Sale of goods and provision of services on the internet: Preventing problems is always better than fixing them afterwards
5.01.2017Company: Amcham
The Czech Republic is an e-shop superpower and their popularity keeps growing. However, huge competition pushes entrepreneurs to think all the time (not just at the outset) how to make the most of their e-shop, and yet not to fall into a trap.
Set the rules of the game
Your relationship with the customer is governed by business terms and conditions, therefore, do not consider them as a “necessary evil”, butrather as an opportunity to contemplate the shape of your relationship.
Copying other entrepreneur’s terms and conditions is not perfect, not only because they are protected by copyright. Your competitor’s terms do not necessarily reflect your procedures. Everyone must observe the minimum statutory terms for returning goods by consumers, however, other issues are only unique for your business. More favorable conditions for customers may also be your competitive advantage.
By formulating the terms and conditions clearly and comprehensibly you may avoid unsatisfied customers as well as possible lawsuits. Diligently crafted business terms and conditions may also serve as a methodology for your employees.
Know your business partner
Remote trade includes a certain uncertainty regarding the identity of your business partner. There are a number of ways how to reduce it. You may check your partner’s computer settings or its profile on social networks; sometimes, it is sufficient to set reasonable steps within the procedures of payment, shipping and delivery of goods or services. Nonetheless, always keep in mind the rules for personal data protection, particularly the obligation to inform the partner about what data you collect on her and for what purpose. You must not keep such data for a period longer than necessary for the purpose set by you.
Watch out anyone else’s content
Smaller entrepreneurs sometimes use web downloaded images in order to save time and money. However, such manners can result in substantial expenses. Do not assume that owners of foreign databases do not pay attention to Czech websites. Professional image databases routinely use web searching software automatically matching hits with the contents of their databases. Such a match found on your website might result in a formal notice calling you to pay a steeplicense fee under a threat of enforcement through the court system. For some database operators, this is event their main source of income. Subsequently, you will pay much more for legal advice than what a few hours of photographing the goods would cost you.
Tags: Law | Finance |
