In principle e-commerce is subject to the same rules as other consumer trade. The main difference is that it involves distance selling. In distance selling a consumer has the right to cancel a purchase within 14 days after the consumer has received the product or an order confirmation, whichever comes later.
The point of departure in regulations concerning e-commerce and distance selling is that the customer’s legal protection in marketing and transactions should be at least the same as in other trade.
Businesses must provide sufficient information in marketing. The name and address of the company must also be provided in e-commerce. The total price of the product must be indicated, including taxes and handling charges. If handling charges depend on quantity, weight or some other factor, marketing must clearly mention that the price does not include handling.
Contract terms must be presented clearly. After a cus tomer has placed an order, an order confirmation should im mediately be sent to the customer.
Marketing information can be rapidly updated on the Internet, practically around the clock. In this way the In ternet differs from other media. This gives online advertisers greater responsibility for providing correct information.
An offer on the Internet is contractually binding on the advertiser. When a consumer accepts an offer on the Internet, a binding contract exists. An offer has been accepted when a consumer orders a product using an online form, for example. The business must therefore sell the product at the price quoted on the Internet at that moment.
In an error situation a customer is always entitled to receive compensation for a defect in a product according to the Consumer Protection Act. Customers should be given instructions concerning what to do in an error situation.
Guidelines for Consumer Protection:
Creating an online shop
Basic rules of sms loans