.png)
Do you want to sell cosmetic products online?
If so, we have great news: regulations can be an asset!
There are many misconceptions about cosmetic regulations and how they apply to selling cosmetics online. Most people think that it is incredibly difficult to create a site to sell cosmetics...
Don't worry, we'll help you figure it out.
1. Know the basics
When selling products online, there are two main things to consider: the country or region you're in and whether your product is regulated or not.
In France, the sale of products online is governed by the so-called LCEN law (law of June 21, 2004 on electronic commerce). This law defines the behavior of websites and the information they must contain. It also indicates which types of products can be sold online in France.
If you are in Europe, your product must comply with European regulations.
Again, most of the products sold today comply with these standards!
.
2. Stay legal
The website must include certain information, which will be grouped in the legal mentions
-Company name,
-registration number,
e-mail/phone number of the company,
-VAT identification number...
etc
Note: Failure to comply with this information obligation is punishable by 1 year's imprisonment and a €75,000 fine for sole proprietorships (including micro-entrepreneurs). The fine is increased to 375 000 € for companies (SARL, SA, SAS, etc.). |
There are also the general terms and conditions of sale (GTCs) which govern commercial relations. They inform your customers, in a legible and understandable way, of their rights and obligations when selling your products and/or services.
For a contract concluded at a distance, articles L121-16 L121-20 of the Consumer Code also apply.
The general conditions of sale must be well written and include
- The basic information (pre-contractual) such as: price, list of ingredients, precautions for use.
- The treatment of personal data: inform the Internet user and obtain his consent (Newsletter, cookies)
- Sales contract and delivery time (order entry, order confirmation, delivery time)
- Means of payment: payment can be made at the time of order or delivery by credit card, check, bank transfer, electronic wallet (eg Paypal, Paylib, Apple Pay), SMS ... etc.
- The right of withdrawal: The consumer can cancel orders within 14 days of purchase, return items without reason and be refunded. But for cosmetic products it should be noted that the right of withdrawal can not be applied if the product has been unwrapped after delivery for reasons of hygiene and health. (Articles L121-28 of the Consumer Code).
3. Why is selling cosmetics online a good business opportunity?
The Internet has changed our lives in many ways, and one of them is the ability to buy products from almost anywhere in the world. The Internet has made it much easier for people to find what they want quickly and easily, which has led to an explosion in online shopping.
But also, selling cosmetics online is a great opportunity, as it's an easy way to get your products out there and into the hands of people who can't get to a physical store for one reason or another. On top of that, it's also an inexpensive way to do business. You don't have to pay rent, employees, or any of the other costs associated with running a physical store.
So take the plunge and start selling cosmetics online!