Marketing and selling

Marketing matters. Marketing drives sales for businesses of all sizes by ensuring that customers think of their brand when they want to buy.

You must make sure your marketing activities comply with consumer protection regulations. Any email marketing is also separately regulated.

Treating customers fairly and honestly is good for your reputation, helping retain existing customers, attract new ones and build customer loyalty.

Distance selling - by phone, email, mail order catalogues or your website - can be far more cost-effective than selling face to face.

Selling direct to customers is not always the most effective way to grow. Many businesses work with distributors or agents who sell on their behalf.

Importing and exporting can present exciting new business opportunities, from opening up new markets to sourcing unique or cheaper supplies.

Offering credit can be an effective way to boost sales. But most businesses that offer consumer credit must have a consumer credit licence.

Agents and distributors can be a great way to market your products, however there are risks and it's important to have a proper agreement in place.

How to get a licence to offer credit to consumers and businesses, drawing up a credit agreement and the costs and implications involved.

Distance selling rules apply to the sale of goods and services where there has been no face-to-face contact between the customer and your business.

Any business that handles and stores data and uses it for marketing purposes needs to make sure they're doing so legally.

You must display certain information on product labelling, including safety information for dangerous items. Packaging must meet legal requirements.

Product liability laws cover consumer goods and goods used in a workplace. If someone is injured by a defective product, they can sue for damages.

Online social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have moved into the business mainstream - but the law isn't always clear.

When selling online to individuals you must provide certain information to them and ensure they agree to your terms and conditions.

Buying from a supplier abroad can bring unique issues, including legal and cultural differences and transport problems. Our guide to the main issues.

Consumer Protection bans unfair commercial practices when dealing with consumers. Find out how to ensure you stay on the right side of the law.

Anti-spam law restricts the sending of unsolicited marketing emails to individual subscribers. Breaches can lead to fines of up to £5,000

Using a distributor can be an effective way to grow your business or launch new products quickly, but you need to manage the relationship carefully.

If your business sells to individuals or businesses without meeting them face to face, you must comply with consumer protection regulations.

Financial transactions can be full of jargon and technical language. Make sure you understand any credit agreement with this glossary.

Apply online for a Standard Individual Export Licence, and find out more information on when you need to apply and the documentation you will need.