The booming e-commerce market in the Czech Republic
The e-commerce market in the Czech Republic is developing at a dynamic pace, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to expand their business. 2021 proved to be a breakthrough year for Czech e-commerce, bringing record sales to many companies operating in this sector. Future forecasts also point to a steady increase in e-commerce's share in retail, placing the Czech Republic among the leading European countries in e-commerce development.
The Czech Republic stands out for its unique market structure, where smaller e-commerce stores have a strong presence, not dominated by the sector's giants, as is the case in other countries in the region. This specific market characteristic attracts a growing number of companies considering starting new businesses or expanding existing ones in the rapidly growing Czech market.
However, simply owning a domain isn't enough. Success in e-commerce relies on several key elements: high-quality products, effective marketing strategies, and the use of modern technologies. These factors build a competitive advantage and help build customer loyalty. Legal and tax considerations must also be taken into account. Ensuring compliance with local regulations is crucial to minimizing risk and achieving business stability in a foreign market.
What should you pay attention to to ensure your online store operates properly and complies with Czech regulations? In this article, we've discussed several key aspects that will help you understand how to conduct business in the Czech e-commerce market safely and effectively.
We invite you to read! 👇
Terms and conditions of the Czech Republic online store - obchodní podmínky
The online store's terms and conditions are a key document that defines the operating principles of an online store, as well as the rights and obligations of the seller and customers. According to Czech law and EU regulations, these terms and conditions must include a number of essential elements that ensure the protection of both consumers and businesses.
- Information about the Entrepreneur
The basic elements of the terms and conditions are the seller's identification data, which should exhaust all information obligations regarding the seller, including the company name, registered office, company identification number (IČO), and VAT identification number (DIČ) if the seller is a VAT payer. This information is not only necessary for the proper operation of the store but also serves as a reference point for customers when contacting them or resolving disputes.
- Rules for Ordering and Fulfilling Orders Electronically
The terms and conditions must precisely define the terms and conditions of sales contracts, including the ordering process, order acceptance by the seller, and the rights and obligations of the parties. The options for changing or canceling an order before it is fulfilled must also be specified.
- Payment and delivery terms
Equally important, the document should clearly define accepted payment methods and terms, as well as information regarding the use of individual payment instruments. The same applies to delivery terms – detailed descriptions of the order's shipping methods and costs, processing time, and personal pickup policy should be provided.
- Right of withdrawal, complaints and returns
The complaint procedure, complaint processing time, returns and exchange policy should always be included in the store's regulations.
- GDPR
Personal data protection is another key element. Information about the processing of customer personal data in accordance with the GDPR is essential. Terms and conditions should specify customer rights regarding the protection of their personal data and contact details for the data controller.
Is just translating the regulations enough?
Another key aspect is the language in which the terms and conditions should be drafted, and practice shows that this issue causes many problems for companies. Czech law requires businesses to prepare the document in Czech. Translating the terms and conditions from Polish is not recommended, as it can lead to interpretation errors or inaccuracies, and consequently, lead to financial penalties for the seller. Instead of translating them from Polish, we recommend drafting the terms and conditions entirely in Czech. This will ensure full understanding of the transaction terms by Czech consumers and minimize the risk of legal disputes related to translation or interpretation.
The Czech Republic as an EU country
Under EU directives, particularly the Omnibus Directive, online store terms and conditions must include a number of key provisions and information. Above all, full transparency regarding prices, product information, and purchase terms must be ensured. Customers must be informed not only of the gross product prices but also of any additional fees, taxes, and delivery costs associated with placing an order in the online store. Additionally, the terms and conditions should include provisions regarding any promotions, discounts, or special offers. This ensures fair competition in the European e-commerce market, and customers are fully aware of the terms and conditions applicable to their online purchases.
If you're planning to expand your business but have doubts about its legality, contact us. We specialize in preparing the necessary documentation for international sales, and we'll tailor it to your needs! ✔️
📞+48 781 906 020
📨 biuro@ecommercelegal.pl
