Effective Date: 12 August 2026

Website: www.shopnearby.co.za

This Shipping & Fulfillment Addendum forms a legally binding part of the Merchant Terms of Service between Shop Nearby (“Platform,” “we,” “us”) and the individual or business entity (“Vendor,” “Shop Owner,” “you”) registering a managed digital storefront on www.shopnearby.co.za.

By subscribing to and operating a digital shop on the Platform, you explicitly agree to adhere to the fulfillment, shipping, and customer service obligations outlined below.

1. Independent Merchant Responsibility

1.1. Shop Nearby operates purely as an e-commerce platform provider and digital venue.

1.2. All inventory management, order processing, packaging, shipping, delivery, and customer pickup arrangements are the 100% responsibility of the Vendor. 1.3. Shop Nearby does not manage physical stock, operate a warehouse, or act as a courier or logistics carrier.

2. Fulfillment Expectations & Dispatch Timelines

2.1. Dispatch Standard: Vendors must state clear order processing times on their Shop Nearby storefronts. Standard orders should be packed and handed over to courier/delivery channels within 1 to 3 business days of receiving an order notification, unless explicitly stated as custom, handmade, or backordered.

2.2. In-Store Pickup (Click & Collect): If offering local pickup, Vendors must maintain accurate store hours and notify the customer within 24–48 hours when their order is packaged and ready for collection at the physical retail location.

2.3. Tracking Information: Vendors are obligated to provide accurate courier tracking details or delivery updates via the Shop Nearby vendor dashboard as soon as the item is dispatched.

3. Shipping Rates & Transparent Pricing

3.1. Vendors must set clear, accurate, and fair shipping fees within their vendor panel prior to listing products.

3.2. No Hidden Fees: Vendors may not add unexpected post-purchase shipping surcharges to a customer’s invoice. The total shipping fee presented to the buyer at checkout is final.

3.3. Vendors are responsible for complying with local legal standards (including the South African Consumer Protection Act) regarding transparent delivery pricing and accurate product descriptions.

4. Returns, Exchanges, and Customer Service Duties

4.1. Vendor Returns Policy: Every Vendor must maintain a clear, legally compliant return policy on their shop page that complies with standard consumer rights in South Africa.

4.2. Handling Inquiries: Vendors agree to respond to customer inquiries regarding order status, tracking, or returns within 2 business days.

4.3. Defective & Damaged Goods: If a product arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect due to Vendor error or courier transit, the Vendor is solely responsible for covering return courier fees and providing a replacement or issuing a refund.

5. Carrier Losses, Claims, and Insurance

5.1. The Vendor contracts directly with their chosen courier services or logistics providers. Shop Nearby assumes no liability for lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed parcels in transit.

5.2. Vendors are strongly advised to maintain transit insurance or clear agreements with their courier providers for high-value merchandise.

6. Escalation, Disputes, and Non-Fulfillment

6.1. If a customer files a complaint or dispute regarding a unfulfilled order, delayed shipment, or unanswered return request:

• Shop Nearby will allow the Vendor 3 business days to resolve the issue directly with the customer.
• If unresolved, Shop Nearby reserves the right to mediate the dispute.
• 6.2. Refund Deductions: In the event of confirmed Vendor non-fulfillment (e.g., failure to ship or supply tracking without valid cause), Shop Nearby reserves the right to issue a refund to the customer and deduct the refunded amount and associated gateway transaction fees from the Vendor’s payout or account balance.

7. Subscription & Breach of Service

7.1. Adherence to these fulfillment obligations is a requirement for maintaining an active R1,500/month subscription storefront on Shop Nearby.

7.2. Repeated failures to fulfill orders in a timely manner, refusal to honor valid return requests, or maintaining excessive customer dispute rates may result in temporary shop suspension or permanent termination of the Vendor’s subscription on www.shopnearby.co.za without refund of monthly fees.

8. Acceptance of Terms

By completing your vendor account registration and maintaining an active shop subscription on www.shopnearby.co.za, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Vendor Shipping & Fulfillment Terms.