Journey

Start selling online legally

Set up an online shop that meets consumer law before you launch: the information customers must see, the checkout and order button, cancellation and refunds, quality standards and fair terms.

Retail & Consumer Goods Technology & Digital Starting Updated 3 November 2026
  1. Learn the distance selling rules

    Customers who buy online can usually cancel within 14 days, and you must give them set information before they are bound.

  2. Set up your website and checkout

    Show the required information, the full price and a clear order button before the customer pays.

  3. Meet the quality standards for what you sell

    Goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, whether sold online or in a shop.

  4. Sell digital content

    Needed if you sell downloads, streaming, apps or other digital content.

  5. Set up your refund process

    Refund cancellations within 14 days, using the customer's original payment method.

  6. Check your terms and conditions

    Unfair terms do not bind consumers, so write yours fairly and in plain English.

  7. Check your shop before launch

    Have each of these in place before you take your first order.

Official guidance

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