General terms and conditions of sale
Last updated: 25/11/2025
The general terms and conditions of sale (GTC) constitute an essential legal framework for any commercial transaction. They define the rights and obligations of the parties involved, namely the seller and the buyer. These conditions are crucial for ensuring transparency and trust in business relationships.
In general, the terms and conditions should include information about the products or services offered, ordering procedures, prices, payment methods, delivery times, and return and refund conditions. For example, it is common to indicate whether the displayed prices include VAT and to specify the applicable delivery charges.
The payment terms must be clearly stated. This includes accepted payment methods, such as credit cards, bank transfers, or online payment systems. Furthermore, it is important to mention payment processing times and the consequences of non-payment.
Regarding delivery, the terms and conditions must specify estimated delivery times, geographical areas served, and liability in case of loss or damage during transport. Statistics show that approximately 20% of customers abandon their shopping carts due to delivery costs deemed too high or delivery times too long.
Return and refund policies are also a fundamental aspect of the terms and conditions. It is essential to specify the period during which a customer can return a product, the conditions for accepting returns, and the refund process. For example, a 14-day return policy is common in many sectors, allowing customers to change their minds after purchase.
Finally, the terms and conditions must include clauses relating to the protection of personal data, in accordance with applicable regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. This ensures that customer information is processed securely and respectfully.
In summary, the terms and conditions of sale are an essential document that protects both the seller and the buyer. They must be written clearly and precisely to avoid any misunderstandings and guarantee a positive shopping experience.