Shop Rules! Terms and Conditions for an Online Business
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about terms and conditions. Those are the rules for your online shop!
Every website needs them. The real question is: who writes them? Your platform, or you?
Lynnie’s little note: This is just for learning. It’s not real legal advice for your business. Please ask a grown-up lawyer to check your own documents!
Who writes the rules?
On a marketplace or social shop (like Etsy, Amazon or TikTok Shop), your visitors are playing by the platform’s rules. The platform’s terms cover lots of things. You might still need a few shop rules of your own, but the big responsibility is theirs.
On your own website (built with Shopify, WordPress or anything else), it’s ALL your job. Your visitors are on your site, so you need your own terms.
Not selling? Terms of Service
If you have a website but don’t sell anything, you need something simpler. It’s called Terms of Service, or just Terms.
It explains the basic rules for using your site, and what you’re not responsible for. Focus on:
- the rules for using your site
- how people should behave, like in comments
- what you’ll do if someone breaks the rules
- which country’s laws apply
Where do they go?
Your terms should be easy to find on every page. Most websites put a link at the very bottom. And on your checkout page, customers should be able to read them before they pay.
Lots of checkout tools add an “I accept the terms” box too.
Use simple words
Rules don’t have to sound complicated to count! Clear rules mean fewer arguments later.
Oopsies
- Copying another site’s terms. Their business, country and products might be totally different.
- Writing a refund rule you don’t actually follow. That causes trouble later!
- Forgetting to update. Added a new kind of product, a subscription or shipping to other countries? Check your terms too.
An example
Let’s say you sell printable planners on your own website.
- Buying rules: how orders work, and what happens if a price is wrong.
- Paying rules: you take cards and PayPal.
- Refund rules: downloads can’t be returned, but you’ll help if a file doesn’t work.
- Promise rules: probably not needed. No real things!
- Shipping rules: the download link comes by email right after paying.
Add your Terms of Service, and done! A simple, complete set.
Keep it cheap
Lots of template tools have free versions. Start with one, make it fit your business, and have a lawyer check it. A good draft can even make the lawyer cost less!
A marketplace can help
Writing your own terms feels like too much? Start on a marketplace! Its terms cover most things, and it’s easy to stay in the background there.
What’s next?
The next article is about the Privacy Policy, the second big rules page. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help with your terms? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
Do I always need my own terms?
Every website needs terms, but on a marketplace, the platform’s terms cover most of it.
What’s the difference between Terms of Service and Terms and Conditions?
Terms of Service is the short one, for sites that don’t sell. Terms and Conditions add the selling parts.
What extra parts do I need if I sell?
Buying rules, paying rules, refund rules, promise rules and shipping rules.
Can I copy a template?
Start from one, but change it to fit your real business!
Should I offer a money-back promise?
It builds trust, but some people might take advantage. Think about your product.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
What about digital products?
Returns might not apply, but say clearly what happens with refunds and how delivery works.
How can I start for free or almost free?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
