Question about things required for eCommerce

[saxman124]

I am currently developing a website where payment is not required but can be issued for points. These points can be earned or purchased. These points can then be used for multiple activities on the website.

My question is this. What legal documentation is required to protect myself. Do I need an End User Agreement, Terms of Service, Terms of Use, etc?

Also, what exactly is the purpose of these documents?

I just want to make sure all ends are covered.

[Morgenhund]

Basically, you need a document like you described:
- to describe who can use your site, why, how and when
- to describe what is not allowed on your site
- to limit/refuse your responsibility against 3rd parties

However, this forum is no substitution for a legal advise. You need a legal advise, because you might omit something important, or include something that is against the law.

Having any TOS (even self-produced) gives you a basic protection agains moroons that might try to ask you for a "moral compensation" because of ... <enter some dummy reason here>.

Then all you need is to reply "your are not eligible, see TOS page 724, volume 5."

:-)

[piatkow]

You need legal advice within your own jusrisdiction. Consumer protection laws vary from country to country and even by state/province within country in some cases.

One thing Morgenhund missed is a clear statement of the jusrisdiction that applies in your case.

[saxman124]

Thanks for the responses. I will definitely get some legal advice.

I basically didn't know if these things were even needed. But it sounds like you need them just to cover your own.

I appreciate it.

[lorax]

Greetings and welcome to WebmasterWorld

>> didn't know if they're needed
They aren't ever really needed - until you need them. :)