7 Essential Things to Consider for Terms and Conditions for eCommerce

Online merchants today are expected to have the best eCommerce website terms and conditions, also known as the Terms of Service or Use, on their website. The primary reason why they have to lay out their own set of ground rules is to protect from potential legal issues. 

Aside from being protected from anticipated or unforeseen issues with the shoppers, it would also build customer’s trust. This set of rules and policies vary depending on the nature of an online store or business.

There are some essential things to consider in generating good terms of service or usage. Above all, the crafted agreement should contain provisions that are easy for shoppers to understand.

Below are some of the indispensable clauses in order to generate eCommerce terms and conditions effectively: 

Acceptance of Terms of Use clause

This section is also called the general condition. Outlined here are the overall or comprehensive products and services provided with the corresponding provisions. This is usually the introduction of the Terms and Conditions contract of an eCommerce store. When the shopper continues to use, access, and browse the site, the agreement is made to be enforceable.

Liability Clause

Every eCommerce store should have this limitation of liability clause as part of their terms. Having a legal disclaimer on the liability issues will limit the business liability or no liability from any losses or damages claimed by the shoppers arising from the site's purchase or use. 

Intellectual Property/Trademarks Clause

eCommerce stores have invested in Intellectual property rights or trademarks—hence, this should be well-guarded. To protect the website’s images, content, name, logos, design, and many more, a written clause outlining the conditions or rules should be included in the Terms and Conditions for the eCommerce store agreement. 

Payment and Price Clause

This term is a must-have in eCommerce terms and conditions, especially since the prices of products are always subject to change. In this section, you establish the acceptable payment methods and the adjustment of fees at any time. Moreover, address other shopper issues that you cannot control like shipping, discounts, refunds, and returns in favor of your online store. 

Privacy and Security Clause

Learn how to make terms and conditions for an eCommerce website and have a separate or stand-alone privacy policy section. Having this term, the shopper’s personal information is being protected, for this will tell how the collected data are used and stored. This data protection disclaimer is usually linked to the general Privacy Policy of online stores.

Dispute Clause 

A dispute resolution clause is an essential part of this web page, considering online shoppers may come from various countries. In establishing this section, the online merchant needs to specify the applicable and governing law body when a dispute arises. Apparently, the location of the online merchant is put in this template. 

Termination Clause

Another essential section is to specify the circumstances of how to terminate the user’s account or subscription. They can delete their account voluntarily, or the business can end the access to shield the store from abusive users. But the provision should also highlight what happens to the user’s data after termination for transparency purposes.

Making the Terms and Conditions for eCommerce stores should be carefully crafted, and as much as possible should be presented in plain language. Basically, the provisions must include those clauses mentioned above, but it is also advisable to consult legal experts.

You also have to remember how you present these terms to the users’ matters. The preferred method nowadays in establishing this binding agreement is to get the shopper, or user’s informed consent by requiring them to tick or click the “I agree” box or button. 

With all these, complete and sufficient eCommerce website terms and conditions play a critical role in your website. Write or generate one, update your website, and publish today!