Website Checklist
You will avoid disputes if you ensure the
following information is clearly stated and readily available on your website
(include a link on your main menu bar):
- Full company details - name, a UK address,
e-mail address, phone / facsimile number.
- If you belong to a Trade Association whose
register is open to the public you must provide the name of the register and
your registration number (or other means of identification on the register).
- If your on-line service is subject to an
authorisation scheme (e.g. an authorisation to advertise or sell financial
services) you must provide the details of the relevant supervisory authority
that has granted the authorisation.
- If your business is part of a profession whose
qualifications are recognised across Europe (e.g. the Institute of Chartered
Accountants) you must provide:
- Details of any professional body or
institution with which you are registered.
- Details of any professional titles you
hold.
- Details of the Member State in which such
titles were granted.
- A reference to professional rules and how end
users can access them.
- If your on-line business activities are
subject to VAT you must provide details of your VAT number.
- If you subscribe to a Code of Conduct,
indicate which you subscribe to and give information on how those codes can be
consulted electronically. The Government believes that the codes in question
are those relevant to the order, not to the service providers business in
general.
- Full terms & conditions that are readily
accessible, fair and meaningful.
- A description of the goods or services being
sold.
- Pricing information - fully inclusive of any
delivery charges i.e. taxes, excise duty etc.
- Details of stages involved in the ordering
process including how to correct input errors.
- When an order is placed via the website you
must acknowledge receipt electronically and without delay.
- Information about the availability, delivery
and despatch of goods. Information on after-sales services and guarantees that
exist.
- A clear complaints procedure & policy on
returning goods.
- Information about withdrawal / cancellation
rights.
- A statement that the UK law is the applicable
law.
- A statement indicating that when buying goods
and services on the Internet, you are entering a legally binding contract.
- A data protection statement that must include:
- How and why the personal data is being
processed.
- Whether it is to be transferred to a third
party.
- Whether it is to be transferred outside the
EU.
- Whether there are any automated decision
taking processes on the information supplied.
- What security measures are in place.
- A privacy policy & information about
security issues.
- A *cookie (unique identifier) policy.
- An opt out box for unsolicited email.
*A cookie is a piece of information that is
placed on your computer which enables websites to remember information about
the choices you make when you visit their sites.
In general, if you are running a website which
gathers information about individuals - even if you are simply asking them to
register so that they can download some information of interest to them - you
need to obtain their permission to:
- Communicate with them at all.
- Communicate with them in the future.
- Communicate with them on other topics, such as
offers, new products and services.
- Pass their details to third parties.
Trading Standards Division, 3rd Floor, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED
Telephone: (0151) 691 8020 Fax: (0151) 691 8098
Internet World Wide Web http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/wirral/
Electronic Mail: tradingstandards@wirral.gov.uk
