Ecommerce Laws: Essential Knowledge for Running an Online Store
DISCLAIMER: These guides are for informational purposes only, and do not constitute professional legal advice. Please consult independent legal advice for information specific to your country and circumstances. Shopify is not liable to you in any way for your use or reliance on these guides.
Whether you're starting a brand new business or you're an established retailer, taking your business online is a fantastic and exciting growth opportunity. In fact, there has never been a better time to start an ecommerce business. The internet has connected the world and tools like Shopify now make it possible for anyone to get started, regardless of technical skill.
However, with all of these advantages come some complex legal issues. Different countries have different laws and knowing which ones apply to you is critical. In addition to the large variety of laws to take into account, you must remember that the law is fluid and subject to change. In order to reap the rewards that a successful online store can bring, you must stay informed and protect yourself and your business.
We want to make you aware of all the important implications that come with conducting business online so you can prepare yourself and carry out all the necessary steps to ensure everything you're doing meets the legal requirements for an online business operating in the United States.
Having said that, this guide is not meant to be taken as official legal advice. Rather, it's simply meant to point you in the right direction and it's always best to seek professional legal counsel if you have questions about your specific situation.
Here are some of the important topics you'll need to learn about:
Being aware of and obeying the rules that apply to you as an online business owner is an important aspect of running your shop.Protecting your brand, your assets, and maintaining a positive customer relations are all affected by your ability to understand and obey the law.