The benefit of running an e-commerce business is being your own boss and making your own rules. However, when it comes to establishing an e-commerce business, there are certain key rules and regulations that you will have to adhere to, and we take a look at some.
Customer verification
Cyber theft and consumers’ digital habits are prompting many e-commerce businesses to want ID verification as part of security and the consumer engagement process. Identity verification has become all-important for seamless purchasing experiences.
The ID Analyzer platform provides all businesses with a global identity verification solution that can be tailored to their specific needs. They provide full identity verification access across thousands of different forms of ID and in just about every country in the world.
They have a number of products to verify identities and to also simplify the customer onboarding process. Nothing is complicated and customers can even use a selfie photo or the typical government photo ID.
Getting a refund
Your terms and conditions on your website inform buyers what they are entering into a contract to purchase goods. Refunds are, unfortunately, part of the buying scenario.
You may need to refund canceled purchases within a certain period and once the customer has returned the product in good condition. You can’t dilly dally either, and you have to respond quickly when tackling refund requests.
You will need to include your refund policy on your website so buyers know exactly what they’re getting into. You want to be sure they understand and accept the terms of refunds. It goes without saying that you should try to make it such that you limit the reasons why customers request a refund.
Privacy policies
When it comes to regulations and an e-commerce business, ignorance isn’t bliss in this case. The internet offers businesses lots of ways to promote their products but in turn, you have to abide by certain rules.
Data protection is important and if you are going to collect personal information about customers, you will need to be registered under the Data Protection Act and be compliant with the way you handle data.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has legislation to regulate online profiling and they are able to sue businesses that don’t comply with privacy policies posted on their websites. True, U.S. law doesn’t require e-businesses to publish a privacy policy, but sites do because customers like to see it as it promotes trust.
Shipping policies
Customers want to know that if they buy goods online, how will they receive them? A clear delivery policy has to be displayed. Customers must know when they can expect their products; otherwise, they could wait weeks or months.
The e-commerce site must lay out the expected delivery time frames and also the costs of the different types of deliveries there are. Are there discounts for spending more? This must be mentioned. The reason for clear, detailed shipping information is to avoid legal disputes with agitated customers.
Advertising compliance
Online retailers have to comply with regulations when advertising online. A common kind of online advertising for e-commerce businesses is email. E-commerce businesses need to be aware of federal advertising laws and acts to ensure that the content of emails is compliant.
With Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act, there can be penalties for email marketers who violate this law.
Any commercial email message has to say that the message is an advertisement, and it must also provide an opt-out ability. On The FTC website, there are laws people can check out with regards to email marketing.