Website Terms and Conditions

Terms and conditions

If you have a website, terms and conditions are essential. These are electronic contracts that provide a legal basis of the relationship between you and your customer. They specifically lay out the terms under which customers or users can utilise your website.

Terms and Conditions can prevent claims being made against you by website users.

Whatever your website type, whether blogger or eCommerce, you should have Terms and Conditions. Here are five reasons why.

Regulate the use of your website

However good your intentions, customers can use or misuse the information on your website. Terms and Conditions protect your business. That’s why any good Terms and Conditions will include sections on using your website, for example, not positing abusive material, preventing the copy of content, or using the website in an illegal manner.

Protect your intellectual property

Terms and Conditions can protect your website’s intellectual property from unauthorised use. A copyright clause informs your users that you are the owner of all content contained on your website. This clause can notify users that they are not allowed to reproduce content without consent.

Bank requirements

For eCommerce companies, you’ll often need a merchant account for online transactions. Banks regularly request a copy of website Terms and Conditions before they’ll let you have an appropriate account. And if you are an eCommerce company, your Terms and Conditions should outline your refund, repair or replacement policies and details any guarantees or warranties.

Comply with privacy laws

Quite rightly, people are wary about sharing personal information online so a comprehensive Terms and Conditions policy is essential. It should lay out the information you father, how it’s stored, how it’s used and who has access to it. Safeguarding user information is an important part of building trust.

Limit your liability

Perhaps the most important clause in a Terms and Conditions policy is the clause that limits your liability. This clause is designed to reduce your liability for any loss, damages, liabilities, or claims or expenses that they may find using your website. This clause might not stop a claim, but it can protect your business.