Business basics — answers to your common retail problems

Free offer
Question A competitor is drawing away some of my business. In order to get this custom back I plan to stage a number of free offers. I imagine my competitor will pounce if he sees me breaking the law, so just how far can I go to draw attention to my business?

Answer Avoid doing or saying anything that may mislead your customers.

You should make it clear exactly what they will have to buy to get the “free” offer and what they will be getting for their money. If you give any indication of the monetary value of the offer, and that sum is not your own current price for the product, you may need to explain why.

You also need to spell out the main point of any conditions you might impose and make it clear to consumers where they can get full details before they buy. You will not be able to claim that an offer is “free” if you have inflated the price of any product involved.

If in doubt seek advice from your local trading standards office.

Licence to copy
Question Do we need a licence to circulate copies of newspaper cuttings for internal use?

Answer You do indeed, and this includes e-mailing, faxing, scanning and photocopying.

You can find out more from

Newspaper Licensing Agency
telephone 01892 525 273
e-mail copy@nla.co.uk
website www.nla.co.uk