Selling online or at a distance

If you sell to consumers online, or sell at a distance by another method such as digital TV, mail order, phone or fax, then the Distance Selling Regulations may apply to you.

In general you are required to:

• give potential customers certain information in advance, such as your name and address, the goods you are selling or the services you are providing, the price (including all taxes), delivery cost, delivery arrangements, and customers' right to cancel
• send customers an order confirmation giving information such as your postal address and cancellation arrangements
• allow customers a seven working-day cooling-off period during which they can cancel their contract with you. 

There are some exceptions to the regulations such as: financial services, transport, accommodation, leisure services and food, drink or other goods for everyday consumption delivered by a 'regular roundsman' such as a milkman.

The OFT has produced information specifically tailored to the rapidly growing e-commerce sector

Download Key information for online retailers (pdf 58 kb)

Download How to protect yourself when trading online (pdf 57 kb)
    
To find out more about the Distance Selling Regulations see A short guide for business on distance selling (pdf 122 kb), alternatively you can visit the Distance Selling Regulations area of the site.

Back to: Advice for businesses