Terms of Service

1. What SportsCard is

SportsCard ZA is operated by Sportscard Trading (Pty) Ltd (registration number 2026/492510/07), a company registered in South Africa. In these terms, "SportsCard", "we", "us" and "our" mean that company. Contact: info@sportscard.co.za.

SportsCard is a South African online marketplace where registered users list, browse and trade sports trading cards, and value cards using AI tools. We are a venue that connects buyers and sellers — we are not a party to any sale. Purchases are made through escrow-protected checkout operated by TradeSafe, an independent South African escrow service: the buyer's payment is held by TradeSafe and released to the seller once the buyer confirms the card arrived. SportsCard itself never holds, receives or controls buyer or seller funds. The agreement for any card remains between the buyer and the seller. (Collector subscription payments for AI valuations are processed separately by PayFast.)

2. Accounts

You must provide accurate details and keep your password safe. You are responsible for activity on your account. When you contact a seller through the platform, your and the seller's contact details may be shared with each other so you can arrange the deal directly. 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. Posting the card is the seller's responsibility: pack securely and post promptly with tracking once the buyer's payment is held in escrow. The buyer pays a flat delivery fee at checkout (PUDO locker or door-to-door), which is included in your payout to cover the postage — you never build delivery into your asking price. A verified email address and South African bank account details are required before listing.

4. Fees

Sellers pay nothing: no listing fee and no commission — the seller receives 100% of the card price. Buyers pay a buyer protection fee on top of the card price at checkout, itemised before payment: it covers the TradeSafe escrow fee (2.875% incl. VAT), TradeSafe's bank settlement fee (R5.75 incl. VAT per payout — carried by the buyer so the seller receives the full price) plus, for non-founding members, a platform fee (together approximately 7% of the price, with the platform portion capped at R300 per transaction). Founding members (the first 100 members, granted on their first listing) pay only the TradeSafe escrow and settlement fees — the platform portion is waived for life. Fee rates may change with notice, except promises expressly made "for life", which we honour. Collector subscriptions (AI valuations) 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

Accepted offers carry a 24-hour payment window, after which the agreement lapses automatically and the cards return to sale. While a payment is pending the cards are reserved; abandoned checkouts release automatically.

6. Returns and refunds

Every escrow purchase is covered by our Returns & Refunds policy: the buyer has an inspection window (7 days from shipping, at most 14 from payment) to confirm receipt or raise a dispute, which TradeSafe mediates while the funds remain in escrow. SportsCard does not independently authenticate or grade cards. There are no change-of-mind returns on collectibles. Nothing in these terms limits your rights under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, which apply as between the buyer and the seller.

7. Payouts

Seller proceeds are paid by TradeSafe directly into the seller's South African bank account once the buyer confirms delivery (or the inspection window closes), normally reflecting within 1–2 business days. SportsCard operates no internal wallet and never holds seller funds. Payouts may be delayed where fraud is suspected or a sale is disputed, in accordance with TradeSafe's escrow process.

8. AI features & valuation disclaimer

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.

AI grades, details, and valuations are automated estimates for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed to be accurate. The platform is not responsible for any incorrect pricing or valuation errors. Please double-check the recorded pricing before finalizing your listing. By using these features you accept that all listing prices and details are your responsibility to verify.

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 marketplace is operated by Sportscard Trading (Pty) Ltd (reg. 2026/492510/07), 39 Delport Avenue, Oatlands, Krugersdorp, South Africa · Tel/WhatsApp: 076 408 8247 · Email: info@sportscard.co.za.