Terms & Conditions for Shopping4Africa
Effective Date: 20 May 2025

Welcome to Shopping4Africa. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the platform.

1. Definitions

• Platform: Refers to the website https://shopping4africa.co.za, including its mobile applications and associated services.
• Vendor: A third-party seller who lists and sells products on the platform.
• User/Customer: Any individual or entity accessing the platform to browse or purchase products.
• We/Us/Our: Refers to Shopping4Africa.
• Product(s): Any item or service listed for sale on the platform.

2. Scope of the Platform

• Shopping4Africa operates as an online marketplace connecting Vendors with Users.
• The platform does not own, sell, or control the products listed by Vendors. Vendors are responsible for their listings, products, and customer service.

3. Account Registration

For Vendors:

• Vendors must provide accurate and complete business information during registration.
• Vendors agree to comply with the Vendor Agreement and all applicable laws.
• The platform reserves the right to approve, suspend, or terminate vendor accounts.

For Customers:

• Users must create an account to make purchases or access certain features.
• Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account information.

4. Prohibited Activities

Both Users and Vendors agree not to:

1. Engage in fraudulent activities, such as providing false information or selling counterfeit goods.
2. Post or distribute harmful, abusive, or illegal content.
3. Violate intellectual property rights.
4. Manipulate the platform’s ratings, reviews, or system.
5. Interfere with the platform’s operations, including hacking or introducing harmful software.

5. Transactions

• The platform facilitates transactions between Vendors and Users but is not a party to the sale.
• Vendors are responsible for fulfilling orders, handling returns, and providing refunds as per their policies.
• Payments are processed through third-party payment gateways. Users agree to the terms of these payment services.
• The platform is not liable for disputes between Vendors and Users.

6. Fees and Payments

• Vendors agree to pay applicable platform fees, including listing fees, commission, or transaction fees, as outlined in the Vendor Agreement.
• Users are responsible for paying the listed price, including any applicable taxes, shipping, or additional fees.

7. Shipping and Delivery

• Vendors are responsible for packaging and shipping products to Users within the specified time frame.
• Shipping fees, delivery timelines, and tracking are determined by the Vendor.
• The platform is not responsible for delays, damages, or losses during shipping.

8. Refunds and Returns

• Refunds and returns are governed by the Vendor’s policies, which should be clearly stated in their listings.
• Vendors are required to comply with applicable consumer protection laws.
• The platform may assist with disputes but is not responsible for resolving them.

9. Intellectual Property

• All content on the platform, including logos, trademarks, and design, is the property of Shopping4Africa or its licensors.
• Vendors retain ownership of their product images and descriptions but grant the platform a non-exclusive license to use them for promotional purposes.
• Users and Vendors must not use copyrighted or trademarked materials without proper authorization.

10. Limitation of Liability

• Shopping4Africa is not liable for:
  • Product defects or misrepresentation by Vendors.
  • Losses, damages, or injuries arising from product use or delayed delivery.
  • Unauthorized transactions or account misuse due to User negligence.
• The platform’s liability is limited to the fees received for facilitating the transaction.

11. Privacy Policy

Your use of the platform is subject to our Privacy Policy, which outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal data.

12. Suspension and Termination

• The platform may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms or engage in fraudulent or prohibited activities.
• Vendors may terminate their accounts by providing written notice, but outstanding obligations (e.g., fees) must be settled.

13. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Centurion, Pretoria.

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Users and Vendors will be notified of significant changes, which will take effect upon posting.

15. Contact Us

For any questions or concerns about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

• Email: support@shopping4africa.co.za
• Phone: 082 338 2575

By using Shopping4Africa, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.

Vendor Agreement

Effective Date: 20 May 2025

This Vendor Agreement (“Agreement”) is made between Shopping4Africa (“Platform”) and the vendor registering to sell products or services on the Platform (“Vendor”). By signing up as a vendor on Shopping4Africa, you agree to the terms outlined below. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not register or use the Platform to sell your products or services.

1. Vendor Registration and Obligations

1.1 Registration Requirements

• Vendors must provide accurate and complete information during registration, including legal name, business name, address, tax identification number, and banking details.
• Vendors must maintain up-to-date account information at all times.

1.2 Compliance

• Vendors must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws, including tax regulations, consumer protection laws, and intellectual property laws.

1.3 Product Listings

• Vendors are responsible for ensuring that all product descriptions, prices, images, and specifications are accurate, complete, and not misleading.
• Prohibited items (e.g., counterfeit goods, illegal products, or restricted items) must not be listed on the Platform.

1.4 Order Fulfilment

• Vendors are solely responsible for fulfilling orders, including packaging, shipping, and meeting the specified delivery timelines.

1.5 Customer Support

• Vendors must handle customer inquiries, complaints, and return requests in a professional and timely manner.

2. Fees and Payments

2.1 Platform Fees

• Vendors agree to pay platform fees, including, transaction fees, and commissions, as outlined in the fee schedule provided during registration.
• Fees may be deducted automatically from the Vendor’s payouts.

2.2 Payouts

• Payments for completed sales (minus applicable fees) will be transferred to the Vendor’s designated bank account within the payment timeline specified by the Platform.
• Shopping4Africa reserves the right to withhold payouts in cases of disputes, chargebacks, or suspected fraudulent activities.

2.3 Refunds and Chargebacks

• Vendors are responsible for covering costs associated with refunds, chargebacks, or returns initiated by customers, as per the Vendor’s stated return policies and applicable laws.

3. Product Quality and Authenticity

3.1 Standards

• Vendors must ensure that all products sold on Shopping4Africa are of high quality, authentic, and meet the descriptions provided in the listings.

3.2 Prohibited Items

• Vendors must not list or sell counterfeit goods, stolen items, hazardous materials, or any products prohibited by applicable laws or Shopping4Africa policies.

3.3 Compliance with Regulations

• Vendors are responsible for ensuring that their products comply with safety, labelling, and other legal requirements.

4. Intellectual Property

4.1 Vendor Content

• Vendors retain ownership of the product images, descriptions, and other content they upload to Shopping4Africa.
• Vendors grant Shopping4Africa a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use this content for promotional and operational purposes.

4.2 Prohibited Content

• Vendors must not upload or use content that infringes on third-party intellectual property rights, including copyrighted images or trademarks.

5. Platform Rights

5.1 Account Suspension or Termination

• Shopping4Africa reserves the right to suspend or terminate a Vendor’s account for:
  • Violations of this Agreement or the Platform’s policies.
  • Fraudulent, unethical, or illegal activities.
  • Excessive customer complaints or poor service performance.

5.2 Policy Updates

• Shopping4Africa may update its policies, including fees, terms, and conditions, at any time with prior notice to Vendors.

5.3 Right to Monitor

• Shopping4Africa reserves the right to monitor product listings, transactions, and vendor activities to ensure compliance with this Agreement.

6. Dispute Resolution

6.1 Customer Disputes

• Vendors are responsible for resolving disputes with customers in a timely manner. Shopping4Africa may assist in mediating disputes but is not liable for their resolution.

6.2 Platform Disputes

• Any disputes between the Vendor and Shopping4Africa shall be resolved through good-faith negotiations. If unresolved, disputes shall be subject to the governing law outlined in Section 9.

7. Confidentiality

• Vendors agree to keep confidential any non-public information received from Shopping4Africa, including customer data, platform features, or business practices.
• Vendors must not share, sell, or misuse customer data for purposes outside fulfilling orders.

8. Indemnification

• Vendors agree to indemnify and hold harmless Shopping4Africa, its affiliates, and employees from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
  • Non-compliance with this Agreement or applicable laws.
  • Product defects, misrepresentation, or other vendor-related issues.
  • Intellectual property infringement.

9. Governing Law

• This Agreement is governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of Centurion, Pretoria.

10. Term and Termination

10.1 Term

• This Agreement begins upon Vendor registration and remains in effect until terminated by either party.

10.2 Termination by Vendor

• Vendors may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing written notice to Shopping4Africa, provided all outstanding obligations (e.g., fees, orders) are settled.

10.3 Termination by Platform

• Shopping4Africa may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect if the Vendor violates any terms or policies or engages in prohibited activities.

11. Entire Agreement

• This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Vendor and Shopping4Africa and supersedes all prior agreements.

By registering as a Vendor on Shopping4Africa, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Vendor Agreement.

For any questions or assistance, contact us at:
email: support@shopping4africa.co.za
phone: 082 338 2575

Return and Refund Policy for Shopping4Africa

Effective Date: 20 May 2025

 This Return and Refund Policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for returns and refunds on Shopping4Africa (hereinafter referred to as “the Platform”). This policy applies to all purchases made through the Platform from our valued third-party Vendors.

Our Commitment:

At Shopping4Africa, we strive to ensure a positive shopping experience for all our customers. We facilitate transactions between buyers and independent Vendors. While each Vendor may have their own specific return and refund nuances (which should be clearly stated on their individual product pages and/or Vendor storefront), this policy provides a general framework governing returns and refunds on the Platform.

1. General Conditions for Returns:

To be eligible for a return, generally, the item must be:

• Unused and in the same condition that you received it.
• In its original packaging with all tags and labels attached.
• Accompanied by a proof of purchase (e.g., order confirmation email, receipt).

Items generally NOT eligible for return include (unless defective or otherwise required by law):

• Perishable goods (e.g., food, flowers).
• Digital products (e.g., software, downloadable content) that have been downloaded or accessed.
• Intimate or sanitary goods (e.g., underwear, swimwear, earrings) for hygiene reasons.
• Personalized or custom-made items.
• Gift cards.
• Items marked as “non-returnable” or “final sale” on the product page.

2. Reasons for Returns:

Customers may request a return for the following reasons:

• Item is defective, damaged, or faulty: If the item you received is not working as intended, is damaged in transit, or has a manufacturing defect.
• Incorrect item received: If you received a different item than what you ordered.
• Item not as described: If the item significantly differs from the product description, images, or specifications provided on the Platform.
• Change of mind (Vendor-dependent): Some Vendors may accept returns if you have simply changed your mind about the purchase. Please check the individual Vendor’s return policy, typically found on the product page or their storefront. “Change of mind” returns are often subject to stricter conditions and may incur return shipping costs for the customer.

3. Initiating a Return:

To initiate a return, please follow these steps:

• Contact the Vendor Directly: The quickest way to resolve a return request is often to contact the Vendor from whom you purchased the item. You can usually do this through your order history on the Platform or via the contact information provided on the Vendor’s storefront.
• Through the Shopping4Africa Platform: If you are unable to resolve the issue directly with the Vendor, or if the Vendor’s policy is unclear, you can initiate a return request through your Shopping4Africa account within 7 days of receiving your order.
  • Log in to your Shopping4Africa account.
  • Go to your “Order History.”
  • Select the order containing the item you wish to return.
  • Click on the “Request Return” or similar button.
  • Provide a clear reason for the return and upload any supporting evidence (e.g., photos of damage).

4. Return Process and Timeframes:

• Vendor Review: Once a return request is submitted, the Vendor will review it within 7 business days. The Vendor will assess the request based on their individual return policy and this general Platform policy.
• Return Approval/Rejection: The Vendor will notify you of the approval or rejection of your return request.
  • If approved: You will receive instructions on how to return the item, including the return shipping address.
  • If rejected: The Vendor will provide a reason for the rejection. If you disagree with the Vendor’s decision, you may escalate the issue to Shopping4Africa for dispute resolution (see Section 7).
• Shipping the Item Back:
  • Pack the item securely in its original packaging, if possible.
  • Ship the item back to the address provided by the Vendor within 7 days of return approval.
  • It is recommended to use a trackable shipping service, as neither Shopping4Africa nor the Vendor is responsible for items lost or damaged during return transit if not properly shipped or tracked.
• Return Shipping Costs:
  • Defective, Damaged, Incorrect, or Not as Described Items: In these cases, the Vendor is generally responsible for covering the reasonable cost of return shipping. The Vendor will either provide a prepaid shipping label or reimburse you for the shipping costs upon receipt and inspection of the returned item.
  • Change of Mind Returns (if accepted by the Vendor): The customer is typically responsible for the cost of return shipping. This will be outlined in the Vendor’s specific policy.
• Inspection of Returned Item: Upon receiving the returned item, the Vendor will inspect it within 7 business days to ensure it meets the return conditions.

5. Refunds:

• Refund Eligibility: Once the returned item is received and inspected by the Vendor, and if the return is approved, a refund will be processed.
• Refund Method: Refunds will generally be issued to the original method of payment used for the purchase. In some cases, store credit or an alternative refund method may be offered, subject to your agreement and the Vendor’s policy.
• Refund Amount:
  • For defective, damaged, incorrect, or not-as-described items, a full refund of the item price and any initial shipping charges will typically be issued.
  • For “change of mind” returns, the refund may be for the item price only, and original shipping charges may not be refunded. Restocking fees may also apply, as per the Vendor’s policy.
• Refund Timeline:
  • Once the Vendor approves the refund, they will process it within 7 business days.
  • Please note that it may take an additional 3 – 5 business days for the refund to reflect in your bank account or on your credit card statement, depending on your financial institution.
  • Shopping4Africa will facilitate the refund process, but the actual transfer of funds is typically handled between the Vendor and the customer, or through the Platform’s payment gateway.

6. Exchanges:

• Exchanges are generally handled on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the individual Vendor’s policy.
• If you wish to exchange an item, please contact the Vendor directly to inquire about their exchange process. It may be necessary to return the original item for a refund and place a new order for the desired item.

7. Dispute Resolution:

• Shopping4Africa encourages buyers and Vendors to resolve return and refund issues amicably.
• If you are unable to reach a resolution with the Vendor after 10 days, or if you believe a Vendor is not adhering to their stated policy or this Platform policy, you can escalate the dispute to Shopping4Africa Customer Support by emailing support@shopping4africa.co.za or through your account.
• Shopping4Africa will review the dispute, gather information from both parties, and make a fair and reasonable determination based on the available evidence and policies. The decision made by Shopping4Africa in such disputes will be final and binding on both the customer and the Vendor.

8. Vendor Responsibilities:

• Vendors are responsible for clearly stating their individual return and refund policies on their product pages and/or Vendor storefronts. These policies must, at a minimum, comply with this Shopping4Africa Return and Refund Policy and all applicable laws.
• Vendors must respond to return requests, and process returns and refunds in a timely manner as outlined in this policy.
• Vendors must accurately describe their products and ensure items are shipped as advertised.

9. Customer Responsibilities:

• Customers are responsible for reviewing the product description, Vendor policies, and this Platform policy before making a purchase.
• Customers must provide accurate information when initiating a return request.
• Customers must return items in the condition specified by this policy and the Vendor’s policy.

10. Policy Modifications:

Shopping4Africa reserves the right to modify this Return and Refund Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated policy on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new policy.

11. Contact Information:

If you have any questions about this Return and Refund Policy, please contact Shopping4Africa Customer Support at: support@shopping4africa.co.za

Thank you for shopping at Shopping4Africa!