Whether you’re starting your own online store or already have one up and running, having the right legal framework in place will help to build business credibility and trust with your customers and also hopefully avoid any time-consuming legal disputes in the future. Getting your legals in order means you can keep moving to focus on the things that you love and the things that you do best!
Here at Cherrypicka we have taken the guess work out of it and have set out below some of the essential documents that every e-commerce business needs:
| What is it? | Why do I need it |
| E-Commerce Business Website Terms and Conditions | Helps you customers to clearly understand the rules about purchasing your products and using your website. These terms and conditions will do things like: establish the ordering, cancellation, payment and delivery process;tell shoppers where they can find your returns and shipping policies;limit your liability in relation to the products that you supply to the extent provided for by the Australian Consumer Law. They will also set out the rules about how they can or cannot use your website, prevent users from posting abusive comments or copying content. |
| Privacy Policy | Use it to tell customers, clients, visitors to your website and even employees, how you use, collect, store and share their personal information. It is best practice to have a Privacy Policy on your website regardless of whether your business is legally required to have one. |
| Returns and Shipping Policies | Tells your customers the rules that apply to returns, delivery and shipping. Navigating the Australian Consumer Law (which will apply to your online store) can be tricky and a well drafted returns policy will help your business stay compliant. |
| Non-disclosure agreement (NDA) (aka Confidentiality Agreement) | Use it to protect your valuable ideas and commercially sensitive business information from misuse. For example, you are looking to share some new and confidential designs with a potential manufacturer. Have them sign a Confidentiality Agreement before you share your product idea to stop them taking the idea and using it or selling it to someone else. |
| Independent Contractor Agreement | Use it to appoint service providers and independent contractors, freelancers or consultants to help your business with a special project for times when you need “more hands on deck”. For example, you are bringing on a freelance designer to help you with a new line or collection. Or you are hiring a digital marketing agency to help grow your brand. Defines the key roles and responsibilities between your business and the contractor. |
| Employment Contracts | Use them when you hire casual, part time of full time employees to clearly set out the terms of the employment relationship. |
| Influencer Agreement | Use this document if you’re looking to boost your business and brand by collaborating with a social media influencer. This document sets out clear legal terms and conditions to protect your rights and your business. A Social Media Influencer Agreement will ensure things run as smoothly as possible. |