Terms of Service

1. What SportsCard is

SportsCard is a South African online marketplace where registered users buy, sell and trade sports trading cards. We facilitate listings, payments (via PayFast), courier delivery (via Bob Go) and, for escrow listings, physical verification of cards at our hub. We are the marketplace operator — the sale agreement for a card is between the buyer and the seller.

2. Accounts

You must provide accurate details (including your delivery address, which is used on courier waybills) and keep your password safe. You are responsible for activity on your account. We may suspend accounts that break these terms, attempt fraud, or list counterfeit items.

3. Listings and selling

Sellers may only list sports trading cards (singles or lots) that they own and may lawfully sell. Listings must be accurate — including condition, serial numbering, autographs and photographs of the actual item. Counterfeit, altered or stolen cards are prohibited and will be reported. Sellers choose a delivery route per listing: Escrow verified (shipped to our hub for authentication before delivery) or Ship direct (shipped straight to the buyer; verification is skipped and the listing is marked accordingly).

4. Fees

Sellers pay an 8% commission on the sale price, plus the courier fee to our hub on escrow listings. Buyers pay the listed (or accepted offer) price plus the delivery courier fee shown at checkout; on sales over R5,000 SportsCard covers half the buyer's delivery fee. Courier fees are live rates from our courier partner. There are no other marketplace fees. Collector subscriptions are billed monthly via PayFast and can be cancelled at any time, with access continuing to the end of the paid period.

5. Offers and payment windows

Buyers may make offers (including lot offers) below the asking price. When a seller accepts an offer, the buyer has 24 hours to complete payment, after which the agreement lapses automatically. Unpaid checkouts are likewise cancelled after 24 hours and the cards return to sale.

6. Returns and refunds

Escrow listings: if our hub finds a card is not authentic or is materially not as described, the sale is cancelled and the buyer receives a full refund, including delivery fees. Once a verified card has been delivered, sales are final except as required by South African consumer law.

Direct listings: verification is skipped, and buyers are reminded of this before purchase. If a direct purchase arrives materially not as described, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photographs and we will mediate between buyer and seller; outcomes may include a return at the seller's cost and a refund. Nothing in these terms limits your rights under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008.

7. Payouts and withdrawals

Seller proceeds (price less commission and applicable courier fees) are credited to the seller's SportsCard wallet at settlement. Withdrawals to a South African bank account can be requested from the account page (minimum R100) and are paid by EFT, normally within 2 business days. We may delay or reverse payouts where fraud is suspected or a sale is disputed.

8. AI features

Card scanning and Collector value estimates are generated by artificial intelligence. They are guidance only — not formal appraisals, valuations for insurance, or guarantees of resale value — and may be inaccurate. Always verify details before relying on them.

9. Liability

We provide the marketplace with reasonable care but, to the extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, for the conduct of buyers or sellers, for courier delays or losses (courier claims are handled with the courier), or for market value changes of cards. Our total liability for any claim is limited to the fees we earned on the transaction concerned.

10. General

These terms are governed by South African law. We may update them from time to time; material changes will be announced on the site, and continued use is acceptance. Questions: contact us.

This is a starter template prepared without legal review — have an attorney check it before significant scale.