Trading with consumers

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This subtopic examines commercial law and regulation that impacts trading and contracting with consumers in the UK.

To determine the legal framework applicable to a specific consumer contract, the following two key questions must be considered:

  1. •

    what is being sold—ie goods, services and/or digital content

  2. •

    where it is being sold—ie on-premises, off-premises or at a distance (eg, online)

In addition, there are restrictions applicable to how consumer contracts are drafted.

Traders must also consider how they sell to avoid unfair trading practices.

For information on law and regulation applicable to trading with consumers in the EU, see: Consumer protection (EU Law)—overview and also Practice Note: Consumer protection—UK/EU comparison.

Key consumer legislation

Prior to contracting or trading with consumers, it is important for traders to be aware of the legislation that governs business-to-consumer (B2C) relationships.

The Practice Note: Key consumer legislation—summary sets out a brief description of the key consumer legislation that businesses dealing with consumers should be aware of.

It considers the core legislation relevant when trading or contracting with consumers and other key legislation relevant to the B2C relationship in the context ...

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