Dropshipping Policy

This Drop Shipping Policy outlines the requirements and guidelines for Sellers/Vendors engaging in drop shipping on CARTWiLLS, a multi-vendor platform based in South Africa. Sellers/Vendors involved in drop-shipping must comply with all South African and international eCommerce laws, as well as CARTWiLLS’ Seller Policy, Return Policy, and related policies to ensure customer satisfaction and legal compliance.

1. Compliance with Seller Policy

All Sellers/Vendors conducting drop-shipping on CARTWiLLS must adhere to the Seller Policy outlined on the platform HERE. This includes obligations related to VAT/TAX, prohibited products, customer service, and legal compliance. Drop-shipping Sellers/Vendors are expected to maintain the same standards as those who handle their own products.

2. Drop-Shipping Product Fulfillment and Delivery

Sellers/Vendors involved in drop-shipping must ensure timely fulfillment and accurate delivery of products by adhering to the following guidelines:

• Supplier Payments: Sellers/Vendors are responsible for making all payments to their suppliers to secure product delivery to customers. CARTWiLLS does not engage with or manage supplier payments.
• Delivery Commitments: Each Seller/Vendor must set a specific delivery timeframe for each drop-shipped product. It is the responsibility of the Seller/Vendor to ensure that the product is shipped and delivered within this period.
• Payment Conditions: CARTWiLLS will release payments to Sellers/Vendors only after the customer has confirmed receipt of the product and expressed satisfaction with the purchase. If a dispute arises, CARTWiLLS may withhold payments until the matter is resolved according to the dispute resolution procedures in place.

3. Selling Branded Products via Drop-Shipping

Sellers/Vendors offering branded products through drop-shipping must comply with all laws and regulations related to the sale of such items, including proper licensing and documentation:

• Branded Product Licensing: Sellers/Vendors must ensure they have the legal right to sell branded products. Failure to produce proof of licensing or documentation when requested may result in the removal of listings and potential banning from the platform.
• Compliance with Intellectual Property Laws: Sellers/Vendors must not engage in the sale of counterfeit goods or violate intellectual property rights when drop-shipping branded products. CARTWiLLS will not be held liable for any violations and reserves the right to take legal action if such violations occur.

4. Returns, Refunds, and Customer Satisfaction

All Sellers/Vendors must comply with both the CARTWiLLS Return Policy (available HERE) when managing returns and refunds for drop-shipped products:

• Customer Returns: If a customer is dissatisfied with a drop-shipped product, the Seller/Vendor must accept returns and process refunds as outlined in the CARTWiLLS Return Policy.
• Shipping Returns: Customers are required to ship the product back to the Seller/Vendor, or their designated supplier, in accordance with CARTWiLLS’ return process. The Seller/Vendor is responsible for ensuring that returns are handled efficiently and in compliance with applicable CARTWiLLS policies.
• Refund Processing: Refunds will be processed within the timeframe outlined by the CARTWiLLS Return Policy. Refunds may be issued via store credit or direct refunds, based on our return policy.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Drop-Shipping

Affiliate marketing arrangements conducted through drop-shipping on CARTWiLLS must also comply with both South African and international eCommerce laws:

• Affiliate Product Listings: Any drop-shipping done in conjunction with affiliate marketing must clearly disclose that the product is part of an affiliate program. Misleading or deceptive marketing is strictly prohibited.
• Legal and Compliance Requirements: Sellers/Vendors engaging in affiliate drop-shipping must ensure compliance with laws related to advertising, disclosure, and sales practices. CARTWiLLS will not be held responsible for non-compliance with these regulations.

6. Prohibited Products and Legal Compliance

Sellers/Vendors may not offer products that are prohibited by South African or international laws. This includes:

• Firearms, ammunition, explosives.
• Controlled substances or narcotics.
• Endangered species or their by-products.
• Counterfeit or pirated goods.
• Any product that violates intellectual property rights.

Sellers/Vendors must adhere to all legal standards set by South African law, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA), and international eCommerce laws to avoid legal action from customers or regulatory bodies.

7. Legal Action and Platform Protection

In the event that a purchasing customer on CARTWiLLS files legal action due to dissatisfaction or unlawful behavior by a drop-shipping Seller/Vendor:

• CARTWiLLS' Role: CARTWiLLS will cooperate with legal authorities and comply with any legal requests related to the drop-shipping transactions, including the provision of customer or seller data.
• Seller/Vendor Responsibility: The Seller/Vendor is responsible for all legal repercussions resulting from non-compliance with South African laws, international laws, or CARTWiLLS policies. CARTWiLLS reserves the right to withhold payments, close accounts, and ban Sellers/Vendors involved in illegal or unethical practices.

8. Data Protection and Privacy

Sellers/Vendors are prohibited from misusing or selling customer data collected during transactions, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Any violation of data protection laws will result in immediate action, including potential legal proceedings.

9. Dispute Resolution and Mediation

In the event of a dispute between a customer and a drop-shipping Seller/Vendor:

• CARTWiLLS Mediation: CARTWiLLS will act as a mediator in the resolution of disputes, especially those involving fraudulent practices or dissatisfaction with product quality.
• Refunds During Disputes: If mediation results in favor of the customer, CARTWiLLS reserves the right to issue a refund from the Seller/Vendor’s payments, provided the customer complies with our Return Policy.

10. Security Measures and eCommerce Compliance

CARTWiLLS implements strict security measures to ensure a safe and fair marketplace for all users:

• Encryption & Secure Transactions: Payment information and sensitive data are protected by industry-standard encryption to prevent fraud.
• Fraudulent Activity: Any Seller/Vendor involved in fraudulent activity, such as using stolen credit or debit cards for purchases or transactions, will face immediate suspension and potential legal action.

11. Payment Conditions for Drop-Shipping

CARTWiLLS will release payment to Sellers/Vendors only under the following conditions:

• Customer Confirmation: Payment will be released only after the product has been delivered and the customer has confirmed their satisfaction.
• Delivery Timelines: Sellers/Vendors must adhere to the delivery timeframes they set when listing products. Failure to a product to our Couriers on collection in efforts of shipping / delivering on time may result in penalties, refunds, or withholding of payments.

Conclusion

By using CARTWiLLS as a drop-shipping platform, Sellers/Vendors agree to comply with all policies outlined in this document, along with the general Seller Policy and Return Policy. CARTWiLLS aims to create a fair, legally compliant, and secure environment for all users while upholding the highest standards for eCommerce practices under South African and international law.

For any questions or concerns, Sellers/Vendors are encouraged to contact CARTWiLLS support for assistance