Last Updated: 03 June 2025

These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) govern the use of the I-Bid Auctions Stores (“Stores”), an online feature that allows users (“Sellers”) to open a virtual storefront on the I-Bid Auctions platform. By opening and operating a store on I-Bid Auctions, you (“Seller,” “you,” or “your”) agree to comply with these terms, as well as the general I-Bid Auctions User Agreement and other applicable platform policies.

1. Eligibility to Operate a Store
   1. To open a store, you must have a verified I-Bid Auctions account in good standing.
   2. Sellers must comply with all applicable laws, including South African business regulations, tax laws, and consumer protection laws.
   3. I-Bid Auctions reserves the right to deny or terminate access to the Stores feature if you do not meet the eligibility criteria or violate this Agreement or other platform policies.
2. Store Setup and Operation
   1. Store Name and Branding: You must choose a unique and appropriate store name. Your store name, logo, and branding must not violate any third-party intellectual property rights or be offensive or misleading. I-Bid Auctions reserves the right to reject or request changes to any store name or branding materials.
   2. Product Listings: Sellers are responsible for creating accurate and detailed listings of the products or services sold in their store. Listings must comply with the I-Bid Auctions Listing Policy and any applicable legal requirements. You are solely responsible for the quality, authenticity, and legality of the products or services you offer through your store.
   3. Store Categories: I-Bid Auctions offers predefined categories for product listings, and Sellers must accurately categorize their products. Misrepresentation of products or improper categorization is prohibited.
3. Fees and Payment
   1. Store Subscription Fees: I-Bid Auctions may charge a subscription fee for opening and maintaining a store. The fee structure will be outlined during the store registration process and is subject to change. Subscription fees are non-refundable.
   2. Transaction Fees: I-Bid Auctions will deduct a percentage of the final selling price as a commission for each sale made through the store. The percentage fee will be disclosed at the time of sale.
   3. Payment Terms: Sellers must provide valid payment information for subscription and transaction fees. Payment must be made using one of the accepted payment methods (e.g., credit card, bank transfer). Failure to pay fees may result in the suspension or termination of your store.
4. Store Policies
   1. Shipping and Fulfilments: Sellers must clearly communicate their shipping policies, including shipping costs, delivery times, and handling fees. Sellers are responsible for shipping sold products to buyers in a timely and secure manner. Sellers must comply with all applicable shipping regulations and ensure that goods are properly packaged to avoid damage during transit.
   2. Returns and Refunds: Sellers must establish a return and refund policy that complies with South African consumer protection laws, including the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Your return policy must be clearly stated on your store page, and you must honor any commitments made regarding returns and refunds.
   3. Customer Support: Sellers are responsible for providing prompt and professional customer service. You must respond to buyer inquiries and resolve disputes in a timely manner.
5. Prohibited Activities

   Sellers must not engage in any of the following prohibited activities:

   • Listing or selling counterfeit, illegal, or restricted items (as outlined in the I-Bid Auctions Listing Policy).
   • Engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practices, including misrepresenting the condition or authenticity of products.
   • Manipulating the bidding or buying process by engaging in “shill bidding” or creating false sales.
   • Using your store to promote or sell items outside of the I-Bid Auctions platform.
6. Intellectual Property
   1. Ownership: Sellers retain ownership of their intellectual property, including logos, product images, and product descriptions, used within their store.
   2. License to I-Bid Auctions: By operating a store on the Platform, Sellers grant I-Bid Auctions a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, display, and promote store content, including images and product descriptions, for marketing and promotional purposes.
   3. Third-Party Rights: Sellers must ensure that their store content does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third parties, including trademarks, copyrights, or patents. I-Bid Auctions reserves the right to remove any content or listings that violate intellectual property laws.
7. Account Suspension or Termination
   1. Suspension: I-Bid Auctions reserves the right to suspend or limit your store’s functionality if you violate these Terms and Conditions, engage in illegal activities, or fail to pay applicable fees.
   2. Termination: I-Bid Auctions may terminate your store without prior notice if you repeatedly violate Platform policies or engage in prohibited activities. Upon termination, all listings and store content will be removed, and outstanding fees will be charged.
   3. Voluntary Termination: You may choose to close your store at any time by contacting I-Bid Auctions support. However, you are still responsible for any outstanding fees or obligations incurred prior to closure.
8. Limitation of Liability
   1. I-Bid Auctions is a platform that facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers. We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of the items sold through stores, nor do we guarantee that buyers or sellers will complete transactions.
   2. In no event shall I-Bid Auctions be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to the operation of your store, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
9. Dispute Resolution
   1. Between Buyers and Sellers: Sellers are responsible for resolving disputes with buyers directly. However, I-Bid Auctions may assist in dispute resolution at its discretion, but it is not obligated to intervene.
   2. With I-Bid Auctions: Any disputes between Sellers and I-Bid Auctions regarding these Terms and Conditions will be governed by the laws of South Africa. Any legal disputes must be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in South Africa.
10. Amendments to This Agreement

    I-Bid Auctions reserves the right to amend or update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on the Platform, and continued use of your store constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

11. Contact Information

    If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, you may contact us at: info@i-bid.co.za

    By operating a store on I-Bid Auctions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

    This I-Bid Auctions Stores Terms and Conditions template provides essential guidelines for operating a virtual store on the platform, covering areas such as eligibility, fees, listing policies, and dispute resolution. You should adapt this to your specific business model and consult legal professionals to ensure full compliance with local laws, especially South African regulations.