Closed my Shop
Sad but true, I decided today to close my online shops. An entry in one of the German blogs really put he fear into me. The legislation’s in Germany to run an online shop are beyond ridiculous. Anything you miss out in your Disclaimer can be held against you and you will have to pay hefty fines up to thousands if not more. It really depends on what you have done wrong, missed out …. I only just noticed that they are making changes at the start of 2009 for the packaging that is used and they are now bringing in a license that you will need in order to send stuff. Honestly, it is not worth the hustle. Lawyer actually specialize on trying to find the flaws and make you pay. This also goes for ebay. They sue for example mothers that sell their kids second hand clothes on a regular basis. This is already considered as a form of business which needs to be registered and with that all the legal writings need to be displayed on the page. She did not do that and was fined 650 Euros. When she tried to go against it she was taken to court and ended up paying 3000 Euros and still can be lucky there. I saw other fines which knocked me off my feet.
Even blogs are being targeted now and anything they find that is illegal will get the bill. That could be a quote of somebody’s writing, graphics that you use without permission ….
To put my own mind at rest I would like to hear what the legal requirements are like in your country. I see online shops with no disclaimer or legal information which should also include address and tax number. In Germany they would go down. What about the legal side of blogging when it comes to quotes, graphics …. I can’t really see what the big deal is AS LONG AS CREDIT is given. Not in Germany. Here you have to pay a license fee up to 5 digits.
I know these are all extreme cases, but we can’t afford the risk and just positive thinking won’t safe your butt.
Crafty Witch
December 4, 2008 at 11:12 am
Hi!
I am sorry, that you are closing your stores – but at the same time, I absolutly understand your reasoning. I am questioning the intention of these rules – lining the pocket of the goverment, or the mere concept of control? I am a German, living in the US, and things like this makes me deepen my commitment to live here.
I just hope that you will not at any time have to deal with these fines. Keep smart and safe
Blessed Be!
Claudia
December 4, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I think that things are getting completely out of hand in Germany. There is customer care and right so, but what is with the right and the protection for the seller? You don’t even get a warning but have to pay straight away. My friends husband keeps telling her as well not to do a blog which she only just stared. Things can go seriously wrong with just writing down an ‘innocent’ comment. Ridiculous!
We are now either moving to the UK or New Zealand. I just hope that both countries are a bit more relaxed or it will take the fun out of everything.
Crafty Witch
December 4, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I have something for you dear, just follow the link:
http://flying-cupcakes.blogspot.com/2008/12/girl-power-power-blog-award.html
December 6, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Oh my goodness!? How ridiculous!
I mean I knew of certain restictions but for placing art work…?
I agree with you that I thought just giving credit and linkingwas all that was needed.
Luckly the uk is not strict on this and most myspace pages to blogs are left alone regardless unless the owner picks a fight.
Though you will be okay because you use mostly your own images.
Interesting law and post tho
December 8, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I have even changed the sidebar and rather use my own photos. Just in case somebody will get picky, but I also find it good to say that I only use my own stuff. Well, nearly. The fluffy bunny is not mine ;o).
Crafty Witch