The digital trend in consumer behavior is driving an explosion of small businesses online. If you’re a merchant looking to enter the digital world, it’s essential to be aware of certain legal obligations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating this world with confidence.

Electronic unsubscription

New for 2023, every online business must provide a tool enabling consumers to unsubscribe electronically at no cost, regardless of the original terms of the contract. This tool must be intuitively accessible via your web platform or mobile app. For example, local collaborative farms have set up subscriptions for a crate of fruit or vegetables, or restaurants have launched subscription operations (e.g. Pizza del arte).

Crucial information on your Web platform

Trust in the digital sector is essential, which is why it needs to be governed by rigorous legislation. Follow these basic guidelines to ensure your site’s compliance:

Independent individuals :

Identification: Your full name.
Contact details: Home address, e-mail or telephone number for direct communication.

Companies:

Company identification: Company name, legal status and capital amount.
Contact details: Official address, e-mail address and telephone number.

Respect for Intellectual Property :

When using visual or textual content that is not your own creation, you must :

  • Clearly mention the intellectual property of images, illustrations and photos.
  • Cite the source or obtain the author’s permission for texts.

Lodging information :

Every site, whether free or not, must have a page dedicated to legal notices, including :

  • The name of your host.
  • Full contact details: company name, address and telephone number.

Additional instructions for your Domain :

  • For retailers: RCS and RNE numbers, and VAT number if applicable.
  • E-boutiques: General terms and conditions of sale.
  • Craftsmen: RNE registration number.
  • Information platforms: Contact details of publication director, editorial manager and host.
  • Regulated sectors: References to professional rules, official title, the state that granted it and the professional body concerned.

Data Protection: Informing the User

The RGPD regulation sets clear standards for data collection. During this collection, it is necessary to:

  • Detect the identity of the entity processing the data.
  • Specify the reasons for this collection.
  • Clarify shelf life.
  • List user rights, including rights of refusal and access.

Cookies and Tracking: Ensuring Transparency

The use of cookies to track user behavior requires prior user information and explicit consent. This applies in particular to :

  • Advertising cookies, whether personalized or not.
  • Cookies associated with sharing on social networks.

In short, digital is a land of opportunity for merchants, but it’s vital to know the rules. By following these guidelines, you’ll build a solid, transparent and trustworthy platform for your customers.