Hey everyone! I'm looking to transition my vintage clothing sales from Etsy to my own Shopify website. I haven't hired a web developer yet, but I want someone who can create a straightforward, feminine website inspired by 1919 Vintage and Adored Vintage. I'm concerned about ADA compliance after hearing that many small business owners are facing lawsuits over this issue. My plan is to start with the basics to make my site compliant, then gradually add features each month until I reach full compliance. My budget for this project is $500, but I'm unsure if that's realistic.
What specifically should I ask the developer to ensure my website meets ADA standards? Should I provide them with a checklist, or will they already know what I'm referring to? I also intend to buy a legal bundle that includes an ADA statement – can the developer integrate those statements onto the site? Should I consider blocking access to my site from places like California and Florida, where many lawsuits originate? And lastly, should I implement any features like a checkbox for agreement to terms to protect against lawsuits? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
It's best to tell your developer you need it to be at least WCAG 2.2 AA compliant; "ADA compliant" can be pretty vague. They might suggest performing manual user testing and can provide documentation confirming compliance when the project is done. Just remember, keeping it compliant after launch will be your responsibility!
I've seen some developers provide great examples of their past compliant sites. Make that a requirement before hiring!
Blocking sales to certain states might reduce lawsuits, but it also limits your customer base. It's a tricky choice! Instead, focus on making your site accessible. Also, the idea of having customers agree to terms before shopping won’t help much legally. They have the right to sue regardless of that agreement, especially if they encounter barriers on your site.
Totally agree. Plus, making your site accessible opens up your market to a wider audience—accessible businesses often attract more customers!
Exactly! Customers appreciate a business that is inclusive and accessible.
Buying an ADA legal bundle is a smart move, and yes, your developer can definitely add those statements to your site. Just keep in mind that maintaining compliance is not a one-time setup. You'll want to consistently make updates and improvements to your website as well.
Right! E-commerce platforms like Shopify do incorporate features for accessibility, but you'll still need to ensure the content you add is compliant.
And remember, just because the platform handles some things doesn't mean you're completely off the hook—design still matters!
Absolutely! Don't sweat it if you have to stay involved—compliance is an ongoing effort. Just ensure your developer gives you clear documentation.