All above board! Make your website legal.

Ah, being a maker!  The ideas, the crafts, the glue under your nails, the beads in the hoover! Enjoying people's reactions when they spot that you've made just the thing they are looking for!

And then there's making sure your website complies with standards for online sales of goods... yup, it isn't glam, but it's part of being a small business owner. 

If you want to be sure your website is all a-ok, (even if you just sell via a facebook page) read on for the three things you need in place, and useful links to create them.

Shade helping with paperwork.

Distance selling.

When you sell something at a distance; over the phone, through a catalogue, from a website, you have to comply to certain rules and regs so it's clear and easy for customers to know their rights.

This fab government website is simple to follow. It not only explains what you must have on your website, but also what you need to tell a customer before they buy, and once they make a purchase.

Find out more

Website T&C's.

You want to make it clear how people can and can't use your website. If you find your content popping up elsewhere - you can point them to where it said "don't nick my stuff"

It's also good to let your website users know what they can expect from your website. There are lots of free and example website terms of use out there to generate or use as a basis - find what's right for you and create one easily.

Find out more

Privacy Policy.

How will you be storing and using the details people give you? Will someone using your website have their details collected - perhaps by your website provider to generate statistics you use?

It's important to be clear so customers can trust you, and you don't get into trouble legally. This website has lots of advice, and links to places that help you generate your own privacy policy, using details you input.

Find out more

It may seem daunting, but it took me less than a day (between chores etc) to complete all this for Perfidious Jewellery, and to get it online. If you're still uncertain after checking out the links above, I'd suggest having a good look at websites you admire and follow. What do they say? How do they say it?

Now you might be thinking; "I just have a facebook page, and a few people and their friends buy from me there...". It doesn't hurt to have a note you can point people to on your page, giving them terms and conditions for how you take payment, your delivery methods, what you accept as returns etc. It also is a good idea to include these appropriate details in orders you send out. 

It makes you look more professional, gives customers peace of mind and trust in your small business , and sets out clearly what you expect from customers and what they can expect from you - which is vital if any disputes arise. 

Website done: back to making!

Also bear in mind, once you do get your website legally sorted, you totally deserve to reward yourself with some more crafting supplies!