessary evidence: screenshots of both sites, documents confirming the date of creation of my online store, as well as an expert opinion confirming the similarity of the sites.

The court considered my complaint and made a decision in my favor. The duplicate site was deemed to be a violation of my intellectual property rights and was discontinued. In addition, I was paid compensation for the damage caused.

The lesson I learned from this experience is the absolute need to protect intellectual property rights. This helps you maintain a competitive advantage and avoid losing customers due to duplicate sites or illegitimate use of your ideas and content.

Useful and not useful

What is useful to do:

• Protect intellectual property rights, including on the site name and design.
• Check the patent database and make sure that you are not infringing someone else's trademarks.
• Register a domain name in your name.
• If necessary, obtain permission from copyright holders to use their content or design.

What not to do:

• Copy content, design or name of other online stores without permission of the copyright holder.
• Violate the intellectual property rights of other companies.

Key conclusions

Protecting intellectual property rights is an essential part of operating an online store. Such protection helps you avoid legal problems, maintain a competitive advantage, and strengthen the reputation of your business.

I have learned from my own experience that online store owners should pay due attention to protecting intellectual property rights. By addressing all legal issues in advance and ensuring your rights are protected, you will prevent unpleasant situations and can focus on growing your online business.

Important to remember! Protection of intellectual property rights is an integral part of the successful operation of an online store. Do not forget to resolve issues regarding rights to the site, name and developed software. Take steps to protect your intellectual property rights to avoid confusion and disputes in the future.

Tip of the day! When developing an online store, pay attention to the originality of the design, licensing of the use of content and the correct name of the site. This has a significant impact on the development of your brand and the success of your business.

Mistake #4: Lack of information about the advertiser

When it comes to online stores , especially if they are intermediaries in the sale of goods and services, the lack of information about the advertiser can become a huge problem, both for the stores themselves and for their customers. If your online store operates as a platform for selling goods from other companies or individuals, you must comply with the Advertising Law and place full information about the advertiser on your website.

What does full advertiser information include? First of all, your website must indicate the full name of the organization, location and state registration number. If your online store belongs to an individual as an entrepreneur, you must indicate the first name, patronymic, last name and state number of registration of the individual as a sole proprietor (Individual - Entrepreneur).

And yet it should be noted that there are online stores that sell their goods and services themselves, without intermediaries. In this case, they are not subject to compliance with this law. However, even if it is not a requirement for your online store, providing complete advertiser information will make your business more transparent and reliable in the eyes of your customers.

Lack of advertiser information can cause doubts among visitors to your online store and lead to a loss of trust. Customers want to know who they are dealing with and whether they trust your company. Placing information about the advertiser allows you to provide customers with a complete picture of your business.

My methods and solutions

I am sure that the most correct approach is full compliance with the law and posting all the necessary information about advertisers on your site. Personally, I always adhere to this principle and strongly recommend that you do the same.

I believe that honesty and openness are the fundamental principles of any successful online store. Providing complete information about advertisers builds trust with clients and helps avoid legal problems in the future.

Remember that your customers expect transparency and reliability from your online store. Place all relevant advertiser information prominently on your site and make sure it is easily accessible to all visitors.

🔍 Benefits of providing complete information about the advertiser:

• Creates trust with clients
• Helps avoid legal problems
• Demonstrates openness and transparency of your business
• Improves the reputation of your online store

❌ Disadvantages of lack of information about the advertiser:

• Loss of trust from clients
• Increased risks of violation of legislation
• Possible sanctions from government authorities

💡 Expert advice: Consider your organization from the point of view client and ask yourself the question: “Will I trust and buy from an online store that does not provide complete information about the advertiser?” If you doubt that this is possible among your potential clients, then immediately ensure transparency and reliability of your business. - Elizaveta Levchenko, expert at Prom.

It is important to remember that each case has its own characteristics, and therefore the tips that I have given in this article , may not always be suitable for your specific business. Always consult legal experts and experts in the field for specific recommendations and advice.

📝 Bottom line: Placing complete information about advertisers on your website is the key to the transparency and reliability of your online store. Carefully review the requirements of the Advertising Law and make sure your business complies with them. Pay sufficient attention to this aspect and provide clients with all the necessary information about advertisers. This will help avoid legal problems and strengthen customer trust in your online store.

⚠️ Attention: Before making decisions in legal matters, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer or specialist in the field.

Mistake #5: Email signatures like enter into agreements with partners

In the midst of the digital era, we all tend to use electronic messages in everyday business dealings. Online stores are no exception. However, few people know that electronic communications without contractual agreements may be legally invalid. In this article, I will tell you the importance of negotiating contracts with suppliers via email and how to do it correctly.

As an experienced online store owner, I am convinced that email signatures are of utmost importance when negotiating deals with suppliers. While many online store owners resolve all issues via email or instant messengers, I recommend being especially attentive to the legal side of these transactions. According to the Electronic Signature Law, an electronic signature becomes an integral part of disputed documents and serves as important legal evidence.

When I first encountered the need to conclude contracts with suppliers in the form of electronic messages, I immediately decided to ensure the legal validity of such documents . To do this, I actively used an electronic signature, which is a legally recognized means of document management.

It is important to note that using an electronic signature helps to avoid possible disputes with suppliers. When an electronic signature is present in every message, it becomes a signal to potential partners that your online store takes its obligations seriously and is ready to comply with the law.

However, it should be remembered that simply including an electronic signature in a message will not guarantee its legal validity. To do this, you must first enter into a special agreement with each partner, which establishes the rules and conditions under which electronic communications are considered legal. This may be a contract based on an online store or a separate contractual agreement.

In my practice, I have found that suppliers are responsive to jointly entering into such agreements. Understanding the importance of an electronic signature and legal responsibility, they agree to this form of document flow.

Thus, using an electronic signature when communicating with partners via email or instant messengers is not only an effective way to conduct business, but also a legal mechanism to ensure legal transactions. This simplifies interaction with partners, reduces the risk of disputes and increases overall responsibility.

Let's summarize. Key points to consider when entering into contracts with suppliers via electronic messages:

• Include an electronic signature in every message to ensure the documents are legally binding.
• Have a specific agreement in advance with each partner that sets out the terms and conditions for legal electronic communications.
• Please refer to the Electronic Signature Law to stay up to date with requirements and regulations.

It is important to remember that when in doubt or in difficult situations, always contact experienced lawyers for consultations and advice. High-quality legal support will help you avoid legal problems and disputes, and will be the key to the success of your online store.

May your online store always operate in accordance with the law and develop successfully!

"Using an electronic signature when concluding agreements with partners is not only an effective way to conduct business, but also a legal mechanism for providing legal protection. Remember to enter into a special agreement with each partner and include an electronic signature in every message. This will help avoid disputes and reduce the risk of legal problems. Trust the experience and knowledge of experts in the field and turn to them for advice and recommendations." - Oksana Anichina, expert from Citrus.

Error No. 6: Using other people's photographs when describing products

Some online stores, trying to attract the attention of customers and sell more products, often resort to using photographs that are not theirs. However, few people think about the legal problems that can arise from this approach.

I personally encountered a similar situation in my work at online store. When we needed to use product photos, we did not pay enough attention to copyrights. For us, it was more important that the product had an attractive image than worrying about the legal side of the issue.

Once, when we were already using photos that we downloaded from the Internet, we were accused of copyright infringement. We received a statement of claim demanding compensation for damages to the authors of the photographs. This was a real blow to our reputation and the financial position of the company.

We immediately began researching the issue to find out how to avoid similar problems in the future. As a result, we came to an important conclusion: to describe products in an online store, you should always use only your own photographs or photographs with the permission of the author. This will help you avoid potential copyright issues and maintain your reputation.

In order to create a high-quality product portfolio, we engage our own photographer who has professional education and experience in this field. We enter into an agreement with him for the performance of photographic work, in which we clearly state that the photographs will be used exclusively for our online store. This step helps us protect our rights and avoid unnecessary complications.

If you do not have the opportunity to attract your own photographer to the company’s staff, then I recommend concluding an author’s contract with a freelance photographer. Such an agreement must provide for the details of your cooperation, including the use of photographs in the online store. Be sure to indicate that after the work is completed, copyright passes from the photographer to you.

Another important precaution is to place your logo and copyright on every photo you use on your site. This will help indicate that you are the copyright owner of the image and confirm that you are legal.

Don't forget that using other people's photos without proper permissions can lead to negative consequences for your business. Think carefully about the strategy for creating a product portfolio in your online store to avoid legal problems and maintain your reputation.

"Always use only your own photos or photos with the author's permission to avoid legal copyright issues and maintain your reputation." - Maria Dzyuba, legal consultant.

Mistake #7: Delivery, importance of providing information

Delivery of goods in online stores is an important component of the purchase. However, there are a number of mistakes that can affect the buyer's experience and even lead to legal problems. In this section, I will discuss the importance of providing complete shipping information and share my recommendations based on my own experience.

Sellers are required to provide buyers with one or more methods of delivery of goods. This can be your own courier service or partners such as UkrPoshta, Nova Poshta or DHL. The absence of such options is a violation of the law and can lead to a negative buyer experience.

When concluding an agreement or placing an order, it is necessary to provide customers with all information about delivery conditions. This includes delivery times, costs, tracking, and return policies. Lack of information can lead to misunderstandings or disputes with customers.

I can confidently say that for the successful execution of a sales contract it is necessary that the goods reach the buyer. Not only the dispatch of the paid order, but also its arrival at the client’s door should be taken into account when assessing the success of the transaction. Please remember that the customer has the right to return the product within seven days after receiving it. During this period, the customer can simply change his mind and return the goods, and according to the law this is completely legal.

Providing complete delivery information is not only an obligation to the buyer, but also a key to good customer relations. I am convinced that it is better to stay ahead of clients' expectations and provide them with complete information than to subsequently face various problems and controversial situations.

Important things to consider when providing delivery information:

• Delivery times. Provide realistic delivery times and warn of possible delays.
• Shipping costs. Be sure to include the shipping cost for the customer. If free shipping is available, be sure to mention it.
• Order tracking. If your customers have the ability to track their order, be sure to provide them with relevant information and links to tracking services.
• Return policy. Explain the process for returning an item and state the rules that must be followed to receive a refund.

Be prepared to offer customer support if questions or problems arise with delivery. Optimal delivery service is a key point of customer satisfaction and an important condition for the success of an online store.

It is important to note that these recommendations are based on my own experience and expertise in the field of online shopping. I believe that considering all aspects of shipping and providing complete information are important strategies for avoiding legal issues and creating a positive buyer experience.

"Providing complete shipping information is not only an obligation to the buyer, but also the key to good customer relations." - Herbert Hawkins, Apple expert.

To help you, I have prepared a summary table that will help you step by step to avoid legal problems in delivery products from your online store:

In conclusion, I hope this information helps you avoid legal problems and ensure a positive experience for your clients. From my personal experience, I am sure that providing complete information about delivery is the key to the trust and success of an online store.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact me. I will be happy to help with advice and support in improving delivery in your online store.

Mistake #8: Neglecting the services of a lawyer

When I started my online store, I thought I could do without the help of a lawyer. I was wrong. Although only a large store can afford an in-house lawyer, I have found that sound legal advice is essential for all players in the market. Dealing with legal issues on your own may do more harm than good.

One of the main advantages of working with a lawyer is his professionalism and competence. He will help you understand standard conflict situations and develop a procedure for dealing with them. The lawyer will also help you create legally competent order and return forms, as well as provide the necessary information for sections of our website.

It is important to note that for an online store it is important to cooperate with a lawyer who specializes specifically in the field of high technology. Such a lawyer has in-depth knowledge and experience in this field. He will help you make the necessary changes to the documents so that they work in your favor and not against you.

In addition, if a conflict arises with the return or repair of goods, a lawyer will be able to objectively assess the risks and determine whether this is truly a threat to your business or just a common case of consumer terrorism. His professional view of documents and circumstances will help you make an informed decision.

In the process of creating and developing my online store, I can say with such confidence that cooperation with a lawyer from the field of high technology is a necessity. I am convinced that the best strategy is to leave the important legal issues to the professionals.

Let me encourage you to consider the following aspects of working with a lawyer:

1. Determine your needs: Consider what situations you may need legal help. You shouldn’t wait until problems arise; it’s better to anticipate possible risks in advance and develop effective strategies.

2. Search for a qualified lawyer: Contact technology law firms to find an experienced lawyer. Use recommendations from colleagues and trust your intuitive impression.

3. Discuss the details of cooperation: Before starting work, clarify the cost of services, deadlines for completing tasks and the responsibilities of each party. Make sure you understand each other and are ready for long-term cooperation.

4. Cooperate on an ongoing basis: The online store is constantly developing and changing, so it is important to have a permanent lawyer who can monitor changes in legislation and ensure your protection.

Summary

Neglecting the services of a lawyer can be costly for an online store. Working with a qualified technology lawyer can help you avoid legal pitfalls and respond to potential problems in a timely manner. I strongly recommend that all online store owners pay attention to this aspect and find their own lawyer-partner.

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that competent legal support is important for the successful operation of an online store. Don't rely on luck, but find an experienced and qualified lawyer who will help you avoid legal mistakes and ensure the protection of your business.

"A smart person learns from the mistakes of others, a stupid person learns from his own." - Oscar Wilde

Lidl expertise

Description of the client, his business and goals

The Lidl company is one of the leading online stores specializing in the sale of food, household goods and everyday goods. The company occupies a leading position in the market, offering a wide range of quality products at competitive prices.

The main goal of Lidl is to strengthen its presence in the online trading market, provide the highest level of service to its customers and comply with all legal norms and business rules.

Problem Statement

The main problem faced by Lidl was identifying and correcting possible legal errors in their online store. Mistakes could lead to violations of the law and negative consequences, including fines, damaged reputation and loss of customer trust.

Characteristics and interests of the target audience

The target audience of Lidl includes a wide range of consumers, covering various age groups and social categories. The main interests of potential customers are quality products at affordable prices, the convenience of online shopping and a guarantee of data security and confidentiality.

Key points that may be of interest to potential clients

• Privacy Policy: Lidl has actively worked to protect the privacy of customer data by developing and publishing a privacy policy on its website (🔒).
• Full product information: Lidl strives to provide all the necessary information about products, services and delivery conditions so that customers can make an informed decision before purchase (ℹ️).
• Protecting Intellectual Property Rights: Lidl has worked actively to protect its intellectual property rights, including the use of original photographs and text content (📸✍️) .
• Advertiser Information: Lidl provided full information about itself as an advertiser so that customers could easily check its legitimacy (🏢).
• Contracting: Lidl placed particular emphasis on contracting with suppliers, following established legal procedures and requirements (📝).
• Delivery features: Lidl described the features of its delivery system, including timing, cost and order tracking (🚚).
• Legal services: Lidl has not neglected the services of a legal counsel and has sought advice where necessary to ensure compliance with all legal regulations and requirements (⚖️).

Facts, figures and results of the project

Thanks to active work to correct identified errors, Lidl was able to achieve the following results:

• Increasing customer trust: Thanks to a competent approach to resolving legal issues, Lidl was able to increase the level of trust from its customers.
• Strengthening reputation: Correcting potential violations of the law helped Lidl strengthen its reputation as a responsible and reliable online retailer.
• Risk reduction: By eliminating legal errors, Lidl has minimized the risks associated with negative consequences and loss of customer trust.

Lidl actively worked to eliminate identified legal errors, which allowed the company not only to comply with legal requirements, but also to increase the trust of its customers and strengthen its reputation On the market.

Frequently asked questions on the topic 8 main legal mistakes of online stores and how to avoid them

Thanks for reading! You now have valuable knowledge!

You've just gone from casual reader to initiated professional. Now you are aware of the eight main legal mistakes that can arise in the operation of online stores, and you know how to avoid them in order to be in full compliance with the law.

We hope that this information will be useful to you and will help you avoid unpleasant consequences associated with violating the law. Remember that legal compliance is the foundation of a successful online business.

If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. We are always ready to hear you and discuss any additional questions.

Thank you again for your interest and get ready for more success with your online store! 💪🚀

Leonid Vlasov, independent expert in Elbuz

P.S. If you're looking for even more valuable information and tips on automating your online business, be sure to check out the world of my writing! There you will find a kaleidoscope of successful automation, where every line is a step towards maximum efficiency of your business!