There are various means which distance selling can take place, some of the means are press advertising , via the telephone, radio, fax or e-mail or through television which e know as teleshopping.
When you are selling products through distance selling, there are two key sets of regulations that you must comply with.
The first is the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations. This regulation covers the seller that is the company that sells products to the consumer through distance selling.
Mostly the regulations require that the sellers
- Provide the consumers with all the required information, before they place the order.
- Before the contract is closed it is important that the buyer is provided with information in a durable medium.
- An order confirmation should be sent, and it should be send well within the time, for example in case where service is being provided the information confirmation should reach before the completion of the service.
- The consumers should be given a chance to cancel the contract.
Next is the Electronic Commerce Regulation, they place regulations on business that sell or even advertise precuts and/or services using the distance selling means such as internet, emails, text messages, telephones etc. these regulations require that you should
- The commercial communications should be clearly outlined
- Outline the steps that you have to take in order to bring the contract to completion.
When making a distance sale, it is the obligation of the seller to make sure that the following information reaches the buyer n good time, “in good time” means that the information should reach the buyer before the completion of the contract.
The trader should provide the full name of himself, the permanent address of his place of trade or business.
He should provide in writing a description of the goods and services that he will be offering.
The price of the goods and services should be mentioned inclusive of taxes and other charges.
The delivery cost should also be mentioned.
It is required that the mode of delivery and payment should be clearly mentioned and the customer should be given a right to cancel the contract.
The dealer should specify the minimum period for which the price and the offer remains valid. In case there is any dispute, the responsibility lies on the dealer to prove that he had provided all the required information. It is mandatory on the part of the dealer that he provides all the information that has commercial relevance and that he cats in good faith, he should not in any ways try and take advantage of any disability of the customer be it ignorance age or any other such factor.
Any distance contract entered in to with a minor, interdicted or incapacitated person is considered to be unlawful and such null and void.
You can find more information on newspaper advertising here.