Selling point Do you sell at a distance? Make sure you know your contractual obligations The Consumer Contracts Regulations cover the sale of goods, services or digital content where there is no face-to-face contact with customers. Here’s a basic overview: 1. You must provide consumers with certain information before the contract is made – this includes details of cancellation. 2. You must obtain the consumer’s clear agreement if you want to charge for additional items (no pre-ticked boxes in the contract). 3. Customer helplines must cost no more than the basic call rate. 4. You have new obligations on delivery, including the point at which the consumer becomes responsible for the goods. In addition to complying with these regulations, you still have to ensure you honour the consumer’s statutory rights under The Consumer Rights Act. For example, goods or digital content should be of a satisfactory quality, as described, and fit for purpose – or, if you provide services, they must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, and within a reasonable charge. Full, in-depth guidance on distance selling can be found on the Business Companion website. Distance selling Winter 2015 Diversification Farm diversification is not new. In recent years, however, more and more rural businesses have been looking at alternative options to support the growth of their business and generate income outside of traditional farming practices. The type of diversification varies and depends upon past business success and the location of the business. Typically, diversification has included offering bespoke food products, changing disused farm buildings into tourist accommodation and developing tourist activities on agricultural land. Regardless of the venture you decide to undertake, if you are thinking of diversifying, contact Trading Standards. We can help you to understand the legislation you may need to comply with. For example, in self-catering accommodation, all the furniture must be safe, and upholstered items should comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. All electrical equipment must be safe and adequately maintained, and any new or second-hand gas appliances must be installed correctly and checked for safety on an annual basis. Where you offer activities such as horse riding or quad biking – or simply play equipment – the activities should be located in a safe environment, and you should provide protective equipment that is well maintained and fit for the purpose. You may decide to expand into a completely different area – such as becoming a wedding venue – in which case, we can offer advice on the descriptions you apply to your venue and suitable terms and conditions for consumer contracts. These will ensure consumers are not misled and contracts are enforceable. We can also signpost you to other agencies that may have an impact on what you would like to do – such as the planning department of the relevant council, or your local environmental health department. Your local trading standards department will actively support compliant business growth and will be able to offer you impartial advice on how the law applies to you. For further information, visit your local Trading Standards Service via www.centsa.org.uk Credit: Stephanie Young David Hughes / shutterstock Field of dreams Changing your business from farming to something completely different can make sense financially, but there’s lots you need to know Goods or digital content should be of a satisfactory quality, as described, and fit for purpose Credit: Carrie Morris B Planet / shutterstock.