Terms & Conditions

Contents

Section 1. Introduction

1.1. Definition of Terms | 1.2. Scope | 1.3. Date of Commencement | 1.4. Your Relationship with the Company | 1.5. Consumers Only | 1.6. Business Relationship | 1.7. Use of Web Site Is Acceptance of Terms | 1.8. Disclaimer Regarding Content | 1.9. Applicable Law | 1.10. Severability Clause | 1.11. Choice of Forum | 1.12. Registered Users | 1.12.1. Registered User Requirements | 1.12.2. Registered User Restrictions | 1.13. Restrictions on those Associated with the Company

 

Section 2. Registered Users - Overarching Requirements, Rights and Obligations

 

2.1. Requirement to be Resident in Country of Usage | 2.2. Lone Registration | 2.3. Username | 2.4. Password | 2.5. Mobile Phone Number | 2.6. List Of Countries And Sites That May Use PLATFORM | 2.7. Right to Buy any Auctioned Product for the Winning Bid Price | 2.8. Right to be Notified if Company Determines Collusion | 2.9. Right to Unilaterally Terminate This Agreement | 2.10. Procedure for Return of Defective Product | 2.11. Right to the Return of Paid Credits and Closing Price in the Event of Auction Restarts | 2.12. Obligation to behave Honestly | 2.13. Obligation to Retain Username | 2.14. Obligation to Ensure Password Protected | 2.15. Obligation to Update Mobile Phone Number | 2.16. Obligation Never to transfer Account | 2.17. Obligation to Keep Payment Method Unique to Company Account | 2.17.1. Further clarification of User's Obligation to Keep Payment Method Unique to Company Account | 2.17.2. Exceptional Circumstances | 2.18. Obligation to Provide Proof of Identity (if Requested) | 2.19. Obligation to Notify the Company if Refusing to Provide Proof of Identity | 2.20. Obligation to Use Web Site Only When Resident in Host Country | 2.21. Obligation to Pay For Any Auction on which he holds the Winning Bid within the Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid | 2.22. Obligation to Contact the Company if Required | 2.23. Obligation to Examine any Products Won for Damage in Transit | 2.24. Right to have Buyer Protection lifted on fulfilling the requirements of the Buyer Protection procedure | 2.25. Right to have an Incorrect Earned Discount Corrected | 2.26. Permission Grants in relation to Promotional Material on behalf of Registered Users |

 

Section 3. The Company - Overarching Requirements, Rights and Obligations

 

3.1. Right to Change the Username of a Registered User | 3.2. Right to Verify Identity of Registered User | 3.3. Generic Right to Suspend Registered User | 3.4. Right to Suspend Registered User Re: Identity Requirements | 3.5. Right to Suspend Registered User Re: Mobile Phone Number | 3.6. Right Not to Accept an Offer to Buy in case of Technical Error | 3.6.1. Obvious Error | 3.6.2. Less Obvious Error | 3.6.3. Requirement for Company to Communicate Rejection | 3.6.4. Compensation Payable | 3.7. Right to Refuse Discussions with Non-Account Holders | 3.8. Right to Restrict Number of Accounts in any Particular Household | 3.9. Right to Investigate Auctions for Possible Collusion | 3.10. Right to Restart Auctions in the Event of Finding Collusion | 3.11. Right to Unilaterally Terminate This Agreement | 3.12. Right to Change Auction Times | 3.13. Right to Remove Auction | 3.14. Right to Amend the Winning Limits | 3.15. Right to Retain Product if Registered User does not pay for it within The Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid | 3.17. Right to Restart Auctions in the Event of Site Attack | 3.18. Right to Alter Terms and Conditions | 3.19. Right to Refuse 'But For' Correspondence |3.19.1. Right To Innovate 'Without Fear' | 3.20. Right to Indemnity for Exercise of Above Rights | 3.20.1. Right To Change The Earned Discount Expiry Time | 3.21. Obligation to Behave Honestly | 3.22. Obligation to Ensure No Interference by The Company In Auctions | 3.23. Obligation to Police The Web Site and Investigate Collusion | 3.24. Obligation to Notify Registered Users if Restarting any Auction | 3.25. Obligation to Inform All Registered Users if any changes to These Terms Are Made | 3.26. Obligation to deliver Auctions and Products Won on the Web Site | 3.27. Obligation To Sell Any Auctioned Product to the Registered User who holds the Winning Bid | 3.28. Right to Institute Buyer Protection | 3.29. Obligation to complete Buyer Protection procedure | 3.30. Right to hold Products won for 30 (Thirty) Days under Buyer Protection procedure | 3.31. Right to Void Contract For Purchase | 3.32. Spirit and Intention of Right to Void Contract for Purchase |3.33. Right to hold Buyer Protection Documents

 

Section 4. Products, Guarantees and Returns

4.1. Products | 4.2. Fit for Their Purpose | 4.3. Product Descriptions | 4.4. Product Images | 4.6. Incorrect Products | 4.7. Failure to Return a Faulty or Incorrect Product | 4.8. Liability for Personal Injury

 

Section 5. The Bidding Process

 

5.1. Bidding | 5.2. Auction Hours | 5.3. Credits Deducted | 5.4. Placing Instruction to Bid | 5.4.1. Manual Bidding | 5.4.2. Autobidding | 5.4.2.1. Failure of Autobid Tool | 5.4.2.2. Delays in Notification via Autobid Tool | 5.4.2.3. Technical Errors| 5.4.2.4. Right to Close Instruction to Place Autobids | 5.4.2.5. Autobid Closure | 5.4.3. Start Time and Price | 5.4.4. Timer Countdown | 5.4.5. Restart of Timer Countdown | 5.4.6. Increase in Bid Price | 5.4.7. Auction Winner | 5.4.7.1. Disputes over Auction Winner | 5.4.8. Contract for Sale/Purchase of Product | 5.4.9. International Auctions

 

Section 6. Credit Packages

 

6.1. Purchasing Credits | 6.2. Payment Process | 6.3. Payment Options | 6.4. Contract for the Purchase of a Credit Package| 6.5. Free Credits | 6.6. Free Credits Value | 6.7. Credits Validity | 6.8. Discount Codes | 6.9. Auto Top-up Feature |6.9.1. Spirit And Intention of the Auto Top-up Feature | 6.9.2. Auto Top-up Cap | 6.9.3. Auto Top-up Disable | 6.9.4. Example of Auto Top-up Operation | 6.9.5. Auto Top-up is Further Purchase Of Credits | 6.9.6. Liability for Failure of Auto Top-up | 6.10. Paid Credits | 6.10.1. Paid Credits Value | 6.10.2. Redeeming Paid Credits

 

Section 7. Winning An Auction

 

7.1. Notification, Acceptance and Payment of Won Auctions | 7.2. Information Provided on Win | 7.3. Required Steps to Receive Product | 7.4. Incomplete Payments

 

Section 8. Contractual Relationship and Cancellation of Account And/Or Product(s) Ordered

 

8.1. Overview | 8.2. When Contractual Relationship Comes Into Force Re: Individual Product | 8.3. Cancellation of Order |8.3.1. Cancellation of Order before Making Payment | 8.3.2. Cancellation of Order after Making Payment Before Product Shipped | 8.3.3.1. Exception for Audio/Video Recording and Software | 8.4. Cancellation Procedure | 8.5. Consequences of Cancellation | 8.5.1. Compensation if Registered User Unable to Return Product or Product is Damaged | 8.6. Preferred Manner of Cancellation | 8.7. Cancellation where Product Returned with Insufficient Postage | 8.8. Responsibility for Postage Costs | 8.9. Introduction | 8.10. Exclusions

 

Section 9. Delivery

 

9.1. Default Location | 9.2. Delivery Times | 9.3. Domestic Delivery | 9.4. International Delivery | 9.5. Delay | 9.6. Best Estimate Delivery Times | 9.7. Damage during Delivery | 9.8. Faulty Products | 9.9. Right To Withdraw From Distance Selling Contract For Any Reason | 9.10. Damages or Failures Due to Neglect by Registered User | 9.11. Problems with Supply Chain | 9.12. Products Lost In Transit

 

Section 10. Collusion

10.1. Definition of Collusion | 10.2. Investigating Collusion | 10.3. Evidence of Collusion | 10.4. Standard of Proof Required for Collusion | 10.5. Disputing Company's Claim of Collusion | 10.6. Disputed Claims | 10.7. Effect of Collusion | 10.7.1. No Evidence of Collusion | 10.7.2. Reasonable Evidence of Collusion | 10.7.3. Suspicion of Collusion

 

Section 11. Suspension

11.1. Reasons for Suspension | 11.2. Effect of Suspension 

 

Section 12. Site Attacks

12.1. Frequency of Site Attacks | 12.2. Results of Site Attack | 12.3. Disclaimer | 12.4. Site Attack Investigations 

 

Section 13. Requests For Refunds By Payment Providers

13.1. If Financial Institution Fails To Honor or Requests Return of Payment | 13.2. Return Administration Fee 

Section 15. Buy Now

 

15.1. Introduction | 15.2. Effect of Click on Buy Now | 15.3. Buy Now Available Throughout and After Auction | 15.3.1. Buy Now Unavailable | 15.4. Contract For Sale/Purchase of Product | 15.6. Spirit And Intention of Buy Now | 15.7. Buy Now Removal | 15.8. Earned Discount | 15.8.1. Spirit and Intention of Earned Discount Feature | 15.8.2. Earned Discount Operation | 15.8.3. Earned Discount Operation Example | 15.8.4. Expiration Of Earned Discount | 15.8.5. Other Forms Of Transaction Regarding Earned Discount | 15.8.6. Discount Codes Regarding Earned Discount

 

Section 16. Winning Limits

16.1. Winning Limit Restriction | 16.2. No Requirement for Notice 

 

 

 

 

Section 17. Any Claims

17.1. Legal Issues | 17.2. Counterclaims | 17.3. Liability for Reimbursement of Legal Expenses 

Section 18. Disclaimers

18.1. Meaning of Company in this Section | 18.2. Disclaimers Regarding Information on Products and Services | 18.3. Disclaimer of Warranties | 18.4. Limitation of Liability 

 

Section 19. Intellectual Property Rights

19.1. Copyright Information and Personal & Non-Commercial Use Limitation | | 19.2. Trademarks | 19.3. Ideas and Inventions 

Section 20. External Links

20.1. Other Web Sites 

Section 21. Security

21.1. User's Responsibility To Restrict Access | 21.2. Obligation To Secure Password And Exit Sessions | 21.3. Monitoring Operations by Company 

Section 23. Indemnification

23.1. Indemnity Agreement 

Section 24. Waiver/Severability

24.1. When Strict Performance Of A Term Is Not Required 

Section 25. Notices

25.1. General 

Section 26. Entire Agreement

26.1. General 

Section 27. Section Titles For Convenience Only

27.1. Section Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 1. Introduction

1.1. Definition of Terms

Account means the general sense of the word; the collection of money, services, Credits (both Free and Paid) on behalf of a Registered User of the Web Site

Administration Fee means a fee that is charged to any Registered User for administration of his Account that occurs outside of the Company's main interests.This administration fee also covers delivery and any other fee charged by the company that is duly communicated to the account holder.

Auction refers to an electronic time-critical Auction of a Product, on which all Registered Users may Bid

AutoBids refers to the Bids that any Registered User may instruct the Web Site to automatically place on the user’s behalf.

Bid refers to the action of spending one or more Credits on an Auction, whereby each Bid increases the price of that Auction by one penny

Buy One Get One Free (BOGOF) means a special, promotional offer in relation to Credits and products. Note there are important provisions that apply to the use of this term throughout the Web Site.

The registeredCompanyname is …Technologies,

Credits refer to the PLATFORM store value points, which a Registered User may purchase, or otherwise acquire, in order to Bid on products and services Auctioned on the Web Site.

Earned Discount Expiry Timemeans 72 hours from the closure of an Auction.

Mother of all Bids is a Web Site subsidiary run by the Company

Non-Personal Information means, but is not limited to:

  1. the date a Registered User registered on the Web Site,
  2. the categories of Auction which a Registered User Bids upon,
  3. the Products won and bought by a Registered User,
  4. the Bids placed by a Registered User, and
  5. the time of day a Registered User is typically active on the Web Site.

Payment Optionsmeans the options available to a Registered User to pay for Auctions, Credits, Products or any Services supplied by the Company. The options available include but are not limited to; Credit Cards, Debit Cards,  Paypal and Call credits.

Product means any item, service, voucher, invitation or thing listed on the Web Site

Product Type means one of the four following types of Product: Platinum Product, Gold Product, Silver Product or Novelty Product

Promotion(s) means the different and varied invitations to purchase displayed on banners, in videos and through text which may be offered permanently and/or periodically by the Web Site. Promotions can include Buy One Get One Free offers(BOGOF), promotions which may give free prizes and promotions that give a percentage of extra Credits upon purchase of a particular Credit Package.

Registered User refers to any person that is duly registered as a User through the Web Site

Server Timer refers to the internal time keeping unit in the system.

Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid means any time within 72hours of a Winning Bid

Timer Countdown refers to the value the timer resets back to after a Bid is placed

Timer refers to the remaining time on the auction assuming no further Bid is placed

User refers to any person who places a Bid on any item on the Web Site

Winning Limitmeans the amount of Products a User may win within a certain time period. Further Winning Limits apply by Product Type.

Web Site includes the head site domain Domain.co.za, and all other generic sub-domains, including (but not limited to) .This definition encompasses all sites provided by the Company for use by guests and Users

My Account means the personalised section of the Web Site where Registered Users may edit their account and view their recent activity including wins, Credits spent, orders and order status

Winning Bid means the price of any Auction on which the Countdown Timer clocked zero

Winning Bidder means the Registered User who placed the Winning Bid on any Auction

1.2. Scope

Domain.com is an e-Commerce Web Site, run by the company which:

  1. Runs auctions on products and services,
  2. Supplies Products and services,
  3. Operates a market place, and

These represent the Company's main interests.

The Company's Web Site is designed to encourage elements of 'social bidding' and to ensure a level playing field for all Registered Users who wish to Bid on its Auctions.

1.3. Date of Commencement

These Terms and Conditions are valid from the 17th April 2018. All Registered Users who registered with the Web Site prior to this date, are required to accept these Terms and Conditions to continue to use the Company's Web Site. If registering for the first time after this date, a Registered User must have accepted these Terms and Conditions to begin use of the Company's Web Site.

1.4. Your Relationship with the Company

Registering on the Company's Web Site gives you the status of a Registered User. All Registered Users must therefore agree that these Terms and Conditions constitute the contractual relationship between the Company and the Registered User in relation to its Web Site.

Registration and use of the Web Site operated by the Company constitutes an acceptance by a Registered User of all of the Terms herein. These Terms constitute a legally-binding agreement between a Registered User and the Company. A Registered User is assumed to have read through and understood all terms and conditions stated in this document carefully. If Registered User violates any of these Terms and Conditions, they may be suspended from the Web Site.

If suspended from the Web Site, they will not be entitled to receive any item won or purchased from the Company and will forfeit any remaining Credits in their Account.

1.5. Consumers Only

This Contract only covers the parties it intends to. Non-consumers who are in a business relationship with the Company cannot avail themselves of any of the rights given under this Contract and it would be wholly inappropriate for them so to do.

1.6. Business Relationship

These Terms and Conditions apply exclusively to the business relationship between:

  1. the Company, including its Web Site, and
  2. its Registered Users.

 

1.7. Use of Web Site Is Acceptance of Terms

By using the Web Site, a Registered User fully accepts these Terms, as well as the manner in which the Company conducts its business activities. The Company does not recognise any other Terms and Conditions unless the Company has agreed to their validity in writing. The Company also reserves the right to change these Terms at any time, without prior notice to any of its Registered Users. In the event that Terms are changed, their effective date will be updated on this page, and Registered Users will be required to give their consent to using the Web Site in accordance with the updated Terms.

1.8. Disclaimer Regarding Content

None of the content on the Company's Web Site is intended to amount to advice. A Registered User should not place any reliance on it. The Company disclaims to the fullest extent permitted by law all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any content on the Web Site, including by any parties who may link to such content or even be informed of such content by third parties.

1.9. Applicable Law

Company's Headquarters is based in Randburg, Guateng. All contracts between Registered Users and the Company are ultimately subject to the laws of South Africa.

1.10. Severability Clause

These Terms are governed by the sole jurisdiction of South Africa. This Agreement excludes the UN Convention on the International Sale of Goods.

1.11. Choice of Forum

In the event of a dispute between a Registered User and the Company, a legal action may only be brought in the Courts in Gauteng.

1.12. Registered Users

1.12.1. Registered User Requirements

A Registered User must:

  1. be over the age of 16, and
  2. be able to enter into legally-binding contracts with the Company.

If a Registered User does not fulfil these requirements at time of registration then the contract will be voided in favour of the company. Furthermore, a User warrants, by registering with the Web Site, that he will provide a valid commercial/residential address to take delivery of the Products he wins or purchases.

1.12.2. Registered User Restrictions

A Registered User must not be:

  1. a person who has already registered with the Web Site (See further Section 2.2 (Lone Registration) and Section 2.12(Obligation to behave Honestly))
  2. a previously suspended Registered User of the site, who has re-registered; and/or
  3. a person in any way associated with the Company (see Section 1.13 (Restrictions on those Associated with the Company)); and/or
  4. resident outside of the country where he has registered (see further Section 2.1 (Requirement to be Resident in Country of Usage)).

If a Registered User is any of the above at time of agreement then the contract will be void.

1.13. Restrictions on those Associated with the Company

Those associated with the Company will, of necessity, be required to use the Web Site in order to fulfill the Company's obligations under Section 3 (The Company - Overarching Requirements, Rights and Obligations) of this Agreement.

However, it is expressly forbidden for a Company:

  1. employee,
  2. Director, or

to use the Web Site in the manner of a Registered User. An employee/ director relative may use the website but is expressly denied access to vital information which may aid or give undue advantage on bids and sales to the relative. Any Employee or Director who engages in divulging sensitive information of any kind will be liable to the fullest extent of the law as applicable.

No person who is associated with the Company under this section can agree to this Agreement, and none of the protections or rights herein are extended to a person associated with the Company.

The Company is committed to a level playing field for all Registered Users. Further information will be found in the pertinent agreements signed by all those associated with the Company.

Section 2. Registered Users - Overarching Requirements, Rights and Obligations

2.1. Requirement to be Resident in Country of Usage

A Registered User must use the version of the Company's Web Site tailored for the country where they are resident. For example, only residents of South Africa can use Domain.co.za Web Site. The Company filters all IP addresses used to access its different Web Sites. IP addresses from outside the country of operation can be blocked at the discretion of the company during operations such as Bidding and Buying Credits or Products. The prohibition extends to any user accessing any Web Site from any location outside the resident country of the company. Registered User who are on holiday outside of their resident country must not attempt to use the Company's services until they return from holiday.

Furthermore, if a Registered User has been suspended from the Web Site, but then physically moves to another country in which a different country Web Site operates, he must not attempt to become a Registered User in this new country.

It is strictly prohibited to Register, or to attempt to use any of the Company's services, from outside the country where a Registered User is resident. In the unlikely event that a Registered User is able to achieve this, his Account will be automatically terminated in accordance with Section 11. The effect of Suspension in this case will be as outlined in Section 11.2 (Effect of Suspension).

2.2. Lone Registration

A Registered User may not register more than once with the Company's Web Site. Multiple identities and accounts are banned.

 

2.3Username

A Registered User must choose a Username during the registration process. This Username must not be offensive or infringe the right of a third party. This Username must not be misleading, used to give opinions, or directly or indirectly solicit other Users of the Web Site to use the services of any other Company. Certain other obligations are created in respect of a Registered User’s Username in accordance with Section 2.13 (Obligation to Retain Username).

The Company has a right to change any Username which is in breach of this term. See Section 3.1 (Right to Change the Username of a Registered User).

 

2.4 Password

A Registered User select a Password for the Web Site during the registration process. This password must be kept secret. All Registered Users are liable for any activities undertaken using their Username and the associated password.

2.5. Mobile Phone Number

A Registered User may need to provide a mobile phone number from his resident during the registration process. This is done in order for the Company to authenticate him and allow him to become a Registered User of the Web Site.

2.6. List Of Countries And Sites That May Use Mother of All Bids

Individuals may register and use PLATFORM.com solely in the following countries:

  1. Nigeria
  2. Uganda
  3. Rwanda
  4. Ghana
  5. South Africa
  6. Kenya
  7. Ivory Coast

 

2.7. Right to Buy any Auctioned Product for the Winning Bid Price

A Registered User has the right to offer to buy any Product on which he placed the final Bid before the Auction Timer reaches zero. The Company has a corresponding obligation to sell that Product to him for the price of the final Bid (plus Shipping and Handling). See further under Section 3.27 (Obligation To Sell Any Auctioned Product to the Registered User who holds the Winning Bid).

2.8. Right to be Notified if Company Determines Collusion

A Registered User has the right to be notified if the Company concludes he has been guilty of Collusion. He has the right to be told why the Company believes he has colluded and why. He also has the Right to dispute the Company's claim using the procedure set out in Section 10.5 (Disputing Company's Claim of Collusion).

2.9. Right to Unilaterally Terminate This Agreement

A Registered User has the right to terminate this Agreement at any time. The Company provides the instructions on how to achieve this on its Web Site. Any effective communication in which a Registered User states he wishes to cancel his use of the Company's service (including telephone, e-mail or Registered Post) will terminate this Agreement. A Registered User has the right to cancel his account at any time, and the Company has no right to prolong the relationship.

2.10. Procedure for Return of Defective Product

A Registered User must e-mail returns@domain.co.za before sending the Product back to the Company.

He must also return:

  1. the entirety of the Product,
  2. all of the associated packaging and
  3. all warranty information.

See further stipulations under Section 8 (Contractual Relationship and Cancellation of Account And/Or Product(s) Ordered).

2.11. Right to the Return of Paid Credits and Closing Price in the Event of Auction Restarts

If the Company needs to restart an Auction in the event of a Site Attack (See Section 12 (Site Attacks)) or due to any other technical problem), a Registered User has the Right to the return of all Paid Credits he spent on an Auction.

There is no Right to the return of Free Credits.

Furthermore, if a Registered User received an automatic notification of his 'win' - and was able to complete the Payment Process, he has the right to the return of the closing price he paid, plus the Shipping and Handling costs.

2.12. Obligation to behave Honestly

The Company operates its Web Sites so that all Registered Users have the opportunity to win one or more Auctions in a 'level playing field' environment. All Registered Users are expected to behave honestly and fairly. The services of the Company are only provided to a Registered User whilst the Company retains trust in that Registered User to behave in this manner. The Company will suspend any Registered User who breaches this requirement underSection 11 (Suspension).

2.13. Obligation to Retain Username

A Registered User may change their username once, within the first seven days of registering on the Company's web site. After this period, a Registered User is obligated to retain that Username in respect of all of the Company's services. Only the company can decide a name change at its discretion at any time.

2.14. Obligation to Ensure Password Protected

A Registered User must keep his Web Site password secret. A Registered User is liable for any activities undertaken using his Username and the associated password.

2.15. Obligation to Update Mobile Phone Number

If a Registered User has informed the Company of his Mobile Phone Number during the Registration process, or via the My Accounts section and has asked for reminders of upcoming Auctions to be sent to him via sms, then this will occur. The Web Site tries at regular intervals for a maximum of 36 hours to deliver any SMS message. After this, it reports to the Company that the User was not contactable on that mobile. Further SMS messages will then not be sent to that Registered User.

The Company recognises that a Registered User may change his mobile phone and forget to inform the Company, with the above result. To start to receive SMS messages again, the User is placed under an obligation to update his number through the My Account section. This is, however, a "soft obligation", in that no penalty attaches to any Registered User who fails to do this.

A Registered User's attention is drawn to Section 3.5 and to update his Mobile Phone Number only when doing so will not interfere with any Auctions he is bidding on, and any Orders that have not already been shipped to him.

2.16. Obligation Never to transfer Account

A Registered User's account is non-transferable. Only one individual person may use any the account of a Registered User. If the Company finds that the Registered User is allowing other individuals to use his Account, it will take the actions detailed in Section 11 (Suspension).

2.17. Obligation to Keep Payment Method Unique to Company Account

A Registered User is offered a number of methods to make payment for products won and Credits. These methods cannot, and must not, be used over different Accounts held with the Company.

2.17.1. Further clarification of User's Obligation to Keep Payment Method Unique to Company Account

If a Registered User uses a Payment Method (such as Credit card etc.), this Payment Method becomes associated with his Account. If that same Payment Method is then used with a different Account, this triggers an investigation into whether Collusion is taking place (See Section 10 (Collusion)).

The Company recognises that, in some cases, there will be an innocent explanation as to why a Payment Method associated with a different Account, may have been used to fund a different one. Nevertheless, a Registered User expressly undertakes never to allow any funding of another Registered User's account with the Company using any Payment Method he has himself used on the Company.

2.17.2. Exceptional Circumstances

In exceptional circumstances, the Company may approve a Payment Method associated with a different Account. The Registered User must: /p>

  1. contact the Company before making payment, and
  2. request payment be taken via this alternative Payment Method.

Whether or not to allow that Payment Method will be at the sole discretion of the Company.

2.18. Obligation to Provide Proof of Identity (if Requested)

A Registered User recognizes that, in order to effectively police the operations performed on the Company's web site, the Company may need to verify his identity. This verification will be done in accordance with the Company's right under Section 3.2 (Right to Verify Identity of Registered User).

A Registered User recognizes that, if he is requested to provide proof of his identity, this becomes an obligation which may need to be fulfilled before he can continue using the full services of the web site.

If a Registered User does not wish to supply documents reasonably requested by the Company, he is obligated under Section 2.19 (Obligation to Notify the Company if Refusing to Provide Proof of Identity) as appropriate.

2.19. Obligation to Notify the Company if Refusing to Provide Proof of Identity

A Registered User who is obliged by virtue of Section 2.18 (Obligation to Provide Proof of Identity (if Requested)) to provide proof of identity has the Right to refuse to upload it.

If so, he must notify the Company within 14 days of the Company's request of his refusal. If the Registered User refuses to supply the identification documents, that Registered User understands that the Company will withdraw their Acceptance of his Offer(s) to buy any Auctions or Products.

In the rare event that the Registered User:

  1. has not supplied identification documents;
  2. has paid for an Auction, or Product; and
  3. has not had it delivered to him due to his refusal to confirm his identity

the Registered User may opt to be refunded the amount(s) paid in full for those non-delivered goods.

2.20. Obligation to Use Web Site Only When Resident in Host Country

A Registered User must only use the Web Site of a country where he is resident. A Registered User must not attempt to access the Web Site of his resident country from outside of his resident country.

A Registered User cannot use the site if he is, for example, on holiday outside of his home country. (See further Section 2.1(Requirement to be Resident in Country of Usage)).

2.21. Obligation to Pay For Any Auction on which he holds the Winning Bid within the Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid

A Registered User must pay the amount of his Winning Bid within the Time Period of 72 hours for Payment of Winning Bid.

Failure to do will result in the Registered User forfeiting his right to buy the Product in that Auction. Furthermore, if the Registered User does not make payment within the Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid, the Company will not be obliged to return the Credits the Registered User spent in winning the Auction.

2.22. Obligation to Contact the Company if Required

A Registered User may need to contact the Company in rare situations concerning the supply of an Order (for example, the supply of an Age-Restricted Product or if the Registered User wishes to deliverery to an address which may have been inputted incorrectly)

In such situations, the Company will communicate this to user. This communication can take the form of:

  1. an e-mail; and/or
  2. via SMS; and/or
  3. via telephone call; and/or

When the Company contacts the Registered User and seeks information from the user, the Registered User must not refuse contact with the Company.

The Registered User must respond within thirty (30) days to any enquiry made of him from the Company, otherwise the Company may institute its right to suspend the Registered User (See Section 11 (Suspension)).

2.23. Obligation to Examine any Products Won for Damage in Transit

A Registered User must carefully check the packaging and particulars of any Product he receives from the Company. This inspection should be done immediately on receipt of any Product won from the Company.

If the Packaging is clearly damaged, a Registered User should refuse to take delivery of the Product, should refuse to sign for delivery, explain to the Courier why he refuses to sign and refer to the terms inSection 9 (Delivery).

2.24. Right to have Buyer Protection lifted on fulfulling the requirements of the Buyer Protection procedure

Under Section 3.28 (Right to Institute Buyer Protection), the Company has the right to institute a procedure called Buyer Protection on the Account of a Registered User. The procedure for lifting Buyer Protection is set out in full at Section 3.29(Obligation to complete Buyer Protection procedure). The Registered User placed in Buyer Protection has the right to have his Account fully re-instated within 48 hours of providing the necessary document under this section.

2.25. Permission Grants in relation to Promotional Material on behalf of Registered Users

The Company operates several pages on its Web Site which detail previous wins and purchases by Registered Users, along with pictures of them posing with their products. There is no requirement for any Registered Users to submit such photographs. However, the Company will sometimes approach certain winners and buyers, and ask if they can feature them on the Web Site. Registered Users grant the Company that permission to approach.

Furthermore, if the Company:

  1. asks a Registered User to submit a photograph of them posing with their product, and
  2. the Registered User does so

the Registered User grants a permission to the Company to use that photograph, and his city or State information, for advertising and promotional purposes. This permission exists in perpetuity, in any and all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, without any compensation, review or approval rights, or further notification or permission needing to be sought.

 

Section 3. The Company - Overarching Requirements, Rights and Obligations

3.1. Right to Change the Username of a Registered User

The Company reserves the right to change the Username of any User who has chosen a Username which is contrary toSection 2.3 (Username). If the Company is of the opinion that such a Username was chosen for malicious or nefarious purposes, the Company additionally reserves the right to suspend such that Registered User's Account. (See Section 11(Suspension).)

3.2. Right to Verify Identity of Registered User

The Company has the right to verify the identity of any Registered User at any time, using all reasonable endeavors. This Right to Verify extends to a temporary hold being placed on the activities of any Registered User whilst the necessary verification is carried out.

The Company has the right to request that a Registered User provide a scan of photo ID (such as a Passport or Driving License), proof of address and/or other documentation reasonably required for verification purposes.

3.3. Generic Right to Suspend Registered User

The Company reserves the right to suspend any Registered User who is in breach of the restrictions in Section 1.12.2(Registered User Restrictions), or who does one or more of the following:

  1. Creates multiple identities on the Web Site;
  2. Bids under more than one Username;
  3. Allows different individuals to Bid using his Account;
  4. Uses unfair means to win any Auction;
  5. Registers on any of the Company's Web Site from any other country other than the country permitted by that Web Site (See further Section 2.12 (Obligation to behave Honestly)).

 

3.4. Right to Suspend Registered User Re: Identity Requirements

This term applies only to a Registered User who does not supply the necessary documentation in accordance with Section 3.2 (Right to Verify Identity of Registered User) within 14 (fourteen) days of the Company's request.

In such a case, the Company has the right to permanently:

  1. withdraw any Acceptance to sell any Auction or Product to that Registered User,
  2. suspend and/or permanently remove the account of that Registered User,
  3. prevent that Registered User from purchasing further Credits,
  4. prevent that Registered User from bidding (including Autobidding) on auctions and/or products and
  5. take any further reasonable actions at the Company's discretion in respect of that Registered User.

 

3.5. Right to Suspend Registered User Re: Mobile Phone Number

Should a Registered User change the phone number linked to his Account, At the discretion of the Company:

  1. his Account status will become suspended,
  2. any instructions to Autobid on that Registered User's behalf will be cancelled.

The account status remains suspended until the Registered User confirms the phone number change with the Company. During this time the Registered User cannot buy Credits or bid on any Auction.

3.6. Right Not to Accept an Offer to Buy in case of Technical Error

Alongside the Auctions run by the Company, the Company sometimes lists a Buy Now price for an identical Product. Full details on Buy Now are listed in Section 15 (Buy Now). The Buy Now price constitutes an Invitation to a Registered User to make an offer to buy that Product for the Buy Now price. A Registered User who takes advantage of the Buy Now price in this fashion makes an offer to the Company. In very rare circumstances, a Buy Now price may be incorrectly displayed to a Registered User. Notwithstanding the automated manner by which the Web Site processes payment for a Product, the Company reserves the right not to accept the offer to buy that Product if the Buy Now price displayed was incorrect.

3.6.1. Obvious Error

In the case of obvious error with the Buy Now price (e.g. if a Buy Now price is mistakenly listed as zero or one penny), the Company has the right to reject any offer by any Registered User to buy that Product for the Buy Now price, notwithstanding that the Registered User has completed, and paid for, the Product in question.

3.6.2. Less Obvious Error

In the case of a less obvious error with the Buy Now price (e.g. if a Buy Now price is mistakenly listed as ZAR8 instead of ZAR80), the Company has the discretion to either:

  1. reject any offer by any Registered User to buy that Product for the Buy Now price, notwithstanding that the Registered User has completed, and paid for, the Product in question; or
  2. accept the Registered User's offer.

If the Company opts to accept the Registered User's offer on one occasion, this in no way implies or infers any precedent for the Company's behavior in relation to any future errors.

3.6.3. Requirement for Company to Communicate Rejection

The following term is not applicable in Italy.

In any circumstances where the Company rejects a Registered User's offer to buy a Product for the Buy Now price, the Company will communicate to that Registered User by e-mail

  1. why the Buy Now price was incorrect and
  2. why his offer was not therefore not accepted.

The Company's decision in whether to reject or accept an offer shall be final and, other than the communication due under this term, no further correspondence will be entered into.

3.6.4. Compensation Payable

In all circumstances where the Company rejects a Registered User's offer, it will compensate that Registered User in full by:

  1. reversing the transaction, or
  2. refunding the exact amount paid by the Registered User.

3.7. Right to Refuse Discussions with Non-Account Holders

The Company will discuss any Account with the Registered User named on that Account.

An Account is operated by an individual person, who is the Registered User of that account. The Company will never discuss an Account with any person who is not the Registered User of that Account.

3.8. Right to Restrict Number of Accounts in any Particular Household

The Company reviews the logs of the Auctions it runs regularly. The Company takes collusion, and what it perceives as collusion, very seriously. Members of the same household must not bid on the same Auction, as this could be perceived by the Company as a collusive operation. To this end, the Company reserves the right to restrict the number of Accounts that may be registered to a particular household.

3.9. Right to Investigate Auctions for Possible Collusion

The Company has the right to investigate any Auctions for evidence of Collusion between two or more Registered Users. (See further Section 10 (Collusion).)

3.10. Right to Restart Auctions in the Event of Finding Collusion

The Company has the right to restart Auctions, if the Company finds evidence of Collusion in the event that Collusion has been perpetrated by two or more Registered Users. (See further Section 10 (Collusion).)

3.11. Right to Unilaterally Terminate This Agreement

The Company has the right to terminate this Agreement at any time. Such termination does not affect any of the Registered User's statutory rights, which of course remain intact.

3.12. Right to Change Auction Times

The Company has the right to change the running time of an Auction at any time. The Company can increase an Auction time, so that it runs for a longer period, or decrease it, so that it runs for a shorter period. The Company can change the running time of live, sleeping and scheduled Auctions without notice to any Registered User.

3.13. Right to Remove Auction

In addition and separately to Section 3.10 (Right to Restart Auctions in the Event of Finding Collusion), the Company has an inviolable right to remove any Auction in its entirety at any time.

Reasons for the exercise of this right include if the Auction:

  1. has been listed with a technical error (See Section 3.6 (Right Not to Accept an Offer to Buy in case of Technical Error)) or;
  2. in the event of Site Attacks (See Section 12 (Site Attacks)).

The Company is not obliged to immediately return all Credits spent by Registered Users on that Auction if it removes an Auction.

If the Company does remove an Auction under this term, the Company will consider whether to:

  1. refund some or all Credits spent on the Auction,
  2. restart the Auction in a managed and reasonable manner; and/or
  3. restart the Auction from ZAR0.00.

If the Company discovers evidence of Collusion in the process, the Company will have the further rights outlined under Section 3.9 (Right to Investigate Auctions for Possible Collusion).

3.14. Right to Amend the Winning Limits

The Company has the right to change the Winning Limits (the amount of Products a Registered User may win within a specific time-frame) at any time.

3.15. Right to Retain Product if Registered User does not pay for it within The Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid

If a Registered User has placed the Winning Bid on an Auction, but does not pay for that Auction within the Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid, the Company has the Right to retain:

  1. the Product in its entirety;
  2. all Credits spent by the Registered User in winning that Auction.

3.17. Right to Restart Auctions in the Event of Site Attack

The Company has the Right to restart Auctions if the Web Site is attacked. (See further Section 12 (Site Attacks)).

3.18. Right to Alter Terms and Conditions

The Company has the Right to make changes to these Terms and Conditions at any time. Amended Terms and Conditions will need to be accepted for any Registered User to continue to use the Company's Web Site.

3.19. Right to Refuse 'But For' Correspondence

The Company shall not be liable for faulty operation of SMS, computer hardware or software processing during the Bidding Process. The Company will not entertain a Registered User who claims that but for such an event, he would have won a particular Product in place of the actual Winning Bidder. A Registered User will have no rights over any Product in such circumstances.

3.19.1. Right To Innovate 'Without Fear'

The Company shall not be liable for any infringment of Section 3.21 (Obligation to Behave Honestly) when testing new features of the Web Site itself with a subset of existing Registered Users. Such innovations may include:

  1. changes in the Registration process;
  2. discount codes made available;
  3. displaying a subset of Auctions;
  4. adjustment of Buy Now discounts

in relation to a subset of Registered Users

  1. for a limited time; and
  2. for the specific purpose of testing their effectiveness.

The above list is not exhaustive and is designed to encompass the testing of features ultimately designed to benefit the entirety of the Web Site's Registered Users rather than to extend an advantage to the selected subset as a whole.

The Company is not under any obligation to provide the specifics of any such innovations it is considering or testing, and no liability arises under its Obligation to behave honestly as a result of not disclosing them.

Innovation and development of the Web Site occurs on a daily basis. When testing such innovation, the Company may only allow the operation of the innovation with a subset of Registered Users:

  1. for a strictly limited time, and
  2. with effective recording and policing to ensure Registered Users outside of that subset are not disadvantaged.

The Company will not entertain a Registered User who claims that he has been unfairly disadvantaged due to an innovation being tested with a subset of Users that he was not a part of.

3.20. Right to Indemnity for Exercise of Above Rights

The Company shall not be responsible for any indirect or direct loss consequent to any Registered User or third party which he may incur due to the Company’s exercise of its rights.

3.20.1. Right To Change The Earned Discount Expiry Time

The Company has the right to change the Earned Discount Expiry Time without notice to any Registered User. This right will not be exercised in any way which contrasts with its obligation under Section 3.21 (Obligation to Behave Honestly).

3.21. Obligation to Behave Honestly

The Company operates its Web Sites so that all Registered Users have the opportunity to win one or more Auctions in a 'level playing field' environment. The Company will not be involved in any activities that negatively affect that environment, and will not behave in an unreasonable manner or outside of the Terms of this agreement. All promotional material by the Company will not seek to mislead, and will accurately describe the Web Site and its services.

In all of its Web Sites, the Company strives to deliver the best possible user experience and retain its Registered Users. The Obligation to behave honestly is an overarching obligation. There are some very rare occasions where the developing of a better user experience may appear to a Registered User to conflict with this obligation. For example, when the Company introduces new features by first beta-testing them with a subset of Registered Users. For further details, please see Section 3.19.1 (Right To Innovate 'Without Fear').

3.22. Obligation to Ensure No Interference by The Company In Auctions

The Company shall be obligated to ensure no member of its staff, investors or any third parties with any direct relationship to it participate in any Auctions on the Company's web site

3.23. Obligation to Police The Web Site and Investigate Collusion

The Company shall effectively police its Web Site and investigate all potential Collusion between Registered Users, to protect non-colluding Registered Users.

3.24. Obligation to Notify Registered Users if Restarting any Auction

If the Company finds an Auction was won through Collusion or because of a Site Attack, the Company shall ensure it notifies any Registered Users who were prevented from placing Bids on that Auction.

3.25. Obligation to Inform All Registered Users if any changes to These Terms Are Made

The Company undertakes to inform all Registered Users if these Terms are in any way changed, redacted or modified (including if additional Terms are added, or existing Terms are deleted).

3.26. Obligation to deliver Auctions and Products Won on the Web Site

The Company's Auctions are Invitations to Registered Users to Treat themselves to win the Auction for its Closing Price. When the Timer reaches zero, and the User makes payment of the Closing Price plus Shipping and Handling, the Company is obligated to deliver that Product to the Registered User. Please note the information regarding Delivery times in Section 9.5 (Best Estimate Delivery Times).

3.27. Obligation To Sell Any Auctioned Product to the Registered User who holds the Winning Bid

The Company is obligated to accept the offer of any Registered User to buy one of the Products featured in an Auction for the price of the Winning Bid plus Shipping and Handling. However, this Obligation is subject to the User's obligation to make Payment of the full amount requested within the Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid.

3.28. Right to Institute Buyer Protection

The Company pro-actively monitors all Auctions won on its Web Site.

The Company has a right to institute a procedure called Buyer Protection on the Account of any Registered User. Buyer Protection effectively "freezes" a Registered User's Account until the Company feels confident trusting that Registered User.

This right is usually exercised in the following non-exhaustive circumstances:

  1. If a new Registered User signs up with the site and immediately buys a large swathe of Credits then wins a number of Auctions.
  2. If a Registered User has used more than three different Payment Methods and/or Credit Cards to make payment on the Web Site within a 28 day period.
  3. If the Registered User has completed a large number of transactions on the Web Site, and the Company has some doubts about his identity.

It is the Company's experience that each of the above actions can indicate Credit Card fraud.

The Company must exercise this Right in the spirit of Section 3.21 (Obligation to Behave Honestly) and Section 3.29(Obligation to complete Buyer Protection procedure).

3.29. Obligation to complete Buyer Protection procedure

If the Company places the Account of a Registered User into Buyer Protection, the Registered User will be immediately notified of what he needs to do to remove his Account from Buyer Protection.

The Company is obligated to release within 48 hours the Account of any Registered User who fulfils the requirements of the Buyer Protection procedure.

The Buyer Protection procedure consists of:

  1. the Registered User uploading a scan of a document proving his identity to the Web Site;
  2. the Company accepting the Registered User's identity document.

 

3.30. Right to hold Products won for 30 (Thirty) Days under Buyer Protection procedure

The Company has the right to hold any Order placed on the Web Site for a Registered User whose Account is in Buyer Protection, if that User has not uploaded the necessary identity documentation. The Company's right to hold the Registered User's Product is limited to 30 (thirty) days. On completion of the Buyer Protection procedure under Section 3.29(Obligation to complete Buyer Protection procedure), the Company is obligated to release all Products to the Registered User immediately.

3.31. Right to Void Contract For Purchase

The Company has the right to void a contract between it and a Registered User in the rare event that the Registered User has not provided a document confirming his identity under Section 3.29 (Obligation to complete Buyer Protection procedure) and Section 3.30 (Right to hold Products won for 30 (Thirty) Days under Buyer Protection procedure).

By means of this term, a Registered User agrees, in relation to any Auctions won, that the Company has the right to void any contract for the Closing Price if:

  1. the Company has placed the Registered User's account into Buyer Protection;
  2. the Company has asked for an Identification document to confirm the Registered User is who he claims to be; and
  3. the Registered User has not uploaded a scan of the Identification document within 30 days of notification.

Ownership of the Auctioned Product will, in such cases, remain with the Company notwithstanding any common law presumption that ownership has passed.

3.32. Spirit and Intention of Right to Void Contract for Purchase

Section 3.31 (Right to Void Contract For Purchase) is intended to ensure that the winners of a high value Products, such as cars, holidays and high-value electronic equipment, are genuine winners and are the Registered Users they claim to be. It is intended as a check to ensure that any Registered User who has "won big" has done so honestly, using his own money to bid, and not with the assistance of any connected persons.

Under no circumstances can Section 3.31 (Right to Void Contract For Purchase) be used by the Company to unlawfully deprive a legitimate Registered User of any Product that he has purchased via Buy Now. In such cases, the Registered User's rights to his Product under common law will remain.

3.33. Right to hold Buyer Protection Documents

For smaller-priced purchases and auction wins, the Company requires no proof of identity. If a Registered User wins a high value item however, he will be requested to upload an identification document. This facility enables the Company to police the site effectively in line with its obligations under this agreement.

PLATFORM takes its privacy obligations extremely seriously and goes to vigorous lengths to protect the personal information of its Registered Users, and has a full Data Protection Policy in force internally. This policy is available on request.

After a Registered User has uploaded a document, that document will be retained by the Company in order to verify that same Registered User's identity in relation to subsequent high value wins or purchases. When a Registered User closes his Account, there will usually be no reason why the Company will need to store any personal information on that Registered User. However, certain exceptions to this operate in relation to law enforcement.

Section 4. Products, Guarantees and Returns

4.1. Products

All Auctions for Products, and all Products sold on the Web Site are:

  1. new and unused,
  2. intended for normal domestic and consumer use.

Note that Products are not intended for:

  1. resale, or
  2. commercial use.

4.2. Fit for Their Purpose

All Products are supplied on the basis that they are fit for their intended purpose. Products are not intended for resale.

4.3. Product Descriptions

The Product descriptions placed by the Company on its Web Site do not constitute contractual terms of purchase. Whilst in the vast majority of cases, these descriptions will fairly and accurately describe the Product, any Registered User should confirm the Product Specification from the Manufacturer's web site before placing a bid on the Product.

4.4. Product Images

The images of Products on the Company's web site are for illustration only. They are often publicity photographs or stock photographs and they are rarely the pictorial view of the actual Product the Winning Bidder will receive.

4.6. Incorrect Products

The Company or its delivery partners may, in very rare situations, send an incorrect Product to a Registered User. To ensure that the mistake is remedied as quickly and as smoothly as possible, it is vital in these situations that the Registered User contacts the Company at returns@Domain.co.za.The Company will then be able to suggest the best place for the Registered User to return the item to. An e-mail confirming the replacement will then be sent to confirm that the incorrect Product was sent, and to guarantee the replacement correct Product will be shipped.The Registered User must return the incorrect Product immediately and within five (5) days of reporting the issue to the Company.

If the Registered User does not return the incorrect Product within thirty (30) days, the Company will suspend the Registered User and may take Court proceedings in respect of the unreturned Product.

4.7. Failure to Return a Faulty or Incorrect Product

Failure to return a faulty or incorrect Product within the prescribed period of 7 days after receipt will give the Company the right to refuse to issue a replacement.

4.8. Liability for Personal Injury

If a defective Product supplied by the Company causes damages to property, death or personal injury, the customer should refer to the Product's manufacturer.The company will not be held liable for any damages or legal actions that may arise from such occurrences.

4.9 Disclaimer

All other warranties and conditions (both express and implied) as to quality, condition or description (statutory or otherwise) are disclaimed to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Section 5. The Bidding Process

5.1. Bidding

Bidding on an Auction can only be performed by a Registered User of the Web Site. When a Registered User Bids on an Auction, he will spend a number of Credits.

5.2. Auction Hours

Each Auction has dedicated Auction Hours which are displayed in the information pertaining to that Auction. When an Auction reaches the final second of its hours, it will Sleep, and will resume again in the first second of its hours the following day.

5.3. Credits Deducted

Each Auction will inform the Registered User how many Credits will be deducted per Bid. The number of Credits deducted per Bid ranges from 1 Credit to 20 Credits.

After a Bid is processed by the Web Site, the number of Credits is deducted from the Registered User's account. Credits deducted cannot be returned to the Registered User.

The Registered User cannot choose whether to bid with Free or Paid Credits (as this would complicate the action of Bidding by simply clicking a button). Credits are used in the order in which they were acquired. This can lead to the Buy Now price not dropping, or dropping by a different amount than expected, when Free Credits are used.

It is also not possible to bid with a particular Credit from a particular Credit Package.

5.4. Placing Instruction to Bid

Two options exist for a Registered User to Bid on any Auction listed on the Web Site. The first is to place a Manual Bid. The second is to place an instruction to Auto bid.

5.4.1. Manual Bidding

The Company provides a button which a Registered User must click (once) to place a single Bid on any Auction. A Registered User should also be aware of how the Timer Countdown operates if using this method to Bid. (See Section 5.4.4(Timer Countdown).)

5.4.2. Autobidding

The Company provides a tool to place Bids automatically on its Auctions. This tool allows a Registered User to place instructions to

  1. commence Bidding when a specific target price is reached, and
  2. Bid a given number of times.

The Autobid tool is intended to be used as an alternative to Manual Bidding. It frees the Registered User from needing to spend long periods on the Web Site, but Bids as if the user were on the Web Site. Full instructions on the Autobid tool are available on the Web Site.

An Autobid button is also provided whereby a Registered User can immediately start Autobidding on a particular Auction instead of manual bidding. This button operates the Autobid tool until clicked a second time, whereupon it deactivates Autobidding.

5.4.2.1. Failure of Autobid Tool

The Company disclaims any and all potential losses which a Registered User may ascribe to his use of the Auto bid tool to place Bids, including:

  1. The Registered User's failure to understand the use of the tool,
  2. The Registered User's mistaking the Bidding process for the amount of Credits deducted, and/or
  3. The Registered User setting a target price lower than the current Bid price.

5.4.2.2. Delays in Notification via Autobid Tool

If there is a delay in the Autobid tool contacting a Registered User, this is not actionable.

5.4.2.3. Technical Errors

If the Autobid tool fails due to network outage, a Site Attack or in the rare event of technical error with the Company Web Site:

  1. the Registered User will contact the Company and report exactly what the problem was; and
  2. the Company will be obliged, if the failure of the Autobid tool was not due to an external factor, to refund all Paid Credits expended on that Auction to the Registered User.

5.4.2.4. Right to Close Instruction to Place Autobids

The Company may close an active instruction to place Autobids without notifying the Registered User who placed those Autobids.

5.4.2.5. Autobid Closure

The Autobid tool will stop placing Bids for that Registered User if a Registered User:

  1. Runs out of Credits; and/or
  2. Has placed Autobids on several, or many, Auctions, and wins an Auction which then prevents him from placing Bids on other Auctions.

The Registered User has no right to have any Credits returned to him in either event. The Company will inform the Registered User of:

  1. The amount of Credits the user requires to bid on a particular Auction through the Autobid tool; and
  2. that Registered User's current Winning Limits through the My PLATFORM section.

The Company will use its best endeavours also to contact a Registered User in the event of any problems with the instructions he has placed. However, no obligation attaches to these endeavours. It is the Registered User's responsibility to use the information provided to him by the Company to effectively place his Auto bid instructions.

5.4.3. Start Time and Price

All Auctions begin at a specified time. All Auctions begin with a Starting Price of ZAR0.00.

5.4.4. Timer Countdown

All Auctions display both the Timer and the Timer Countdown which can be found on the "Auction Information" tab. The Timer Countdown is not constant. Typically the Timer Countdown is reduced throughout the auction process due to an increase of an interest from the Registered Users. The Timer Countdown is not increased unless it is required by conditions in exceptional cases i.e. DDOS (Distributed Denial Of Service) attacks and/or other technical issues.

The displayed Timer is a visual approximation of the Server Timer. The displayed Timer is typically accurate on the Registered User’s end. Nevertheless, network delays, browser differences and connection problems can cause a delay between the displayed Timer and the Server Timer. This means that Registered Users should never wait until the last second to place a bid as the Timer used by the system is the Server Timer. When the Server Timer hits 0, the Registered User who has placed the last accepted Bid wins the auction and can make the payment for the Product.

5.4.5. Restart of Timer Countdown

Each time a Registered User places a Bid, the timer will restart from the Timer Countdown displayed as per Section 5.4.4(Timer Countdown).

5.4.6. Increase in Bid Price

Each time a Registered User places a Bid, no matter the number of Credits that are deducted from that Registered User's Account, the Auction price will increase by ZAR0.10

5.4.7. Auction Winner

The last Registered User to place a Bid before the Timer Countdown reaches zero is deemed to be the Auction Winner. He will be able to offer to purchase the Product for the Closing Price plus Shipping and Handling.

5.4.7.1. Disputes over Auction Winner

The Auction Winner is determined by the Company's records. In the rare event of any dispute occurring, it is the Company's decision on who placed the last Bid on the Auction. The Company's decision will be final.

5.4.8. Contract for Sale/Purchase of Product

By placing a Bid in an Auction, a Registered User is agreeing to purchase the Product featured if he has the Winning Bid in that Auction. He is furthermore committing himself to pay the Winning Bid (plus Shipping and Handling) within the Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid. If the Registered User does not make payment within this period, then:

  1. the Registered User forfeits his right to buy the Product, and
  2. the Company has the right to retain ownership of the Product.

Section 6. Credit Packages

6.1. Purchasing Credits

Credits can be purchased in Credits Packages at the currently applicable prices listed on the Web Site. Typical prices range from approximately ZAR30 for a Credit Package of 15 Credits to ZAR600 for a Credit Package of 500Credits.

6.2. Payment Process

Credit Packages must be paid for using the On-Line Payment Process selecting the immediate payment option or the bank deposit. This Payment Process requires a Registered User to confirm his offer to buy a Credit Package by completing an on-line checkout. All confirmed payments must be honoured, failure to do so will result in immediate account suspension.

6.3. Payment Options

Credit Packages must be paid for using one of the specified Payment Options. All Credit Package prices are displayed on the website.

6.4. Contract for the Purchase of a Credit Package

A contract for the supply of the Credit Package comes into being when the Registered User:

  1. Indicates the Credit Package he wishes to buy,
  2. Agrees to pay by one of the specified Payment Options, and
  3. Confirms his decision to proceed.

After (c), the following steps occur:

  1. A contract is created between the Registered User and the Company in respect of the supply of that Credit Package
  2. This contract is concluded by means of the Payment Process being completed, and the Registered User's account being credited with Paid Credits to the value of the Credit Package purchased

Bought Credit Packages contain a monetary value and represent a right to a future Earned Discount against a Buy Now or a Product in an Auction.

Credits do not give a Registered User the automatic right to take part in an Auction.

The contracts in respect of the sale of Credit Packages can only be cancelled under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) if none of the Credits have been used in any way.

6.5. Credits Validity

All types of Credits have a time limit, after which they will expire. On expiry they will disappear from the Registered User's account. Free Credits expire 30 (thirty) days after they are claimed. Paid Credits disappear 180 (one hundred and eighty) days after they are purchased.

6.6. Discount Codes

The Company runs promotions, in which it offers a number of deals in relation to the purchase of Credit Packages. These deals take the form of a Discount Code which can be entered during the Payment Process. Codes must be entered within their stipulated time-frame to be valid. Outside of their stipulated timeframes, the codes will not operate on the purchase of Credit Packages. Each Discount Code is unique and should be referred to for full details before being entered into the Payment Process by a Registered User.

6.7. Paid Credits

6.7.1. Paid Credits Value

The value of a Paid Credit is dependent upon the amount paid for the Credit Package in which that Credit was purchased. For example, each Credit within a ZAR30 Credit Package of 15Credits is worth ZAR2.

If the amount paid for a Credit Package is less, by virtue of it:

  1. being won via Auction, or
  2. containing a doubled amount of Paid Credits (during a Buy One Get One Free offer, see further Section 21 (Buy One Get One Free Offers (BOGOF))), or
  3. containing any other %-increased amount of Paid Credits (during other types of Promotional Offer, see further Section 22 (Other Promotional Offers))

then the worth of each Credit is equal to the amount paid for the Credit Package divided by the number of Credits in the Credit Package. For example, each Credit within a ZAR30 credit Package of 30 Credits is worth ZAR1.

6.7.2. Redeeming Paid Credits

If a User bids on an Auction, the Paid Credit value is redeemable against the Buy Now price of that Auction. Paid Credits cannot be converted back to their cash equivalents.

Section 7. Winning An Auction

7.1. Notification, Acceptance and Payment of Won Auctions

When an Auction is won, notification is automatically sent by e-mail to the Winning Bidder. This notification invites the Winning Bidder to make an Offer to buy the Product featured in the Auction. This notification is in no circumstances to be construed as a legally-binding Offer which can be accepted by the Registered User on payment. This is particularly the case because the Company operates in a time-critical and extremely technical environment.

7.2. Information Provided On Win

The Winning Bidder receives immediate notification of his win by e-mail. He is also granted access to all of the important information in relation to receiving the Product and available Payment Options. This information is available in that Registered User's My Account section.

7.3. Required Steps to Receive Product

The Winning Bidder must pay for the Product plus Shipping and Handling within the Time Period for Payment of Winning Bid.

7.4. Incomplete Payments

If a Winning Bidder, outside of the Company's Payment Process, sends a payment for a winning auction to the Company, and this payment is incomplete (i.e. less than the Closing Price plus Shipping and Handling), then the Product will not be shipped to the Winning Bidder until the remainder of the payment is received.

Section 8. Contractual Relationship and Cancellation of Account And/Or Product(s) Ordered

8.1. Overview

For the purposes of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations (Delivery) express the Company's position in relation to Auctions and Products displayed on its Web Site.

8.2. When Contractual Relationship Comes Into Force Re: Individual Product

A contract between any Registered User to receive, and the Company to supply, any advertised Product comes into existence only when the following conditions are satisfied:

  1. The Registered User has placed the winning bid on an Auction which the Company is running on its Web Site; or
  2. The Registered User has placed an order to Buy Now in respect of a Product which the Company has displayed on its web site and 
      
    and
  3. In respect of either (a) or (b), the Registered User has completed the Payment Process and has offered full Payment of the price plus Shipping and Handling and 
      
    and
  4. The Company has had the reasonable opportunity, with reference to its rights under Section 3.9 (Right to Investigate Auctions for Possible Collusion) to assess that the Registered User has not acted in any way that entitles the Company not to accept that Registered User's offer to pay.

A reasonable time shall be a minimum of two working days.

8.3. Cancellation of Order

The Company has had the reasonable opportunity, with reference to its rights under Section 3.9 (Right to Investigate Auctions for Possible Collusion) to assess that the Registered User has not acted in any way that entitles the Company not to accept that Registered User's offer to pay.

If exercising a right to cancel, the Company will refund the total price of the Product plus the cost of shipping and handling. The refund will be made specifically to the Payment Method used to purchase the Product (i.e. the Credit Card or Earned Discount Account used) within 14 days of the Product being returned to the Company.

The address to which a Registered User should return the Product, plus the above information, will be communicated during payment.

A Registered User will need to pay the cost of returning the Product if using his right to cancel.

If the Registered User cancels his offer before delivery of the Product, he is not obliged to take delivery of the Product.

8.3.1. Cancellation of Order before Making Payment

After confirming product check out, To cancel an Order before making payment, the Registered User will contact the Company to request cancellation. This cancellation may however be subject to the user account suspension.

8.3.2. Cancellation of Order after Making Payment Before Product Shipped

To cancel an Order after making payment, the Registered User must contact the Company and explain that he does not wish to avail himself of the purchase of the Product. If the Product has not been shipped, the Company will refund the price paid plus the Shipping and Handling costs. If the product has been shipped, the cost of the product will be refunded less shipping and handling costs.

8.3.3.1. Exception for Audio/Video Recording and Software

The Registered User may not return Products which are Audio or Video Recordings. The Registered User cannot return a software product unless he has not broken the Security Seal on the software product. The Company will not refund any Credits used in Auctions for Audio/Video Recordings and Software.

8.4. Cancellation Procedure

If a Registered User opts for Cancellation of an Order, he should contact the Company in writing either before or with the return of the Product. If contacting the Company via e-mail, he should write to: returns@Domain.co.za

8.5. Consequences of Cancellation

If a Registered User's Cancellation of an Order is effective:

  1. The Registered User must return the Product if in the user’s custody; and
  2. The Company must return the amount paid by the Registered User for the Product within a specified period which is communicated to the user.
  3. The company can determine to deduct the cost of shipping and handling from the cost of any product or service paid for to be refunded

This term applies whether the Product was purchased by a Registered User holding the Winning Bid, or purchased using Buy Now.

If the Product was shipped to the Customer before effective Cancellation of the Order, the Company is not obliged to return any costs incurred by the Registered User in returning the Product.

8.5.1. Compensation if Registered User is unable to Return Product or Product is Damaged

If the Registered User:

  1. is unable to return the Product; or
  2. returns the Product in a damaged condition

The Company will assess, on a case by case basis, whether the Registered User has fully satisfied the requirements under Section 8.3 (Cancellation of Order). If the Company has suffered financial losses or other losses as a result of the Registered User's Cancellation, the Company may make any reasonable claim against the Registered User for compensation to the value of this loss.

8.6. Preferred Manner of Cancellation

Although not a requirement, the Company prefers that, if opting for Cancellation of an Order after a Product has been shipped, the Registered User:

  1. Returns on the Product via the same carrier as it has been shipped (for example, if shipped to the user via DHL, returned by the user via DHL), and
  2. Returns the Product in the same packaging in which it has been shipped inclusive of the receipt.

In circumstances where the Product won cannot be returned in this manner, the Registered User is encouraged to contact the Company to co-ordinate its collection.

8.7. Cancellation where Product is returned with Insufficient Postage

If a Registered User cancels a product, he must ensure that he sends back the Product with sufficient postage for the Company to take delivery of it. If the Company is requested to pay a fine or a postage uplift to take delivery of the returned Product, this cost in turn will be passed on to the Registered User.

8.8. Responsibility for Postage Costs

If an Order is returned to the Company because the Registered User has changed his mind about wanting the Product (See [Section 2.10.1]), the entirety of the amount paid for the Order will be refunded, but may exclude the amount the Registered User paid for shipping.

The Company is not responsible for the Registered User's delivery or courier costs to return the Product.

8.9. Introduction

A Registered User has a right to cancel his Account and to unilaterally terminate his Agreement with the Company. The Registered User retains his Statutory Rights in relation to mail-order sales and e-Commerce transactions insofar as his Rights are not positively enhanced by this Agreement.

8.10. Exclusions

By cancelling his Account, a Registered User does not become entitled to the recovery of the cost of Paid Credits in his Account.

Section 9. Delivery

9.1. Default Location

Unless otherwise specified, delivery will be made from:

  1. our supplier's warehouses, or
  2. our own warehouse(s)

To an address provided by the Registered User.

9.2. Delivery Times

From date of payment for any Auction or Product, the Company will deliver the item within a minimum of one (1) day and a maximum of ten (10) business days.

9.3. Domestic Delivery

Domestic deliveries from the Web Site are made solely within the home country in which the Registered User is based.

9.4. Delay

A Registered User will be deemed responsible for a delay in sending out a Product if he has not provided essential information the Company requires in Order to "finalise" it.

This term is intended to apply in situations such as if a Registered User wins or buys a computer game but fails to tell the Company which format he would like the game supplied upon.

This term is also intended to cover situations where a Registered User asks for a Product to be delivered to an address that is not verifiable or recognized. The Company, if it encounters problems with a given address, will require that the Registered User contact it. See, for example, Section 2.22 (Obligation to Contact the Company if Required).

9.5. Best Estimate Delivery Times

All delivery times given on the Web Site are estimates. All information regarding delivery time is non-binding. This does affect the Company's obligation to deliver Products. The Company works with trusted delivery partners to ensure the best possible service.

9.6. Damage during Delivery

If a Product arrives in packaging which has been clearly damaged during transit, the Registered User should refuse to take delivery of the Product. If deciding to take delivery in spite of damage to the packaging, and if the Product was delivered via a registered courier or postal service, the Registered User should add the words 'Damaged and not examined' above his signature.

9.7. Faulty Products

A Registered User should verify that any product received from the web site is not faulty.

A Registered User is expected to be reasonably prudent in ensuring that any Product is not faulty. He should unpack his Product within the Return Time Period and use it normally. If any fault manifests during the Return Time Period, he should refer to Section 8 (Contractual Relationship and Cancellation of Account And/Or Product(s) Ordered).

In the case of a Product which develops a fault over time, a Registered User is firstly encouraged to raise this with the Product's manufacturer.

This is because:

  1. The manufacturer will usually be able to offer the Registered User a larger range of options than the Company can (For example, the manufacturer may be able to repair a broken laptop);
  2. The manufacturer may be able to collect the Product from the Registered User, have it repaired or replaced locally, and deliver it back to him;
  3. The Registered User will be able to deal with the Technical Support for that product in his own language; and
  4. The manufacturer usually only require the product's receipt to take ownership of the fault.

If the Product's manufacturer is unable or unwilling to assist, the Registered User should assess whether he believes the Company has an obligation to replace the faulty Product.

The Registered User should e-mail returns@Domain.co.za and explain the problem with the Product. With reference to the applicable legislation and the amount of time that passed before the fault appeared, the Company will then decide whether it will replace the faulty Product. If so, the Registered User should be aware that he will need to return the Product to the Company at his own cost.

It is not necessary, under this term for the Registered User to have added the words 'Damaged and not examined' under Section 9.7 (Damage during Delivery) if indeed the fault or damage was not visible before the Product was unpacked.

9.8. Damages or Failures Due to Neglect by Registered User

The Company does not accept any liability for damage or failure of any Product due to neglect and/or misuse by a Registered User. In addition, no liability attaches to the Company for damage to a Product caused by accident or normal wear and tear.

9.9. Problems With Supply Chain

The Company may, in extremely rare situations, encounter difficulties in providing a particular Product notwithstanding having accepted an Offer to supply the Product. The Company uses reliable delivery partners and will make every effort to source the Product. In the event that its delivery partners report that they cannot deliver the Product within 7 (seven) days to a Winning Bidder, the following actions will occur:

  1. The Company will offer the Winning Bidder a substitute Product, which has comparable or better features than the original; and/or
  2. The Company will refund any and all payments made for the Product in question, including Paid Credits spent on that Product if originally part of an Auction.

The Registered User's statutory rights are not affected.

9.10. Products Lost In Transit

If a Product is lost in transit, a Registered User will contact the Company to claim either a replacement or a refund of the amount he paid, plus Shipping and Handling, within 7 (seven) days.

9.11. Products Not Delivered or Collected

Different couriers operate different policies in relation to delivery. If the intended recipient of a Product is out, depending on the courier being used, The courier will return the Product to their delivery office; or

A card is posted to the recipient confirming the attempted delivery and where the Product is to be found.

9.11.1. Products Returned to a Delivery Office

Different couriers will hold an uncollected Product for differing periods of time. The intended recipient should contact the courier immediately.

If the intended recipient does not collect the Product from the courier within the time period designated, then the Product will be returned to the Company's warehouse. In the rare case that this occurs, the Company will contact the recipient to work out what went wrong and will re-arrange delivery.

From the date that a Product is returned under this section, the Registered User must be able to accept the Product within 28 days. If he cannot then the Company will cancel the order and the Product will be forfeited.

No refunds will be given on any orders where delivery has been attempted at least once but the Registered User has not collected the Product or arranged re-delivery within the following 28 days.

9.12. Products Where Delivery Varied by User

The Company will always use a reliable courier to arrange delivery of any Product to a Registered User. Particularly out of Gautent, the Company has sometimes found that domestic couriers can have received prior instructions from a Registered User as to how any Delivery to their address should be attempted. For the avoidance of all doubt, the Company considers its obligations to deliver a Product to extend only so far as to source, instruct and pay a reliable courier to take any won or bought Product to the address provided by a Registered User. If a Registered User does not receive the Product at all, the Company will consider that Product lost in transit underSection 9.10(Products Lost In Transit). However, if the actions of a Registered User have 'varied' the Delivery (meaning that the courier was instructed by the Registered User to make that delivery in a different way), the Company will not be responsible for the fate of that Delivery.

9.12.1.1. Re-delivery at Registered User's cost

If the Registered User opts for this, then the user may be required to pay the Company the actual cost of delivery again.

9.12.1.2. Refund of cost of Product less amount spent on delivery

If the Registered User opts for this, then he will be refunded according to the following formula:

refund amount = [Price he paid for Product] - [Actual amount spent on delivery] If, when applying this formula, the amount to be refunded is ZAR0.00, then this option will not be available.

If the amount spent on delivery was greater than the Order amount (i.e. in Earned Discount usage), no refund of the Order will be given and the Company may deduct the difference from any Earned Discount remaining to the User.

Section 10. Collusion

10.1. Definition of Collusion

For the purposes of this Agreement, Collusion includes agreements and co-operation between two or more Registered Users designed to:

  1. limit open competition for any Product or Auction;
  2. discourage other Registered Users from participating in any Auction,
  3. use the Web Site in a way that distracts from its intended purpose, or
  4. use the Web Site in a way that has a negative effect on the spirit and enjoyment of the Web Site.

Collusion also includes any activities that give the impression that there is more competition for any Auction or Product than there actually is. Examples of which would be:

  1. a group of Registered Users all agreeing to bid on the same Auction (hence giving other Registered Users the appearance that the item is particularly sought after)
  2. a group of Registered Users agreeing to split the proceeds of any won Auction and then 'team-bidding' on that Auction (so that one member of the group is not competiting with any other members of the group but only with Registered Users outside of that group)
  3. a group of Registered Users from the same household, family or group of friends bidding in tandem on the same Auction
  4. a group of Registered Users 'pooling' money to bid on one Auction under one identity
  5. a group of Registered Users intentionally targeting a single other Registered User

 

10.2. Investigating Collusion

The Company monitors the Credits spent, the Registered Users spending them and the bids placed by them on all of its Auctions. The Company will investigate any data which indicates Collusion may be taking place. Examples of behavior which will trigger an investigation are given in Section 3.9 (Right to Investigate Auctions for Possible Collusion).

10.3. Evidence of Collusion

The Company will investigate further if it finds:

  1. Two or more Registered Users with the same address or Payment Identifier;
  2. two or more Registered Users with the same address or Payment Identifier;
  3. two or more Registered Users bidding on the same Auction who share common characteristics - i.e. similar usernames, birthdates and geographical locations;
  4. patterns between two or more Registered Users only being involved in the bidding for any Auction at times when other Registered Users are not bidding

This list is not exhaustive.

10.4. Standard of Proof Required for Collusion

The Company will base its conclusion upon a reasonable interpretation of the evidence. If the Company's investigation concludes that there is evidence of collusion on the part of a number of Registered Users, the Company will inform any Registered User it believes has been guilty of Collusion of why it believes that Registered User has colluded and why.

10.5. Disputing Company's Claim of Collusion

Any dispute by a Registered User as to the correctness of the Company's decision that he colluded must be entered into in writing.

The Registered User will be entitled to have the necessary evidence upon which the Company relied disclosed to him, in accordance with existing Data Protection legislation, and on payment of a nominal fee (currently ZAR350) to cover administration costs.

If the Registered User believes the Company has not reasonably inferred collusion from the evidence available, no part of this Agreement is intended to interfere with his right to bring a legal action against the Company. However, the Registered User will be restricted to a claim for the cost of the Paid Credits he personally spent on the Auction.

10.6. Disputed Claims

Nothing in Section 10.5 (Disputing Company's Claim of Collusion) will affect, or delay, the Company's right to restart any Auction under Section 3.10 (Right to Restart Auctions in the Event of Finding Collusion) and Section 3.17 (Right to Restart Auctions in the Event of Site Attack).

If a Registered User disputes the Company's claim that he colluded in relation to an Auction, the Company retains the right to restart the Auction notwithstanding the dispute. The Registered User's correct course of action in such circumstances is to follow the instructions set out in Section 10.5 (Disputing Company's Claim of Collusion).

10.7. Effect of Collusion

In relation to any investigation into Collusion, the Company may reach one of the following conclusions:

  1. No evidence of Collusion
  2. Reasonable evidence of Collusion
  3. Suspicion of Collusion

10.7.1. No Evidence of Collusion

No action will be required to be taken and the Company will not restart the Auction.

10.7.2. Reasonable Evidence of Collusion

For the Company to have reasonable evidence of Collusion, it must believe, based on a reasonable and honestly-held belief and having regard to pertinent evidence, that:

  1. the definition of Collusion (defined in Section 10.1 (Definition of Collusion)) has been satisfied and
  2. the evidence of Collusion (defined in Section 10.2 (Investigating Collusion)) is such that a reasonable man would conclude Collusion had taken place

It is not necessary for the Collusion to have resulted in any of those colluding Registered Users to have ultimately won the Auction.

If (a) and (b) above are fulfilled, the Company will take the following actions:

  1. The Company will suspend those Registered Users it has determined colluded,
  2. The Company will not be obliged to accept the Winning Bid on that Auction on which there was Collusion,
  3. The Company will return that Auction to the state it was in before the Collusion and associated bidding took place,
  4. The Company will restart the Auction.

10.7.3. Suspicion of Collusion

For the company to have suspicion of Collusion, it must simply believe, based on a reasonable and honestly-held belief, that:

  1. The definition of Collusion (defined in Section 10.1 (Definition of Collusion)) has been satisfied and
  2. The evidence of Collusion (defined in Section 10.2 (Investigating Collusion)) is such that a reasonable man would conclude Collusion had taken place

It is not necessary for the Collusion to have resulted in any of those Registered Users suspected of colluding to have ultimately won the Auction.

If (a) and (b) above are fulfilled, the Company will take the following actions:

  1. The Company may contact those Registered Users it suspects colluded,
  2. The Company may provide those Registered Users with a list of other Registered Users which they must not participate with,
  3. The Company may return that Auction to the state it was in before the suspected Collusion and associated bidding took place,
  4. The Company may restart the Auction.

Section 11. Suspension

11.1. Reasons for Suspension

A Registered User will be suspended if:

  1. He is found to have been in breach of any of the restrictions under Section 1.12.2 (Registered User Restrictions) when he agreed these Terms and Conditions; and/or
  2. He is found to have been Associated with the Company under Section 1.13 (Restrictions on those Associated with the Company) when he agreed these Terms and Conditions; and/or
  3. He has subsequently become in breach of any of the restrictions under Section 1.12.2 (Registered User Restrictions);
  4. He has subsequently become Associated with the Company under Section 1.13 (Restrictions on those Associated with the Company); and/or
  5. He has, in the Company's opinion, become so well-acquainted with the Company (i.e. through its Web Site, the manner in which it conducts its business, its internal procedures and its operation of restrictions) that his continued presence on the Company's Web Site actually impacts the Company's obligation to ensure a level playing field to other Registered Users.

Additionally, the Company will suspend a Registered User who:

  1. It has reasonable evidence has colluded with others to unfairly win any Auction (See Section 10 (Collusion)); and/or
  2. It suspects is targeting the Company Web Site with spam e-mail, worms, viruses, electronic attacks including Denial of Service (See further Section 12 (Site Attacks))

Additionally, the Company may suspend a Registered User who:

  1. has instituted a request through a third party Payment Provider for cancellation or refund of any order placed through the Payment Process, unless that Registered User agrees to pay the Administration Fee for this service; and/or
  2. has refused to respond to an enquiry made by the Company, or has not responded within thirty (30) days of an enquiry made by the Company.
  3. has indicated an intention to proceed with a Court claim against the Company

11.2. Effect of Suspension

A Registered User who is suspended may:

  1. forfeit all Credits currently held in his account;
  2. have his details passed to the Company's Fraud Investigation Department in order to determine whether there is enough evidence of Conspiracy to Defraud to involve the authorities;
  3. be prevented from re-registering on the Company's Web Site; and
  4. be prevented from further use of the Company's services.

Section 12. Site Attacks

12.1. Frequency of Site Attacks

On rare occasions, the Web Site may be attacked and, as a result, Bids may not be able to be processed. During an Attack, the Countdown Timers may count down to zero and therefore fire off the instant notification to a Winning Bidder. If a Registered User 'wins' an Auction as a result of this type of cyber-attack, the Company is obliged to restart the Auction. This Auction Restart procedure will always be instituted, no matter how unjust it may seem to a Registered User who appears to have 'won'. The Company cannot allow site attacks to compel it to end Auctions early.

12.2. Results of Site Attack

In the event a Site Attack results in an incorrect notification of a win, the Company will contact the Registered User who appears to have 'won' and will explain how and why his offer to buy the Product will not be accepted by the Company. If the Registered User has already made payment of the Winning Bid plus Shipping and Handling, the Company will refund the entirety of the amount paid.

12.3. Disclaimer

The Company cannot guarantee that all Registered Users will have continuous, uninterrupted access to its Web Site. Site attacks, different browsers, Internet connections, geographic location, power failures, network outages and numerous other factors are outside the control of the Company. The Company uses all reasonable endeavours to fulfil its obligations.

When a Site Attack occurs, any Auctions which are counting down are immediately paused until the issue is resolved. When they come back on line, the Company may lengthen or shorten their Countdown Timers as appropriate. It is usual for all Auctions brought back to life to display 'Waiting for bids...' until another bid instruction is placed.

12.4. Site Attack Investigations

In the event the Company can identify elements of a Site Attack, and can identify a pattern in attendance on the Web Site which correlates with Site Attacks, the Company will liaise with the authorities. The Company will pursue legal action against anyone who targets its Web Site and Registered Users, in line with its obligations to ensure a level playing field.

Section 13. Requests For Refunds By Payment Providers

13.1. If Financial Institution Fails To Honor or Requests Return of Payment

If a Registered User completes the Payment Process, the Company assumes that the Payment Option selected will honour the payment in full, and will not request the return of that payment. In rare circumstances, this is not the case. The financial institution offering that Payment Option subsequently contacts the Company and orders that the payment be returned. This usually, although not always, occurs at the request of the Registered User.

13.2. Return Administration Fee

The Company will levy an Administration Fee if it is obliged to return payment to a Financial Institution. There is currently no fee.

Section 15. Buy Now

15.1. Introduction

Many Auctions invite the Registered User to purchase an identical Product to that featured in the Auction, whilst the Company has enough stock of that Productto fulfil orders it may receive. If the Company has enough stock to meet one or more additional orders, a link appears to the Product's Buy Now price. To purchase the Product, the Registered User clicks the link to Buy Now.

The Buy Now price, before any deductions from it under Section 15.2 (Effect of Click on Buy Now), should usually match the cheapest on-line retailer offering that Product by direct sale; however, the Company's discretion in relation to setting the Buy Now price is limitless. The Company will not set a Buy Now price so low as that it could interfere with its right to reject an offer in the case of technical error.

Section 15.2 (Effect of Click on Buy Now) describes the effect of clicking on Buy Now, as it offers a Registered User substantial discounts on the Product's Retail Price.

Buy Now will not be available, and the link will immediately disappear, if the last item of stock of that Product has been sold.

Buy Now is in no way to be inferred that PLATFORM has limitless stocks on the Product in question. Buy Now is in no way to be assumed to be available to all Registered Users, for the entire duration of the Auction, and a dependent feature of the Auction in question. For further information see Section 15.6 (Spirit And Intention of Buy Now).

15.2. Effect of Click on Buy Now

  1. If Buy Now is clicked, the price of any Paid Credits which the Registered User has already spent on the Auction are then deducted from the Buy Now Price.
  2. The new price (i.e. the Buy Now price less the cost of the User's spent Paid Credits) is then displayed to the Registered User and he is asked to confirm he wishes to buy the Product for that price.
  3. As per Section 15.1 (Introduction), if the Registered User opts to confirm his intention to Buy Now, he will no longer be able to Bid on that Auction.

15.3. Buy Now Available Throughout and After Auction

The Buy Now option is actually available:

  1. During the Auction's hours,
  2. While the Auction is Sleeping and
  3. For up to 48 hours after the Auction is won.

15.4. Contract For Sale/Purchase of Product

When clicking the Buy Now option, the Registered User expresses an Offer to purchase the Product from the Company. The Company will accept the Registered User's Offer in all circumstances except those envisaged by Section 3.6 (Right Not to Accept an Offer to Buy in case of Technical Error).

15.6. Spirit And Intention of Buy Now

The spirit and intention of the Buy Now feature is to allow Registered Users to obtain Products at the lowest possible price by a variety of bidding skill, patience and diligence.

The Buy Now option is an invitation that is made to Registered Users that they can be supplied with the Product only whilst the Company has stocks of that Product available to meet those Registered Users' orders.

The Company has stocks of that Product available whenever the link to the Buy Now price is present. The Buy Now information pop-up will reveal exactly how many Products the Company has in stock.

Buy Now is a bonus feature of an Auction. Its effect however is to elevate the opportunities for winning or buying a comparable Product at a low price. A Registered User may Bid on any Auction where there are Buy Now stocks of that Product available, and he will see a corresponding decrease in the Buy Now price equal to the amount of Credits he has spent.

Only a finite number of Buy Now Products will be in stock at any one time, and the number available may decrease as Registered Users offer to buy Products at their own Buy Now price and stocks are depleted. This means that it is possible for a Registered User to expend a large amount of Credits on an Auction, intending to purchase at a low Buy Now price if he does not win that Auction, only for the Buy Now link to disappear when another Registered User buys the last amount of remaining stock. It is any individual Registered User's responsibility, if his intention is to buy using the Buy Now price, to carefully monitor the amount of items remaining to Buy Now, and to make his offer to Buy Now before that amount reaches zero. If this happens, the Company will in no way be liable to refund the Paid Credits the Registered User spent on the Auction in question.

For the avoidance of doubt, note that no obligation attaches to the Company to provide a Buy Now price on all Auctions.

15.7. Buy Now Removal

The Company retains an inviolable right to remove Buy Now from a particular Auction.

Section 16. Winning Limits

16.1. Winning Limit Restriction

In order to ensure a level playing field, the Company operates restrictions. These restrictions limit a Registered User from Winning Auctions (the Winning Limit) and may vary depending on the type of Auction, and the number of recently-won Auctions by a Registered User.

These Limits are prominently displayed on the Web Site and are an integral and indivisible part of these Terms and Conditions.

16.2. No Requirement for Notice

Winning Limits may be amended by the Company at any time, without notice to any Registered User.

Section 17. Any Claims

17.1. Legal Issues

A Registered User who believes he has a legal complaint against the Company will make contact with the Company by writing to info@Domain.co.za, explaining his situation fully before incurring legal costs. If a Registered User does not make any contact with the Company, the Company will refuse to cover any legal costs expended should it later attempt to reach an agreement to settle.

17.2. Counterclaims

A Registered User who is in legal dispute with the Company has a right in law to Counterclaim. This Counterclaim will be restricted to the contractual relationship on which these Terms are based, without prejudice to the Registered User's statutory rights.

17.3. Liability for Reimbursement of Legal Expenses

Liability for reimbursement of legal expenses shall likewise only be assumed in accordance with the stipulations above.

Liability for damage arising from loss of life and limb, health, or wellbeing, and that according to product liability law shall not be affected hereby.

Section 18. Disclaimers

18.1. Meaning of Company in this Section

In this section only, the word Company applies not only as per the the definition given in Section 1.1 (Definition of Terms), but means the Company and its Service Providers, such as warehouses and local shipping and courier services.

18.2. Disclaimers Regarding Information on Products and Services

The information, products and services published on the Web Site may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. The Company makes no warranty as to the results that may be obtained from the use of the Web Site or as to the accuracy, reliability, or currency of any information content, service, or merchandise provided by it.

Furthermore, the shall be responsible for any opinions, views, advice or statements posted on the Service (including, without limitation, in any public posting areas of the Service) by any person or entity other than an authorised spokesperson of the Company.

Advertisers, content providers, Registered Users, guests, independent writers, and experts are not our authorised spokespersons. At no time should the opinions, views, advice or statements provided by advertisers, content providers, Registered Users, guests, independent writers or experts be relied upon for important personal decisions without independent verification.

18.3. Disclaimer of Warranties

Registered Users use the Web Site, and any Products purchased from it, is at their sole risk. The Web Site, and the Products on it, are provided by the Company on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the fullest extent permissible by applicable law, the Company and its providers disclaim all implied warranties, including, but not limited to, implied and statutory warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement of proprietary rights.

The Company makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of the Web Site or Products, security of the Web Site, the availability of Products offered, including e-mail, or the information, content, materials or Products including on the Web Site.

Any service or service applications downloaded or otherwise obtained through the use of the Web Site is done at the discretion and risk of any Registered User, who will be solely responsible for any damage done to his company or mobile device, or loss of data, that results from the download and/or installation of the material.

Some States or other jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above exclusions may not apply to all Registered Users.

18.4. Limitation of Liability

The Company will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use or, or inability to use, the Web Site or any related services including, but not limited to, direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary and punitive damages whether such claim is based on warranty, contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise (even if the Company has been advised of the possibility of such damages).

The limitation of this paragraph shall apply notwithstanding any reliance by a Registered User on any information obtained from the Web Site or that results from mistakes, omissions, interruptions, deletion of files, SMS communications or e-mail, errors, defects, viruses or other malicious code, delays in operation or transmission, or any failure of performance, whether or not resulting from Acts of God, communications failure, theft, destruction or unauthorised access to the Company’s records, programs or services, and whether or not the Company has been advised of the possibility of such damages. A Registered User acknowledges that this paragraph shall apply to all content, products and services available throughout the Web Site.

Such limitation of liability shall apply whether the damages arise from the user, or misuse of, and reliance on the Web Site services or Products obtained from it, from inability to use the Web Site or Products obtained from it, or from the interruption, suspension or termination of the Company’s Web Site (including such damages incurred by third parties). Some States or other jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for direct, indirect, incidental, punitive or consequential damages, in which case the liability of the Company will be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, in no event shall the Company be liable for any damages that exceed the amounts paid by any Registered User to the company during the six month period preceding the causation of damages.

Section 19. Intellectual Property Rights

19.1. Copyright Information and Personal & Non-Commercial Use Limitation

All content included on the Web Site is owned by the Company or the Company’s third party licensors and is protected by International copyright, trade dress, patent, and trademark laws, and other laws protecting intellectual property and related proprietary rights. The Company does not claim ownership of copyrights owned by third parties.

Registered Users are granted a licence to view and use the Web Site subject to these Terms. Unless otherwise specified, the Service is for personal and non-commercial use. No Registered User may sell or modify the Web Site itself, or reproduce, display publicly or otherwise use the Web Site in any way for any public or commercial purpose.

Permission to reprint or electronically reproduce any document or graphic, in whole or in part, for any other purpose is expressly prohibited without prior written consent from the Company. A Registered User may not provide copyrighted or other proprietary information to the Company without permission from the owner of such material or rights.

A Registered User is solely responsible for obtaining such permission and for any damages resulting from unauthorised disclosures or infringement.

19.2. Trademarks

The Company owns the name and trademark of Domain.com as well as any updates. The associated graphics, logos and service marks and may not be used without the prior knowledge and written consent of the Company. All other trademarks, product names, and company names and logos appearing on the Web Site are the property of their respective owners.

19.3. Ideas and Inventions

All comments, feedback, suggestions, ideas, and other submissions (“Ideas”) disclosed, submitted, or offered to the Company by any Registered Users are the exclusive property of the Company. The Company will not entertain any claim by any Registered User that the Company has in any way exploited an idea communicated to the Company as its own. If a Registered User submits any idea or invention, he agrees that the Company may use, sell, exploit and disclose the Ideas in any manner, without restriction and without compensation to him.

Section 20. External Links

20.1. Other Web Sites

The Service may contain links to other websites and may forward a Registered User to other websites within the same, or a new, Internet browser window. These web sites are not under the control of the Company and the existence of a link on the Company’s Web Site does not imply any endorsement of the linked web sites by the Company or any affiliation between the Company and the owners of the linked web sites. The Company makes no warranties or representations, and disclaims all liability, relating to the accuracy, content, terms of use, privacy policies, products, services, legality, reliability, viewpoint, accuracy, currency, decency, or any other aspect of the linked websites. The Company has no responsibility to its Registered Users in respect of such material. The Company encourages all Registered Users to examine the privacy policies and/or terms and conditions of any third party websites.

Section 21. Security

21.1. User's Responsibility To Restrict Access

All Users who use the Web Site are responsible for restricting access to their computer and ensuring that their computer is free from all types of malicious code, spyware, viruses, Trojans, etc. that may track any data entered on the Web Site.

In addition, a Registered User is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of his Account and identifiers and for restricting access to his computer, and he agrees to accept responsibility for all activities that occur under his Account or identifiers.

21.2. Obligation To Secure Password And Exit Sessions

A Registered User agrees to:

  1. Immediately notify the Company of any unauthorised use of his password or Account and/or other breach of security by writing; and
  2. Ensure that he/she exits from his/her Account at the end of each session. The Company cannot and will not be held liable for any loss or damage arising from his failure to comply with this section.

21.3. Monitoring Operations by Company

The Company reserves the right to monitor all network traffic and Account activity on the Web Site to identify and/or block unauthorised attempts or intrusions to upload or change information or cause damage to the Web Site in any fashion. Anyone using the Web Site expressly consents to such monitoring.

The Company reserves the right to fully cooperate with any law enforcement authorities or Court Orders requesting or directing it to disclose the identity of anyone posting any information, publishing or otherwise making available any materials that are believed to violate these Terms.

Section 22. Indemnification

22.1. Indemnity Agreement

All Registered Users agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its subsidiaries, agents, managers, and other affiliated companies, and their employees, contractors, agents, officers and directors from and against any and all losses, costs, expenses, damages or other liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by such parties from and against any cost, liability, loss, damage, cause of action, claim, suit, proceeding, demand or action brought by a third party against such parties in connection with:

  1. The use of the Web Site using the Registered User's Account;
  2. Any data or work transmitted or received by a Registered User;
  3. A Registered User’s violation of these Terms; or
  4. A Registered User’s violation of any rights of a third party. This defence and indemnification will survive this agreement and all Registered User’s use of the Web Site.

 

Section 23. Waiver/Severability

23.1. When Strict Performance Of A Term Is Not Required

In exceedingly rare circumstances, the Company may not require strict performance of one or more of the terms by a Registered User. This shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of the Company’s right to assert or rely upon any such provision or right in that or any other instance.

These Terms are intended to be severable. If for any reason any provision of these Terms shall be held invalid or un-enforceable in whole or in part by any court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such determination of invalidity or un-enforceability without affecting the validity or enforceability thereof in any other manner or jurisdiction and without affecting the remaining provisions of the Terms, which shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 24. Notices

24.1. General

Except as expressly stated otherwise, any notices regarding the Web Site shall be made by registered mail to the Company.

Notices to Registered Users may be mailed to the delivery address they provided for deliveries of products, as part of their Registration Data (including registered mail) or by electronic mail to the e-mail address(es) or mobile telephone number they provided. A notice sent to a Registered User shall be deemed given twenty-four (24) hours after e-mail or SMS is sent and three (3) days after the date of mailing.

Section 25. Entire Agreement

25.1. General

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between all Registered Users and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces all prior or contemporaneous understandings or agreements, written or oral, regarding such subject matter. Any waiver of any provision of the Terms will be effective only if in writing and signed by an authorised representative of the Company.

Section 26. Section Titles For Convenience Only

26.1. Section Title

The Section titles in these Terms and Conditions are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect.