Terms & Condition

1. Introduction

Welcome to ShopLinker.

ShopLinker is a cross-border shopping facilitation platform that enables customers to access international online retailers while paying locally through supported payment channels.

By accessing or using ShopLinker’s services, customers acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

ShopLinker acts solely as a shopping facilitation and coordination platform connecting customers with international retailers and logistics providers.

ShopLinker does not manufacture, sell, own, or store products listed on third-party retail websites.


2. Scope of Services

ShopLinker provides the following services:

  • Review and verification of customer shopping carts

  • Consolidation of final pricing including product cost, service fees, shipping costs, and applicable charges

  • Placement of orders with international retailers on behalf of the customer after payment confirmation

  • Coordination with third-party logistics providers for international delivery

ShopLinker does not control retailer inventory, pricing changes, product availability, or retailer policies.


3. Pre-Funded Order Policy

All orders processed through ShopLinker operate strictly on a pre-funded basis.

Customers must pay the full quoted amount before any order is placed.

ShopLinker does not offer:

  • credit

  • deferred payment

  • instalment plans

Orders will only be processed once payment has been successfully confirmed through the selected payment gateway.

ShopLinker reserves the right to decline, delay, or cancel an order if payment verification fails or if suspicious activity is detected.


4. Charges and Fees

4.1 Service Fees

ShopLinker charges a service fee for the facilitation of international purchases.

Service fees:

  • are disclosed before payment

  • are non-refundable once an order has been placed

  • are independent of shipping, customs duties, and taxes


4.2 Payment Processing Fees

Payments are processed through third-party payment gateways.

Any applicable payment gateway charges may be passed through to customers and displayed transparently during the quoting process.

ShopLinker does not control the pricing structure of payment processors.


4.3 Shipping, Customs, and Taxes

Shipping costs, customs duties, import taxes, and regulatory fees are the responsibility of the customer.

These charges are determined by:

  • courier companies

  • customs authorities

  • destination country regulations

ShopLinker does not control customs assessments or import clearance decisions.


5. Order Execution

Once payment is confirmed:

  • ShopLinker places the order with the selected retailer on behalf of the customer

  • Customers acknowledge that retailers operate under their own terms and policies

  • ShopLinker does not guarantee retailer stock availability, delivery timelines, or product specifications

If a product becomes unavailable after payment, ShopLinker will notify the customer and arrange a refund from the retailer where applicable.


6. Refunds and Cancellations

6.1 Before Order Placement

If an order has not yet been placed with the retailer, ShopLinker may cancel the order and refund the customer, less any payment processing costs incurred.


6.2 After Order Placement

Once an order has been placed with the retailer:

  • ShopLinker service fees are non-refundable

  • refunds are subject to the retailer’s return and refund policies

  • ShopLinker cannot guarantee that a retailer will approve a return


6.3 Returns Handling

If a customer requests ShopLinker to manage a return process with a retailer, an additional administrative or logistics fee may apply.

Return shipping costs may also apply depending on retailer policy.


7. Delivery and Logistics

ShopLinker coordinates delivery through independent logistics providers.

Customers acknowledge that delivery timelines may be affected by:

  • courier delays

  • customs inspections

  • regulatory procedures

  • international shipping conditions

ShopLinker is not responsible for delays caused by third-party logistics providers.

Delivery confirmation provided by the courier, including tracking information, delivery records, or signed confirmation, shall constitute valid proof of delivery.


8. Fraud, Chargebacks, and Disputes

Customers agree not to initiate fraudulent payment disputes or chargebacks for orders that have been fulfilled in accordance with the approved order.

In the event of a chargeback or payment dispute, ShopLinker reserves the right to recover:

  • the transaction amount

  • payment processing fees

  • shipping costs

  • administrative costs related to dispute management

Customers who initiate fraudulent disputes may have their accounts permanently restricted from using the platform.

ShopLinker maintains transaction records, communication logs, order approvals, and delivery confirmations for compliance and dispute resolution purposes.


9. Customer Verification

ShopLinker reserves the right to request identity verification for certain transactions.

Additional verification may be required for:

  • high-value orders

  • suspicious transactions

  • payment risk alerts

Failure to comply with verification requests may result in order cancellation.


10. Limitation of Liability

ShopLinker shall not be liable for:

  • retailer product defects

  • product quality issues

  • shipping delays

  • customs decisions

  • currency fluctuations

  • courier service disruptions

ShopLinker’s maximum liability is limited to the service fee charged for the specific transaction, except where otherwise required by law.


11. Compliance and Regulatory Framework

ShopLinker operates in compliance with applicable financial, commercial, and data protection regulations.

Customer payments are processed through regulated third-party payment gateways.

ShopLinker does not store customer payment credentials.

All transactions are traceable and recorded for compliance purposes.


12. Data Protection and Privacy

ShopLinker collects and processes customer information solely for the purpose of providing services and complying with regulatory requirements.

Customer data is handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws including:

  • POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act)

  • other applicable international data protection frameworks


13. Amendments

ShopLinker reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time.

Updated terms will be published on the ShopLinker website.

Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.


14. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the applicable laws of the jurisdictions in which ShopLinker operates (South Africa).


15. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

Any disputes arising from the use of ShopLinker services shall first be resolved through good-faith negotiations.

If a dispute cannot be resolved amicably, the matter shall be referred to binding arbitration before any court proceedings.

The arbitration venue shall be determined based on the applicable jurisdiction of the transaction.


SHOPLINKER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP)

1. Purpose

This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) governs how customers may use the ShopLinker platform and services.

ShopLinker provides cross-border shopping facilitation services that enable customers to access international retailers and coordinate delivery through approved logistics partners.

By using ShopLinker’s services, customers agree to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy.

Failure to comply may result in suspension or termination of access to the platform.


2. Permitted Use of the Platform

Customers may use ShopLinker only for legitimate and lawful purposes, including:

  • purchasing goods from authorized international retailers

  • submitting shopping carts for quotation

  • arranging international shipping through approved logistics providers

All transactions must comply with applicable laws and regulations in both:

  • the country of purchase

  • the destination country (including the Democratic Republic of Congo)

Customers are responsible for ensuring that the products they request are legal to import into their country.


3. Prohibited Activities

3.1 Fraudulent Activities

Customers may not:

  • use stolen or unauthorized payment methods

  • submit false information during checkout

  • attempt to bypass payment verification processes

  • initiate fraudulent payment disputes or chargebacks

Any attempt to commit payment fraud will result in immediate suspension of service.


3.2 Abuse of the Platform

Customers may not:

  • attempt to exploit system vulnerabilities

  • manipulate pricing or transaction processes

  • interfere with the platform’s functionality

  • impersonate another individual or entity


3.3 Illegal Use

Customers may not use ShopLinker to facilitate transactions involving illegal activities, including but not limited to:

  • money laundering

  • financial fraud

  • terrorist financing

  • sanctions violations

ShopLinker reserves the right to report suspicious activity to relevant authorities.


4. Prohibited Products

ShopLinker does not facilitate purchases of the following categories of goods:

Illegal or Controlled Goods

  • narcotics or illegal drugs

  • controlled substances without proper authorization

  • counterfeit or pirated products

  • stolen goods

Weapons and Dangerous Items

  • firearms and ammunition

  • explosives or explosive materials

  • weapon parts or weapon accessories

  • military equipment

Hazardous Materials

  • toxic chemicals

  • hazardous industrial substances

  • flammable or explosive materials

Restricted Medical Products

  • prescription medicines without proper documentation

  • unregulated pharmaceutical products

  • medical devices requiring regulatory approval

Adult or Sensitive Content

  • pornography or explicit adult materials

  • products that violate cultural or legal standards in destination countries

Financial Instruments

  • currency exchange services

  • prepaid cards

  • cryptocurrency mining hardware used for illicit activity

Other Restricted Goods

  • wildlife products prohibited by international conventions

  • ivory or endangered species products

  • items restricted by customs regulations

ShopLinker reserves the right to decline any product request at its sole discretion.


5. Customer Responsibility

Customers are responsible for ensuring that:

  • product descriptions are accurate

  • delivery details are correct

  • requested items comply with import regulations

Customers are also responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, or regulatory fees.


6. Transaction Monitoring

To maintain platform security and compliance, ShopLinker reserves the right to:

  • monitor transactions

  • request identity verification

  • request additional documentation for high-value purchases

Failure to comply with verification requests may result in order cancellation.


7. Enforcement

If a violation of this Acceptable Use Policy is detected, ShopLinker may take the following actions:

  • suspend the transaction

  • cancel the order

  • restrict or terminate the customer account

  • report the activity to payment processors or regulatory authorities

ShopLinker reserves the right to take enforcement action without prior notice.


8. Policy Updates

ShopLinker may update this Acceptable Use Policy from time to time.

Updates will be published on the ShopLinker website.

Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.


SHOPLINKER PROHIBITED ITEMS POLICY (Customs & Payment Compliance List)

1. Purpose

This Prohibited Items Policy outlines the categories of goods that cannot be purchased, processed, or shipped through the ShopLinker platform.

ShopLinker operates in compliance with international commerce regulations, payment processor policies, and import laws applicable to the Democratic Republic of Congo and other jurisdictions.

Customers must ensure that all requested items comply with these restrictions.

ShopLinker reserves the right to refuse any transaction that violates this policy.


2. Illegal Goods

ShopLinker strictly prohibits the purchase or shipment of illegal goods, including but not limited to:

  • narcotics and illegal drugs

  • controlled substances without authorization

  • counterfeit or pirated products

  • stolen goods

  • items obtained through illegal means

Any attempt to purchase illegal goods will result in immediate cancellation of the order.


3. Weapons and Military Equipment

The following items are strictly prohibited:

  • firearms and ammunition

  • weapon components or spare parts

  • explosives and explosive materials

  • military-grade equipment

  • tactical weapons or combat equipment


4. Hazardous and Dangerous Materials

Due to international shipping and aviation regulations, the following items cannot be transported:

  • flammable liquids

  • explosives or fireworks

  • toxic chemicals

  • compressed gases

  • corrosive substances

  • radioactive materials

These items are restricted under international air cargo safety regulations.


5. Restricted Medical and Pharmaceutical Products

ShopLinker does not facilitate the purchase or shipment of:

  • prescription medications

  • unregulated pharmaceutical products

  • narcotic medications

  • controlled medical substances

  • medical devices requiring regulatory approval

Certain over-the-counter health products may be permitted subject to customs regulations.


6. Adult and Offensive Material

The platform does not facilitate the purchase or shipment of:

  • pornography or explicit adult materials

  • obscene publications

  • items that violate cultural or legal standards in destination countries


7. Financial and Monetary Instruments

The following items are not permitted:

  • physical currency shipments

  • cryptocurrency hardware wallets intended for illicit use

  • prepaid debit or gift cards intended for financial transfer

  • money transfer instruments


8. Wildlife and Environmental Restrictions

ShopLinker prohibits transactions involving:

  • ivory products

  • endangered animal products

  • wildlife products restricted by international conventions

  • illegal timber or protected natural resources

These items are restricted under international environmental protection laws.


9. Counterfeit Goods

ShopLinker does not facilitate the purchase or shipment of counterfeit goods, including:

  • fake designer clothing

  • counterfeit electronics

  • pirated software

  • replica luxury goods

Customers are responsible for ensuring that purchased goods are authentic.


10. Restricted Electronics and Surveillance Equipment

Certain electronics may be restricted depending on import regulations, including:

  • surveillance devices

  • signal jammers

  • unauthorized telecommunications equipment

  • devices prohibited by communications authorities

ShopLinker reserves the right to decline requests involving such equipment.


11. Other Restricted Items

The following items may also be restricted depending on customs regulations:

  • perishable food products

  • live animals

  • plants and agricultural products

  • hazardous batteries not approved for air transport

Customers should verify import restrictions before requesting shipment.


12. Right to Refuse Service

ShopLinker reserves the right to decline any order or product request at its sole discretion if the item:

  • violates payment processor policies

  • violates customs regulations

  • poses shipping or safety risks

  • may damage the reputation of the platform


13. Customer Responsibility

Customers are responsible for ensuring that requested products:

  • comply with applicable import laws

  • comply with international shipping regulations

  • comply with payment processor rules

ShopLinker shall not be liable for confiscation, seizure, or destruction of restricted goods by customs authorities.


14. Policy Updates

ShopLinker may update this Prohibited Items Policy at any time in response to changes in international trade regulations or payment processor requirements.

Updates will be published on the ShopLinker website.