4 documents without which a website operates outside the law
An online shop, an online course, a services site with an enquiry form. The law asks the same of all of them: a person must know who they're contracting with, on what terms, and what happens to their data.
The documents are done once. After that they simply sit on the site and do their job until you change your terms.
What's included
- Public offer: the terms on which people buy from you.
- Privacy policy: what data you collect and why.
- Consent to the processing of personal data: that very checkbox under the form.
- Seller details and return terms.
- Cookie policy, if the site uses analytics or ads.
What a website must have
| Document | Why |
|---|---|
| Public offer | A contract with every buyer, without signing on paper |
| Privacy policy | Explains what data you collect and how you protect it |
| Consent to data processing | The legal basis for processing contacts from the form |
| Seller information | A requirement of e-commerce law |
| Return terms | Consumers' rights to return goods |
More in the article 4 documents without which a website operates outside the law.
A template from the internet
Most often a site carries an offer copied from a competitor. It has someone else's company details, someone else's delivery terms, and clauses that contradict how you actually work. In a dispute with a customer, a document like that works against you.
If your customers are abroad
For customers in the EU, GDPR applies. If you sell an app or SaaS, you need Terms of Service and a Privacy Policy in English.
How it works
Your part: a link to the site and your company details. The rest of the arrows are mine.
Law of Ukraine “On Electronic Commerce”; Law of Ukraine “On Personal Data Protection”; Law of Ukraine “On Consumer Rights Protection”; Civil Code of Ukraine, Articles 633 and 641 (public contract, offer).
Frequently asked questions about website documents
How much do website documents cost?
From €150 per package.
Do I need documents if I only collect enquiries?
Yes. A name and phone number are personal data, so you need a privacy policy and consent.
What happens if I don't have them?
A risk of a fine for breaching personal data law, and a weak position in any dispute with a customer.
Do the documents work for a landing page on Instagram or Taplink?
Yes, they can be added as a link. Which documents you need depends on what you sell.
Before launching the site, check whether the name is free: the trademark search is free. If a contractor is building the site, you need a developer agreement.