Terms of Service | Shopstar

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Shopstar ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time, and your continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2. Description of Service

Shopstar provides an e-commerce platform that enables merchants to create online stores, sell products and services, and manage their businesses. Our services include:

Store creation and customisation tools
Product and inventory management
Payment processing through third-party providers (Stripe and Paystack)
Order management and fulfilment tools
Analytics and reporting
Customer management features

3. User Accounts

Registration

To use certain features of the Platform, you must register for an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate.

Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account.

Account Deactivation

Account deactivation may occur at management's discretion. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms.

4. Merchant Obligations

As a merchant using our Platform, you are responsible for all the content (text, images) you upload. You agree to:

Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
Accurately represent your products and services
Fulfil orders in a timely manner
Handle customer inquiries and complaints professionally
Not upload any illegal material or malicious code
Maintain appropriate business licences where required
Collect and remit applicable taxes

5. Prohibited Activities

You may not use the Platform to:

Violate any laws or regulations
Engage in fraud, money laundering, or terrorist financing
Infringe on intellectual property rights
Harass, abuse, or harm other users
Distribute malware or interfere with Platform security
Impose an unreasonable or disproportionately large load on the Platform's infrastructure
Operate pyramid schemes or unlicensed financial services
Collect user data without consent

6. Restricted Goods

The following items are prohibited from being sold on the Platform:

Perishable foods without proper licensing
Live animals
Pornographic or adult content
Controlled substances and drugs
Counterfeit or stolen goods
Weapons and ammunition
Any item which could promote or incite hate or racial disharmony

7. Fees and Payment

Subscription Fees

Certain features of the Platform require a paid subscription. Monthly billing occurs on your signup date, then on the first of each month. Fees are charged in advance and are non-refundable except as required by law. Vendors must settle all outstanding charges before cancellation.

Transaction Fees

Transaction fees apply on sales processed through the Platform. Fees are calculated based on your plan and are detailed on our pricing page. We reserve the right to update fees with reasonable notice.

8. Service Disclaimer

The Platform operates on an "as is" basis. While we strive to provide reliable service, we do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation. You assume full risk of service usage.

9. Intellectual Property

Platform Content

All content, features, and functionality of the Platform are owned by Shopstar and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

User Content

You retain ownership of content you upload to the Platform. By uploading content, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide licence to use, display, and distribute that content in connection with providing our services.

10. Limitation of Liability

We exclude all implied representations and warranties to the maximum extent permitted by law. Shopstar will under no circumstances be liable for any loss or damage you may have using the Shopstar service. This includes any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, data, or goodwill.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Shopstar, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Platform, violation of these terms, or infringement of any rights of third parties.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these terms or for any other reason at our discretion. You may also terminate your account at any time by contacting us.

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. We may retain certain data as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

13. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of the Platform shall be governed by the laws of South Africa. You agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith negotiation before pursuing formal legal action.

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting a notice on the Platform or sending you an email. Your continued use of the Platform after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at legal@shopstar.co.za or via WhatsApp at +27 60 016 3490