Starting an online business toolkit

All the documents you need to get started
Simple step-by-step guidance
UK GDPR compliant

This toolkit to start an online business includes all the legal documentation and know-how you need to set up a website and change your business to online sales.

It comprises 9 key documents, including:

separate cookie and privacy policies, and terms of use for your website;
a customisable set of terms and conditions to cover you for the supply or goods or services or both;
template invoices (VAT and non-VAT) and cancellation form; and
a quick guide to customer rights, which are much broader for online sales than face-to-face transactions.

Our helpful how-to guide will take you step-by-step through how to use the documents included in this pack, whether you are starting a new business or changing an existing business model to set up your own website and start selling online.

Note that if you provide online services in the EEA, you will also need to ensure that you follow the rules of each EEA country you operate in. If you are not sure how this applies to you, you can access a specialist lawyer in a few simple steps using our Ask a Lawyer service.

Q&A

When should I use this toolkit?
This toolkit is perfect to help you get your online business going.

Whether you are starting from scratch, are moving a physical shop online, or want to branch out from selling through online marketplaces to make sales through your own website, this toolkit has got you covered.
What does this toolkit cover?
Our toolkit for starting an online business has all the template legal documents that you will need when setting up your own sales website, so you can have the confidence that you have got things right.

It includes the policies that you need to comply with data protection laws, like a cookie policy and privacy policy. Website terms of use lay down ground rules for people visiting your site to protect your business.

When it comes to making a sale this toolkit includes a comprehensive set of terms and conditions and invoices for VAT and non-VAT sales, plus a cancellation form for your customers to use - an often overlooked legal requirement.
Why do I need this toolkit?
This toolkit to start an online business will help you have confidence that you are doing everything right when setting up your website. Designing a website can be exciting, but there are serious legal requirements that you have to look out for, right from the start.

The consequences of getting it wrong can be serious. At best, you risk disgruntled customers. At worst, a hefty fine from the ICO for failing to take proper care of your customers' data.

Use our comprehensive toolkit, full of handy template documents, to make sure you comply with the law from launch - so you can concentrate on running your business.
Where can I find out more?
Our How-to guide that forms part of this toolkit will take you through the basics in an easy step-by-step table. For more detailed guidance in our extensive Q&A, see:

Documents in Toolkit

Cancellation form
Checklist of information to include to ensure your website is legally compliant
Cookie policy
How-to guide: Starting an online business toolkit
Non-VAT invoice
Privacy policy
Quick guide to customer rights in online sales
Terms and conditions
VAT invoice
Website terms of use

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