E-commerce means people can buy from your business using a website, social media channels, mobile and tablet apps. When you sell online, your rights and obligations to customers are the same as when you sell from a bricks and mortar store. This includes when you sell through sharing economies such as AirBnB, UBER and Airtasker.
Selling through ride, accommodation and task sharing economies
As a business, you must display your registered business name on your website. You should make it easy for customers to contact you by providing your:
- physical address
- phone number
- email.
Help customers understand your business practices and include on your site:
- refunds and returns policy
- terms and conditions of sale
- complaint handling policy
- information sharing policy.
Clear and accurate descriptions
By law, goods and services must have a clear title and match the description, make and model that you show customers. Make sure photos of goods or services:
- are clear
- show the same item as the customer will receive
- display accurate colours.
Close-up shots or different angles can also help customers make a decision.
When you describe goods or services include things like:
- sizes and dimensions
- any variations or restrictions in service
- timing for services eg - one-hour massage, three-day tour
- what products are made of
- care instructions
- country of origin
- what is included in the price of services.
Protecting customer information
Secure online checkouts can protect your customers' financial details. A secure web address has 'https:' at the beginning ('s' means 'secure') and a lock icon in the address bar.
Tell your customers what information you collect and store and how their personal information will be used. Some businesses must put extra protections in place. Most small businesses can choose whether to comply but check what relates to your business under the Privacy Act 1988.
Emailing customers
When sending customers a commercial email you must:
- have the customer's consent - express or inferred
- make sure it's clear who you are as the sender and how you can be contacted
- give the customer the chance to opt out or unsubscribe from receiving emails.
