Terms and Conditions

1. About SkoolSwap

SkoolSwap is an online marketplace that enables members of school communities to buy, sell, exchange, and discover new and pre-loved school-related items.

The Platform connects buyers and sellers but is not the owner, manufacturer, or reseller of the goods listed by users.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, SkoolSwap acts only as a technology platform that facilitates communication and secure transactions between users.

2. Eligibility

To use SkoolSwap, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old; or
• Have permission from your parent or legal guardian if you are under 18.
• Provide accurate registration information.
• Agree to comply with these Terms and all applicable laws.

By using the Platform, you confirm that you have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement.

3. User Accounts

4. Using the Platform

SkoolSwap allows users to:

• Create an account.
• Browse marketplace listings.
• Search for items by school or category.
• List items for sale.
• Contact buyers and sellers.
• Complete purchases through the Platform.
• Use the escrow payment system where available.
• Report suspicious listings.
• Save favourite items.

We may introduce additional services from time to time.

5. Marketplace Rules

Users agree to:

• List only items they legally own or are authorized to sell.
• Provide accurate descriptions.
• Upload photographs of the actual item.
• Disclose defects or damage.
• Respond honestly to buyer questions.
• Keep listings updated.

Users must not:

• Upload misleading listings.
• Misrepresent an item's condition.
• Sell stolen goods.
• Impersonate another person.
• Circumvent SkoolSwap's payment process.
• Encourage buyers or sellers to complete transactions outside the Platform where escrow or protected payments are available.

Listings that violate these Terms may be removed without notice.

6. School Communities

School names may be used to organize marketplace listings and help users discover relevant items.

Users agree:

• Not to falsely claim affiliation with a school.
• Not to misuse a school's name or branding.
• Not to imply endorsement by a school unless expressly authorized.

SkoolSwap may verify school-related information where necessary to maintain marketplace integrity.

7. Buying Items

Buyers are responsible for reviewing listings carefully before completing a purchase.

Before purchasing, buyers should:

• Read the full item description.
• Review all photographs.
• Ask questions if clarification is needed.
• Verify sizing, condition, and compatibility.

Once payment is successfully completed, the order enters the escrow process until the transaction is completed in accordance with these Terms.

8. Selling Items

Sellers agree to:

• List only available items.
• Ship or hand over purchased items within the stated timeframe.
• Package items appropriately.
• Communicate with buyers regarding collection or delivery.
• Provide accurate tracking information where applicable.

Sellers remain responsible for ensuring that listings accurately represent the item being sold.

Repeated cancellation of confirmed sales may result in account restrictions.

9. Escrow Payment Process

Where escrow is available, SkoolSwap temporarily holds the buyer's payment until the transaction has been completed.

The typical process is:

1. Buyer completes payment.
2. Payment is securely held.
3. Seller ships or hands over the item.
4. Buyer confirms receipt and that the item matches the listing.
5. Where applicable, the buyer confirms receipt using the escrow verification process, including PIN confirmation.
6. SkoolSwap releases payment to the seller.

If a dispute is opened before payment is released, funds may remain on hold until the matter is resolved.

SkoolSwap reserves the right to delay or withhold payment where fraud, policy violations, or suspicious activity is suspected.

10. Fees

Creating an account and listing items is free.

For completed sales processed through the Platform, SkoolSwap currently charges:

• 5% service fee
• R10 fixed transaction fee

Applicable fees will always be shown before payment is completed.

SkoolSwap may update its fee structure from time to time. Changes will not affect transactions already completed before the effective date of the updated fees.

11. Shipping, Collection and Delivery

The seller is responsible for shipping or making the purchased item available for collection within the agreed timeframe.

Where courier services are used, sellers should:

• Package items securely.
• Provide accurate shipping information.
• Share tracking details where available.
• Notify the buyer of any delays.

Where buyers and sellers agree to meet for collection, they are responsible for arranging a safe public meeting place.

SkoolSwap is not responsible for delays, loss, theft, or damage caused by third-party courier services or collection arrangements between users.

12. Returns, Refunds and Cancellations

Because most items sold on SkoolSwap are second-hand, buyers should carefully review listings before purchasing.

A buyer may request a return where:

• The item differs substantially from the listing.
• The wrong item was received.
• The item was materially damaged before shipment and not disclosed.
• Fraud or misrepresentation has occurred.

Returns may not be accepted simply because the buyer changes their mind, unless the seller agrees.

Refunds are normally processed only after:

• the returned item has been received by the seller, or
• SkoolSwap determines that the buyer's claim is valid.

Where payment has already been released to the seller, SkoolSwap may require cooperation from both parties to resolve the dispute.

13. Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises between buyers and sellers, users should first attempt to resolve the matter through the Platform's messaging system.

Where this is unsuccessful, SkoolSwap may request supporting information, including:

• photographs;
• tracking information;
• delivery confirmations;
• chat history;
• proof of payment; and
• any other relevant evidence.

SkoolSwap may assist in resolving disputes but is not obligated to act as an arbitrator or legal representative of either party.

Our decision regarding escrowed funds will be based on the information reasonably available at the time.

14. Prohibited Items

The following items may not be listed, sold, or promoted on SkoolSwap:

• Illegal goods.
• Counterfeit products.
• Stolen property.
• Firearms, ammunition, explosives or weapons.
• Alcohol or tobacco products.
• Illegal drugs or controlled substances.
• Prescription medication.
• Dangerous chemicals.
• Adult material.
• Digital goods or gift cards (unless expressly permitted).
• Live animals.
• Food products requiring special storage.
• Items that infringe intellectual property rights.
• Any item prohibited under South African law.

SkoolSwap reserves the right to remove any listing that violates these Terms or poses a risk to users or the Platform.

15. User Conduct

Users must always interact respectfully.

Users may not:

• Harass other users.
• Threaten or intimidate others.
• Upload offensive or hateful content.
• Share false information.
• Attempt fraud or scams.
• Manipulate listings or reviews.
• Interfere with Platform security.
• Upload malicious software.
• Attempt unauthorized access to the Platform.

Repeated violations may result in permanent account suspension.

16. Fraud Prevention

To protect buyers and sellers, SkoolSwap may:

• verify user identities;
• review transactions;
• monitor unusual account activity;
• temporarily delay payouts;
• request additional verification;
• suspend suspicious transactions;
• investigate reports of fraud.

Where fraudulent activity is suspected, SkoolSwap may cooperate with payment providers and law enforcement authorities where legally required.

17. User Content

Users retain ownership of the photographs, descriptions, and other content they upload.

By uploading content to SkoolSwap, you grant SkoolSwap a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to:

• display listings;
• promote the Platform;
• improve marketplace services; and
• operate the Platform.

You confirm that you own or have permission to use all uploaded content.

18. Intellectual Property

All SkoolSwap branding, software, logos, graphics, designs, text, and other Platform content remain the property of SkoolSwap or its licensors.

Users may not copy, modify, distribute, reverse engineer, or commercially exploit any part of the Platform without prior written permission.

19. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by the SkoolSwap Privacy Policy.

By using the Platform, you acknowledge that your personal information will be collected, processed, and protected in accordance with that Privacy Policy.

20. Suspension and Termination

SkoolSwap may suspend or permanently terminate an account where a user:

• breaches these Terms;
• commits fraud;
• repeatedly cancels transactions;
• sells prohibited items;
• impersonates another person;
• abuses other users;
• creates multiple fraudulent accounts;
• attempts to bypass Platform fees or security systems.

Users may request deletion of their account at any time, subject to any outstanding transactions or legal obligations.

21. Disclaimer

SkoolSwap provides a marketplace that connects buyers and sellers.

Unless expressly stated, SkoolSwap:

• does not own listed items;
• does not guarantee the quality, authenticity, safety, or legality of listings;
• does not guarantee that buyers or sellers will complete transactions;
• is not responsible for agreements made outside the Platform.

Users are responsible for conducting transactions carefully and complying with applicable laws.

22. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, SkoolSwap, its directors, employees, contractors, and partners shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from:

• use of the Platform;
• user-generated content;
• failed transactions;
• courier delays;
• payment delays;
• loss of profits;
• data loss; or
• unauthorized access resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where such exclusion is prohibited by law.

23. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless SkoolSwap, its directors, employees, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, or legal expenses arising from:

• your use of the Platform;
• your breach of these Terms;
• your violation of another person's rights;
• your unlawful conduct.

24. Changes to These Terms

SkoolSwap may update these Terms from time to time.

Where material changes are made, users will be notified through the Platform, email, or by publication on our website.

Continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

25. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

Any dispute relating to these Terms or the Platform shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of South Africa, unless applicable legislation provides otherwise.

26. Contact Us

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact us:

Support Email: admin@skoolswap.co.za

Website: skoolswap.co.za

We aim to respond to support requests as promptly as reasonably possible.

27. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any additional policies published by SkoolSwap, constitute the entire agreement between you and SkoolSwap regarding your use of the Platform.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.