Terms of Service

1. Introduction & Acceptance

Welcome to Thrifts. By accessing or using our platform ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Thrifts (Pty) Ltd, a company registered in the Republic of South Africa.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use our services. These Terms are governed by South African law, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 ("CPA") and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 ("ECTA").

2. About Thrifts

Thrifts is a peer-to-peer online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of pre-loved, vintage, and second-hand fashion items in South Africa. We facilitate transactions but are not a party to the sale agreement between buyers and sellers. We act as an intermediary service provider as defined under ECTA.

3. Eligibility

To use Thrifts, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• Be a resident of South Africa or have a valid South African delivery address
• Not be prohibited from using our services under any applicable law

By creating an account, you represent and warrant that you meet all eligibility requirements.

4. Account Responsibilities

• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorised access or security breach
• You may not transfer your account to another person without our written consent
• We reserve the right to suspend accounts that appear to be compromised

5. Seller Obligations

As a seller on Thrifts, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and honest descriptions of all items, including any defects or flaws
• Upload clear, genuine photographs of the actual item being sold
• Dispatch items within 3 business days of receiving payment (unless otherwise agreed)
• Use tracked and insured shipping methods where possible
• Comply with all applicable laws, including the CPA's requirements for fair dealing
• Not list counterfeit, stolen, or prohibited items
• Respond to buyer enquiries within 48 hours
• Accept returns for items that are "not as described" in accordance with CPA rights

CPA Compliance: Under the Consumer Protection Act, buyers have certain rights including the right to safe goods, the right to fair value, and the right to honest dealing. Sellers must honour these rights.

6. Buyer Obligations

• Complete payment promptly after committing to purchase
• Provide accurate shipping information
• Inspect items upon receipt and report issues within 7 days
• Communicate respectfully with sellers
• Not make false claims or initiate fraudulent disputes
• Report any issues through our official dispute resolution process

7. Fees and Payments

Listing: Free - there is no cost to list items on Thrifts.

Sales Commission: When you make a sale, Thrifts charges a 10% commission on the item price (excluding shipping).

Payment Processing: Payment processing fees are charged by our payment provider (Yoco) at their prevailing rates (currently 2.9% + R2 per transaction).

All prices on Thrifts are in South African Rand (ZAR) and include VAT where applicable.

8. Prohibited Items

The following items may not be listed or sold on Thrifts:

• Counterfeit or replica items (fake designer goods)
• Stolen property
• Items that infringe intellectual property rights
• Weapons, ammunition, or explosives
• Hazardous materials
• Adult content, pornography, or obscene materials
• Drugs, drug paraphernalia, or controlled substances
• Living creatures or animal products from protected species
• Items that promote hate, violence, or discrimination
• Medical devices or prescription items
• Any items prohibited by South African law

We reserve the right to remove any listing and suspend accounts that violate these rules.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on Thrifts, including our logo, design, and software, is owned by Thrifts (Pty) Ltd or our licensors. You may not copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission. When you upload content (photos, descriptions), you grant us a non-exclusive licence to use that content to operate and promote the Platform.

10. Dispute Resolution

We encourage buyers and sellers to resolve disputes directly through our messaging system. If you cannot reach a resolution:

1. Contact our support team through the app or at support@thrifts.co.za
2. Provide all relevant documentation (messages, photos, tracking information)
3. We will review the dispute and may request additional information
4. We will make a decision within 7 business days

Our decision is final in most cases, but this does not limit your rights under the CPA to approach the National Consumer Commission or other regulatory bodies.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Thrifts acts as a marketplace facilitator and is not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of items listed by users
• We do not guarantee that items will be accurately described or that sellers will fulfil their obligations
• We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Our total liability to you shall not exceed the fees you have paid to us in the past 12 months

These limitations do not affect your statutory rights under the CPA, which cannot be limited or excluded.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Thrifts, its directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any third-party rights.

13. Account Suspension & Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

• Violate these Terms or our policies
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
• Receive multiple complaints from other users
• Fail to complete transactions in good faith
• Create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions

You may delete your account at any time through your account settings. Upon termination, you remain liable for any outstanding transactions or obligations.

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or through the Platform at least 14 days before they take effect. Continued use of Thrifts after the changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you should stop using the Platform and close your account.

15. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts. Nothing in these Terms limits your right to approach the National Consumer Commission, the National Consumer Tribunal, or other regulatory bodies.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

17. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us: