Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using Servfi ("the Platform"), you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

2. Description of Service

Servfi provides an online platform that connects customers with independent trade professionals for various home services including but not limited to:

• Plumbing services
• Electrical work
• Cleaning services
• Painting and decorating
• Gardening and landscaping
• Handyman services
• And other home maintenance services

Servfi acts solely as a platform connecting customers with trade professionals. We are not responsible for the actual services provided.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Registration

To use certain features of the Platform, you must register for an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate
• Maintain the security of your password
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use

3.2 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate these terms or engage in fraudulent or illegal activities.

4. Booking and Payments

4.1 Booking Process

When you book a service through our Platform:

• No payment is taken at the time of booking — booking is free for the customer
• You must provide accurate booking details
• You agree to pay the final quoted price once the job is completed
• You authorize us to process payment through our payment provider
• Prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR)

4.2 Post-Completion Payment Model (No Escrow)

Servfi operates a single post-completion payment model. Servfi does not collect, hold, or warehouse customer funds at any point, and there is no holding period before payout. Payment is only charged once the provider marks the job as completed (or could-not-complete).

• The customer is charged a single transaction at job completion
• That payment is automatically split by our payment provider at the moment of payment via the provider's verified payout account
• The provider's share settles directly to their South African bank account on our payment provider's standard settlement cycle (T+1) — Servfi never receives or holds these funds
• This structure is by design to comply with our payment provider's prohibition on escrow

4.3 Platform Service Fee

Servfi charges a 5% platform service fee on all completed bookings. This fee is collected automatically as part of the payment split (5% to Servfi, 95% to the provider) and covers secure payment processing, platform maintenance, fraud protection, and customer support services. The fee is non-refundable once a booking is completed.

• The 5% fee applies to the full booking value (call-out fee + any final invoice amount)
• Customers pay the full quoted amount — the 5% fee is deducted from the provider's share via the automatic payment split, not held separately by Servfi
• Servfi reserves the right to adjust the platform fee with 30 days' written notice

4.4 Payment Terms

All payments are processed securely through our payment provider. By making a payment, you agree to the payment provider's terms and conditions. Servfi does not store your payment card details.

4.5 Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellation and refund policies vary by service provider. Please review the specific provider's policy before booking. Generally:

• Cancellations made 24+ hours in advance may receive a full refund
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before may incur fees
• No-shows are not eligible for refunds

4.6 Your Statutory Consumer Rights (ECTA & CPA)

Nothing in these terms limits your rights under South African law, including the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 ("ECTA") and the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 ("CPA").

• Cooling-off period (ECTA s44): For bookings concluded electronically, you may cancel without reason and without penalty within 7 days by emailing support@servfi.co.za; any amount already paid is refunded within 30 days. Statutory exception: this cooling-off right does not apply once a service has, with your consent, begun to be performed before the 7-day period ends — which is commonly the case for on-demand home services you schedule and receive.
• Cancellation (CPA s17): You may cancel a booking before the service is performed. Reasonable cancellation charges may apply for short-notice cancellations, as set out above and in the provider's policy, consistent with the CPA.
• Quality of service (CPA s54): The trade professional must perform the service with reasonable care, skill, and within a reasonable time. Quality concerns are primarily between you and the provider; Servfi will assist in good faith to facilitate a resolution.
• Complaints: Email support@servfi.co.za. You may also refer an unresolved complaint to the National Consumer Commission or the relevant Consumer Goods and Services Ombud.

5. Service Provider Responsibilities

Service providers on our Platform are independent contractors who:

• Must maintain valid licenses and insurance as required by law
• Are responsible for their own taxes and legal compliance
• Must provide services in a professional manner
• Are solely responsible for the quality of their work
• Must comply with all applicable laws and regulations

6. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any illegal purposes
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users or service providers
• Post false or misleading reviews
• Attempt to circumvent our payment system
• Share your account credentials with others
• Use automated systems to access the Platform
• Engage in any activity that interferes with the Platform's operation

7. Reviews and Ratings

Users may leave reviews and ratings for service providers. By posting a review, you:

• Grant us a license to use, display, and distribute your review
• Confirm that your review is honest and based on your actual experience
• Agree not to post offensive, defamatory, or illegal content
• Understand that we may remove reviews that violate our policies

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• Servfi is not liable for any damages arising from the use of our Platform
• We are not responsible for the quality, safety, or legality of services provided
• We do not guarantee the accuracy of information provided by service providers
• Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the specific service

9. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Servfi or its licensors and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.

10. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand our practices regarding your personal information.

11. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. We will notify users of significant changes via email or through the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

12. Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Email: legal@servfi.co.za
Address: Servfi (Pty) Ltd, 8 Rouwkoop Road, Rondebosch, Western Cape, 7700, South Africa