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Have you ever considered the accessibility of your online store? It might sound like a dry topic (keyword: BFSG — Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz), but trust us, it's so much more than that! It's about opening your digital door to everyone. In this article, we'll explore the world of accessibility in e-commerce and explain why it's worth the effort, despite the occasional hurdle.
In this post, we explore the world of e-commerce accessibility and explain why it's worth pursuing, despite the occasional hurdle.
Imagine that you want to buy something online, but the store is designed in a way that makes it impossible for you to use.
Frustrating, isn't it? Millions of people experience this every day when online stores have barriers. Accessibility means digital products and services can be used by everyone, regardless of physical limitations, visual or hearing impairments, or cognitive weaknesses.
If we don't break down barriers, we unknowingly exclude large portions of our society. This includes people who use screen reader software, rely on subtitles, or have difficulty with complex navigation structures. It's not only a matter of fairness, but also of economic common sense, to include this group.
Many online store operators have overlooked an important point: As of June 28, 2025, they will be legally required to comply with the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG). This affects online retailers offering products and services under EU Directive 2019/882. This includes e-commerce services, such as selling products or providing digital services online. Therefore, it's not only a matter of customer friendliness, but also of compliance. Ignoring this obligation could result in fines or warnings. Therefore, it is doubly worthwhile to take action now!
Create an inclusive shopping experience and establish a legally secure online presence. We'll help you assess and implement accessibility.
If your shop is not yet perfectly barrier-free, you are not alone. Many existing online shops face similar challenges. Below are some of the most common barriers we see time and time again:
Breaking down barriers is a win-win situation. Not only will you reach a larger group of potential customers who otherwise wouldn't be able to use your shop, but you will also attract people who want to use your offer in a noisy environment without sound. This includes not only people with disabilities, but also older individuals, those with temporary limitations (e.g., a broken arm), and people who simply prefer to use your services in a quiet environment.
But it goes beyond mere reach. By making your shop barrier-free, you demonstrate that inclusion is important to you as a brand and company. You demonstrate your commitment to including everyone and your dedication to ensuring access to your products and services. This builds trust, strengthens your brand, and gives you a competitive advantage. Imagine being the first choice for people who feel excluded elsewhere!
It's important to note that accessibility is not a one-time task. It is an ongoing process. In order to recognize and remove barriers, you have to put yourself in different perspectives again and again.
We have internalized the tips and understand what it takes to achieve true accessibility. No matter if it's a shop, website, or social media, we'll help you remove digital barriers and reach more people.
This is a major obstacle, especially if you're using Shopify. Third-party apps often don't meet accessibility requirements. This can be frustrating because you want to use all the features the Shopify ecosystem offers.
We would clearly like to see more initiative on the part of app providers here! It would be fantastic if accessibility was firmly anchored in development right from the start and apps would meet BFSG requirements as standard. That would make work much easier for all of us!
Accessibility is not a chore; it's a huge opportunity. By removing barriers from your online shop, you can reach more people, attract new target groups, and establish yourself as a responsible, inclusive brand. Furthermore: Since June of this year, it has been a duty for many operators!
It's a process, not a one-time task, to get there. However, every small step brings you closer to achieving a truly accessible shop for everyone. Doesn't that sound fair?
Accessibility extends beyond the online shop and the BFSG obligation. Your website, social media posts, newsletters, and digital services should be accessible to everyone, too. This is how you foster genuine participation, build a stronger brand, and connect with a broader audience — without any barriers.
Don't wait until fines or warnings become imminent. Start implementing the BFSG requirements today to open your shop to all customers. We will support you every step of the way, from analysis to complete implementation, ensuring a practical, legally secure process that considers your brand.