As an EverBee Store merchant, you are solely responsible for the creation, ownership, operation, and management of your store. This means you are accountable for every part of your business, from how you present your products to how you handle customer relationships and legal compliance.
EverBee Store provides the tools to help you sell online, but the responsibility to use these tools correctly and operate your store legally and ethically rests entirely with you.
Your key responsibilities include:
1. Privacy and Data Protection
Customers trust you with their personal information when they place an order. As the merchant, you must:
- Follow privacy and data protection laws in your jurisdiction and those of your customers.
- Keep customer data secure, including names, addresses, and payment details.
- Avoid sharing or misusing customer information.
2. Regulatory Compliance and Taxes
Running a store means complying with financial and legal obligations, which include:
- Collecting and remitting taxes where required.
- Keeping accurate records for reporting purposes.
- Understanding the tax rules in the regions where you sell.
Many merchants underestimate tax compliance. Consult a tax professional to make sure you are correctly charging sales tax or VAT where applicable. Learn how to set up taxes here.
3. Customer Service
You are the first point of contact for your buyers, which means:
- Handling refunds, returns, complaints, and disputes.
- Providing timely responses to customer inquiries.
- Delivering orders on time and as promised.
A clear, written refund and return policy on your store can reduce disputes and set proper expectations.
4. Compliance With EverBee Store Policies
Your store and products must align with EverBee Store’s Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy. This includes:
- Listing only products that are allowed under EverBee Store rules.
- Avoiding misleading, illegal, or prohibited content.
- Operating your business in a fair and transparent way.
5. Accurate Store and Contact Information
You must make it easy for customers to contact you by:
- Providing up-to-date and accessible contact details.
- Displaying your store policies (refunds, shipping times, etc.) clearly.
Tip: A professional-looking "Contact Us" page builds trust and helps reduce chargebacks or disputes.
6. Consumer Protection Laws
You must respect consumer rights, which typically require:
- Transparent and fair refund and return policies.
- Clear product descriptions and accurate images.
- Meeting promised fulfillment timelines.
- Ensuring that products are safe and legal to sell.
Customers expect honesty. If shipping takes longer, make it clear at checkout. If a product has limitations, describe them upfront. This prevents complaints and chargebacks.
EverBee Store provides tools and information to help you meet these obligations, but the ultimate responsibility lies with you as the merchant to operate your store legally and ethically.