Partnership Agreement Template for E-commerce Businesses (UK 2025)
Last updated: February 2025
Why E-commerce Businesses Need a Partnership Agreement
E-commerce partnership agreements cover marketplace relationships, dropshipping arrangements, fulfilment partnerships, and co-selling agreements where two brands collaborate on products or promotions. These must address inventory risk allocation, returns handling between partners, brand standards for product listings, and customer service responsibility. The agreement should also cover data sharing for analytics and marketing, and the competitive restrictions that prevent partners from undercutting each other.
Key Clauses for E-commerce
- Inventory risk allocation and stock management responsibilities
- Returns handling, customer service, and complaint resolution
- Brand standards for product listings and marketing materials
- Competitive restrictions and pricing agreements between partners
Common Mistakes
- Not clearly allocating which partner bears inventory risk for unsold stock in dropshipping or consignment arrangements
- Failing to define who handles customer complaints and returns, creating a poor customer experience
Template Sections
- Inventory management and risk allocation
- Customer service and returns handling
- Brand standards and listing requirements
FAQ
Who bears inventory risk in an e-commerce partnership?
This depends entirely on the partnership model. In dropshipping, the supplier retains risk until dispatch. In consignment, risk typically transfers at the point of sale to the end customer. In wholesale, risk transfers on delivery to the partner. Your agreement must clearly specify the risk transfer point and insurance obligations for each party at each stage.
How should e-commerce partners handle customer returns?
Define a clear returns process specifying which partner the customer contacts, who processes the return, who bears the cost of return shipping, and the timeframe for refunds. For marketplace partnerships, the customer-facing partner typically handles the return experience while the supplying partner bears the product cost. Ensure the process complies with the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
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Get Started FreeThis is guidance for UK businesses, not legal advice. Templates are illustrative. Consult a solicitor for complex matters.
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