Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using this Stellenbosch University student marketplace platform ("the Service"), you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provisions of this agreement. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Service.

2. Eligibility

To use this Service, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a current student, staff member, or affiliate of Stellenbosch University
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials

3. User Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent listings
• Engage in any form of harassment, hate speech, or discrimination
• Sell illegal items or prohibited goods (weapons, drugs, stolen goods, etc.)
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Spam or send unsolicited commercial messages
• Attempt to circumvent or manipulate the platform's systems
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations

4. Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly prohibited:

• Illegal drugs or controlled substances
• Weapons, explosives, or ammunition
• Stolen property or counterfeit goods
• Adult content or services
• Academic dishonesty materials (essays, assignments for sale)
• Alcohol or tobacco products (unless legally permitted)
• Live animals (except through verified adoption agencies)

5. Listings and Transactions

Seller Responsibilities:

• Provide accurate descriptions, photos, and pricing
• Honor agreed-upon prices and terms
• Meet buyers safely in public locations
• Remove listings once items are sold

Buyer Responsibilities:

• Inspect items before completing transactions
• Communicate respectfully with sellers
• Report suspicious or fraudulent listings

6. Safety and Liability

Important: This platform is a marketplace facilitator only. We are NOT responsible for:

• The quality, safety, or legality of items listed
• The accuracy of listings or user-generated content
• The ability of buyers or sellers to complete transactions
• Any disputes, injuries, or losses resulting from transactions
• Meeting arrangements or interactions between users

Safety Tips: Always meet in public places on campus during daylight hours. Bring a friend. Trust your instincts. Never share personal financial information.

7. Privacy and Data Protection

We collect and process personal data in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). By using this Service, you consent to our collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

8. Content Ownership and Rights

You retain ownership of content you post (photos, descriptions). By posting, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide license to display and distribute your content on the platform. You represent that you have the right to post all content you submit.

9. Moderation and Removal

We reserve the right to:

• Remove any listing or content that violates these terms
• Suspend or ban users who violate policies
• Investigate and report illegal activity to authorities
• Modify or discontinue the Service at any time

10. Intellectual Property

The Service's design, code, logos, and content (excluding user-generated content) are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, or distribute any part of the Service without permission.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE SERVICE WILL BE ERROR-FREE, SECURE, OR UNINTERRUPTED. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FROM TRANSACTIONS, DATA LOSS, OR SECURITY BREACHES.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Service, its operators, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Service, your listings, or your violation of these terms.

14. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms or use of the Service shall be governed by South African law and resolved in the courts of the Western Cape, South Africa.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms at any time. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms. We will notify users of significant changes via email or platform notification.

16. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or to report violations, please contact us at support@stelliesmarketplace.co.za