Terms of Service

Last Updated: March 16, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using local-ly ("the Platform"), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Platform.

2. Platform Role

local-ly operates as a marketplace platform that connects local food producers with customers. We are an intermediary and facilitator only. We do not:

  • Produce, package, or sell the products listed on the Platform
  • Act as the seller of record for products listed on the Platform
  • Issue VAT/tax invoices for products sold by producers
  • Guarantee product quality, safety, or fitness for purpose
  • Take responsibility for product descriptions, pricing, or availability
  • Control or manage pickup points, delivery logistics, or delivery schedules
  • Guarantee producer fulfillment of orders

All transactions are between customers and producers. The Platform provides the technology and infrastructure to facilitate these connections.

Agency clarification (financial role): Where the Platform facilitates payment collection and settlement, it does so as an agent for the producer (the “Principal”). The producer remains responsible for the supply of goods, pricing, fulfillment, and any applicable taxes.

3. Producer Responsibilities

Producers using the Platform agree to:

  • Provide accurate and truthful product descriptions, pricing, and availability information
  • Ensure products meet all applicable health, safety, and quality standards
  • Fulfill orders promptly and accurately according to the agreed terms
  • Manage pickup point and delivery logistics and customer communications
  • Handle customer complaints and refund requests directly
  • Comply with all applicable South African food safety and business regulations
  • Maintain appropriate business licenses, permits, and insurance

4. Customer Responsibilities

Customers using the Platform agree to:

  • Provide accurate contact information and payment details
  • Complete payment for orders placed through the Platform
  • Collect orders at the designated pickup point and time
  • Inspect products upon collection and report issues to the producer immediately
  • Direct product quality or order fulfillment complaints to the producer
  • Use the Platform in accordance with these Terms and applicable laws

5. Order Fulfillment: Pickup and Delivery

Orders placed through the Platform are fulfilled by the producer. The available fulfillment methods depend on the producer's configuration:

Pickup

  • Producers designate specific pickup points with recurring collection days and times
  • Customers select an available pickup date at checkout (minimum 24 hours in advance)
  • Customers must collect their order at the designated pickup point on the selected date
  • A one-time verification code (OTP) is provided per order and must be presented to the producer at collection
  • Uncollected orders are the customer's responsibility; refunds for missed pickups are at the producer's discretion

Delivery

  • Delivery is an optional service offered at the discretion of individual producers and is not available from all producers
  • Where offered, delivery is subject to the producer's delivery range, available days, and delivery window
  • Customers requesting delivery must provide a valid delivery address within the producer's delivery area
  • If a delivery address falls outside the producer's delivery range, the order cannot be placed for delivery; pickup must be selected instead
  • Delivery logistics, timing, and any associated issues are managed entirely by the producer
  • The Platform is not responsible for delivery delays, missed deliveries, or products damaged in transit

6. Payment and Fees

  • All payments are processed securely through our payment provider (Paystack)
  • The Platform charges producers a platform fee/markup on each transaction (as reflected in Platform pricing and/or producer communications)
  • Prices displayed include all applicable fees and are in South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Payment must be completed before order confirmation
  • Refunds are managed directly between customers and producers

VAT and invoices: Producers are responsible for issuing invoices (including VAT/tax invoices where applicable) for goods supplied to customers. Where supported, producers may upload an invoice for an order and customers can view/download it from the order details page.

7. Order Disputes and Refunds

Disputes regarding product quality, order accuracy, or fulfillment must be resolved directly between the customer and the producer.

The Platform's role in disputes is limited to:

  • Providing communication channels between parties
  • Sharing order and transaction information
  • Facilitating resolution where possible

The Platform is not responsible for product defects, incorrect orders, delayed pickups, food safety issues, or producer non-performance.

8. Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that:

  • Violate these Terms of Service
  • Engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
  • Abuse the Platform or harass other users
  • Provide false or misleading information

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by South African law:

  • The Platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
  • We are not liable for producer errors, product quality, order fulfillment, or delivery failures
  • We are not liable for food safety issues, allergic reactions, or health problems arising from products
  • We are not liable for losses resulting from Platform downtime, technical issues, or data loss
  • Our total liability for any claim is limited to the fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim

This limitation does not exclude liability that cannot be limited under South African law, including death or personal injury caused by our negligence.

10. Intellectual Property

All Platform content, design, logos, and trademarks are owned by local-ly or licensed to us. You may not copy, modify, or distribute Platform content without written permission.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of South African courts.

12. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. Material changes will be communicated via email or Platform notice.

13. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us: