Legal

Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: August 2026

1Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Plate2Peer platform, website, and associated services (collectively, the "Platform"). By accessing, registering, or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Plate2Peer ("we", "us", "our") is a peer-to-peer marketplace platform that facilitates transactions between sellers and buyers, primarily serving university students in South Africa. Plate2Peer is not a party to any transaction between buyers and sellers - it is a technology platform that connects users.

2Amendment of Terms

We reserve the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms at any time without prior notice. Your continued use of the Platform following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically. If you do not agree to any changes, you must discontinue use of the Platform immediately.

3User Eligibility and Account Creation

To use the Platform, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Be a current student at a registered university or tertiary institution in South Africa;
  • Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration;
  • Maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials;
  • Be responsible for all activities conducted under your account.

We reserve the right to verify student status and to suspend or terminate accounts that fail verification.

4Plate2Peer Role and Liability Limitation

4.1Non-Party Status

Plate2Peer is a facilitating platform only. We are not a party to any transaction, sale, or service agreement between buyers and sellers. Each transaction is an independent contract between the buyer and seller. Plate2Peer does not own, sell, or control any goods or services listed on the Platform.

4.2No Warranty or Responsibility for Goods Quality

Plate2Peer makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding:

  • The quality, safety, legality, or authenticity of any goods or services;
  • The accuracy of product descriptions provided by sellers;
  • Compliance with consumer protection laws or standards;
  • Fitness for any particular purpose.

Sellers are solely responsible for ensuring that their products meet applicable South African consumer protection standards, including the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Buyers purchase goods at their own risk and conduct their own due diligence.

4.3Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PLATE2PEER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

  • ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES;
  • LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION;
  • DISPUTES BETWEEN BUYERS AND SELLERS;
  • QUALITY, DELIVERY, OR AUTHENTICITY OF GOODS;
  • INJURY OR LOSS ARISING FROM PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

5Seller Terms and Responsibilities

5.1Seller Obligations

By listing products or services on Plate2Peer, you represent and warrant that you:

  • Own or have the right to sell the goods listed;
  • Will comply with all applicable South African laws, including the Consumer Protection Act, Trade Descriptions Act, and Health Regulations;
  • Will provide accurate, complete, and non-misleading product descriptions;
  • Will deliver products in the condition and timeframe promised;
  • Assume full liability for the quality, safety, and legality of your goods;
  • Are responsible for all taxes, VAT, and regulatory compliance.

5.2Commission and Fees

Plate2Peer charges a 15% commission on all successful transactions unless otherwise stated. This commission is deducted by YOCO at the point of payment and remitted to Plate2Peer. Additional payment processing fees (imposed by YOCO or your payment service provider) are the responsibility of the seller.

5.3Right to Remove Sellers

We reserve the absolute right to remove, suspend, or delist any seller or product at any time, without notice, for any reason including (but not limited to):

  • Violation of these Terms;
  • Fraud, misrepresentation, or deception;
  • Sale of illegal, counterfeit, or harmful goods;
  • Repeated customer complaints;
  • Poor quality or delivery failures;
  • Failure to comply with South African law.

6Buyer Terms and Refund Policy

6.1Refund Window

Buyers have a 12-hour window after confirmed delivery to request a refund. To qualify for a refund, the request must be submitted within this 12-hour period. After 12 hours, no refunds will be processed, and the buyer must resolve any disputes directly with the seller.

6.2Post-Refund Window Disputes

Once the 12-hour refund window has expired, Plate2Peer releases all funds to the seller and withdraws from all responsibility for the transaction. Any disputes regarding product quality, delivery, or other issues must be handled directly between the buyer and seller. Plate2Peer will not mediate, adjudicate, or resolve disputes after the 12-hour window.

6.3Indemnification by Buyer

By accepting a delivery and not initiating a refund within 12 hours, the buyer indemnifies and releases Plate2Peer from all claims, demands, and liability arising from the transaction, including (but not limited to) quality, safety, delivery, fitness for purpose, or any other dispute with the seller. The buyer assumes full responsibility for resolving any issues directly with the seller.

7Payment and Escrow

All payments are processed through YOCO, our payment service provider. Plate2Peer does not custody funds directly. During the 12-hour refund window, YOCO holds funds in a payment hold. After 12 hours, funds are automatically released to the seller, and Plate2Peer has no power to reverse or hold funds.

By making a payment, you authorize YOCO to deduct the agreed purchase price plus any applicable fees (including Plate2Peer's 15% commission) from your payment method.

8Dispute Resolution

8.1Within 12-Hour Window

If a dispute arises within the 12-hour refund window, the buyer may contact Plate2Peer admin at admin@plate2peer.com with evidence of the issue. Plate2Peer will review the case and, at its discretion, may approve a refund or escalate to the seller for resolution.

8.2After 12-Hour Window

Disputes arising more than 12 hours after delivery are outside Plate2Peer's jurisdiction. Buyers must resolve issues directly with sellers through private negotiation or, if necessary, through the appropriate legal channels (e.g., small claims court or consumer protection authorities).

8.3Plate2Peer Discretion

Any dispute resolution or mediation offered by Plate2Peer is at our sole discretion and is not an obligation. We may choose to resolve disputes, decline to intervene, or refer parties to external authorities without liability.

9Prohibited Conduct

Users agree not to:

  • List or purchase illegal goods or services;
  • Engage in fraud, misrepresentation, or deception;
  • Violate intellectual property rights;
  • Conduct harassment, discrimination, or hate speech;
  • Attempt to circumvent payment systems or commission structures;
  • Resell Plate2Peer products or services without authorization;
  • Use automated tools or bots to scrape data;
  • Violate POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) or other privacy laws;
  • Breach any South African law or regulation.

10Intellectual Property

All Platform content, including design, code, branding, and layout, is the exclusive property of Plate2Peer or its licensors. Users may not reproduce, distribute, or modify any Platform content without written permission. By listing products, sellers grant Plate2Peer a non-exclusive license to display product images and descriptions on the Platform.

11Termination

Plate2Peer may terminate or suspend your account at any time, with or without cause, and without liability. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Any pending transactions will be completed or canceled according to these Terms.

12Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Plate2Peer, its owners, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the Platform;
  • Your violation of these Terms;
  • Your violation of any law or regulation;
  • Your conduct as a buyer or seller;
  • Product quality, delivery, or safety issues;
  • Disputes with other users;
  • Intellectual property infringement.

13Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. All disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

14Contact Information

For any questions or concerns, contact us at:

Email: admin@plate2peer.com

By using Plate2Peer, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.