What Every E-Commerce Founder Should Know About Terms & Conditions

Why Terms & Conditions (T&Cs) Matter

Terms & Conditions might feel like boring fine print, but in reality, they’re one of the most powerful tools e-commerce founders have. They set the rules of engagement, and when done right, they can:

• Limit your liability

• Prevent misuse of your website or services

• Protect your intellectual property

• Set expectations with customers (and win disputes)

Think of them as your digital handshake, but written by a lawyer who knows what to expect when things go wrong.

What Your T&Cs Should Include

Here are the key elements your e-commerce T&Cs should never skip:

1. Payment Terms

• What payment methods are accepted?

• When is payment collected?

• What happens in the case of failed transactions?

2. Shipping & Delivery

• Timeframes and possible delays

• Shipping jurisdictions

• Responsibility once the package is in transit

3. Returns, Refunds & Cancellations

• Your refund policy (including digital goods or personalized items)

• Conditions for product returns

• How long customers have to make a claim

4. Intellectual Property Protection

• Clearly state that your logo, brand name, and content are yours

• Forbid users from reusing product images or text

5. Limitation of Liability

• Outline what you’re not responsible for (e.g. third-party delays, external payment providers)

• Helps reduce exposure to legal claims

6. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

• Decide in advance where and how disputes will be handled (e.g. arbitration, your jurisdiction)

• This saves massive time and money later

Common Mistakes E-Commerce Founders Make

Using a template without customization: Generic terms can leave gaps that won’t hold up in court.

• Copy-pasting from another site: Risky and often legally invalid.

• Not keeping them updated: Laws change — your terms should, too.

At Everfort Legal, we build T&Cs specifically for e-commerce businesses, tailored to your niche, customer base, and operational setup. No generic templates. No missing clauses.