Changes to business stationery rules

[stevhill]

Thanks for the replies. Good to know I haven't wasted my PO Box, which I may still put on the website for reference.

I've looked up the Business Names Act (I don't think the others apply to me) and, as I understand it, I think I just have to include my name on the site, as well as the name I'm trading under. Is this right?

Thanks again for the advice.

[bwglaw]

Originally Posted by stevhill

Thanks for the replies. Good to know I haven't wasted my PO Box, which I may still put on the website for reference.

I've looked up the Business Names Act (I don't think the others apply to me) and, as I understand it, I think I just have to include my name on the site, as well as the name I'm trading under. Is this right?

Thanks again for the advice.

Correct. If you are selling goods to consumers there must be a contact address (where notices can be served and accepted) and it must be clear whom consumers enter into a contract with i.e. Joe Bloggs t/as Anybusiness.

From a business perspective, consumers may be put off with PO Box addresses. You may wish to consider a 'virtual mail' service giving a more professional image.

Your site must also have accessible terms and conditions, privacy/security and refund policies. If you would like a quote for these to be drafted please contact me at the email address below.

Jonathan

[SALGADO INVESTIGATIONS]

Originally Posted by stevhill

Hi. Can someone clarify this ruling for me please.

Does it apply to Sole Traders at all? If so, is a PO Box acceptable?

I'm working from home, so don't want to publish my home address on my website. Have purchased a PO Box. I'm now not sure that this will be acceptable, or if I do indeed need to quote an address on my website as a Sole Trader.

Thanks for any help.

BTW Your PO box won't help you to keep your private address secret. A simple phone call to royal mail and they would disclose it.

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by stevhill

Hi. Can someone clarify this ruling for me please.
Does it apply to Sole Traders at all? If so, is a PO Box acceptable?

Are you selling directly from your website? If it's just a portfolio site (and no sale takes place there) there may be no need to display your address. You should however disclose it to the client later - before the transaction takes place.

[stevhill]

Hi and thanks to all for the input.

I will not be selling directly from the site. I am setting up as a sole trader Web Designer, and the site will be to describe my services, showcase my portfolio (when I have one) and also an ongoing blog for my clients and anyone else with an interest.

I was considering adding the ability to pay by PayPal somewhere on the site. Would that constitute distance-selling?

I'm grateful for any advice, as some of this seems a bit excessive for a small (one-man) business. However, if it's necessary, it's necessary.

I realize that my address can be got from contacting Royal Mail about the PO Box. This was just to discourage casual callers from turning up at my door. Although, I'm beginning to wonder if the PO Box was unnecessary now. I don't really want to pay £20 or £30 a month for one of the Virtual Address options though. I'm already paying for a non-geo phone number.

Any advice on what is really necessary for me is appreciated. Thanks again.

[SALGADO INVESTIGATIONS]

Originally Posted by stevhill

Hi and thanks to all for the input.

I will not be selling directly from the site. I am setting up as a sole trader Web Designer, and the site will be to describe my services, showcase my portfolio (when I have one) and also an ongoing blog for my clients and anyone else with an interest.

I was considering adding the ability to pay by PayPal somewhere on the site. Would that constitute distance-selling?

I'm grateful for any advice, as some of this seems a bit excessive for a small (one-man) business. However, if it's necessary, it's necessary.

I realize that my address can be got from contacting Royal Mail about the PO Box. This was just to discourage casual callers from turning up at my door. Although, I'm beginning to wonder if the PO Box was unnecessary now. I don't really want to pay £20 or £30 a month for one of the Virtual Address options though. I'm already paying for a non-geo phone number.

Any advice on what is really necessary for me is appreciated. Thanks again.

What do you sell? Personally i would just use your own address. On your web site specify that "callers by appointmentl only". Most 99/100 would not call on you anyway. nor would they check you out but a determined seeker would always be able to find you.

[stevhill]

I will be selling websites and blogs, with custom designs, primarily to small businesses, charities, clubs, etc.

I'm still unclear as to whether it is necessary to include any address information on the website or not.

[SALGADO INVESTIGATIONS]

Originally Posted by stevhill

I will be selling websites and blogs, with custom designs, primarily to small businesses, charities, clubs, etc.

I'm still unclear as to whether it is necessary to include any address information on the website or not.

you need to include it if you are a ltd co or you are selling from the site. If a sole trader, tyou need to include the phrase, "Name Surname trading as Name of company" [insert you name and company name] You can use your po box as the address.

[stevhill]

So you would recommend that I do include the PO Box address on the site?

[SALGADO INVESTIGATIONS]

Originally Posted by stevhill

So you would recommend that I do include the PO Box address on the site?

I would personally get rid of the po box as i believe that it might affect your potential customers confidence in you and it doesn't really give you any security so why pay for it.

Most sole traders work from home, its not a problem. I am a sole trader and i work from home. However security is important to me due to the nature of my business. I use a virtual address, security is improved. But a dtermined seeker would always be able to find me unless i went to great lengths not to be found.