Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Collaborate.art ("the Website"). By accessing or using this Website, whether as a browsing user ("User", "Customer", "Shopper") or as an advertising fashion designer ("Designer", "Seller"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use the Website.

1. Nature of Service (The Link-Only Model)

• Directory platform only. The Website operates strictly as an online curated advertising and directory platform. We showcase a rotating selection of limited fashion collections.
• No transactional involvement. The Website does not process payments, handle shopping carts, arrange shipping, or facilitate sales.
• Independent contracts. Any purchase, communication, or agreement made is strictly a direct contract between the Customer and the individual Designer. The Website is not a party to, nor responsible for, any such transactions.

2. For Customers / Shoppers

2.1 Risk of Transaction

You acknowledge that you buy products from the Designers entirely at your own risk. Any issues regarding product quality, sizing errors, incorrect colors, delayed delivery, missing items, or financial loss must be taken up directly with the Designer.

2.2 Verification and Fraud Disclaimer

While we endeavor to curate reputable creators, the Website does not guarantee the legitimacy, financial safety, or business practices of any listed Designer. We are not liable for scams, misrepresentations, or fraudulent behavior carried out by third-party Designers.

2.3 Returns, Refunds, and Exchanges

The Website cannot issue refunds, returns, or store credit. All policies regarding returns, sizing exchanges, and refunds are determined solely by the respective Designer's own terms of sale.

3. For Designers (Seller Cohorts)

3.1 Curation and Rotational Model

Spaces are strictly limited to five (5) Designers per three (3) month cycle ("Cohort"). Inclusion in a Cohort is at the sole discretion of the Website. At the end of your designated 3-month cycle, your listings will be automatically deactivated to allow the next Cohort to launch.

3.2 Fees and EFT Payments

To secure a slot, the agreed-upon fee must be paid via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) by the specified deadline date. Listing activation is subject to the funds reflecting in our designated bank account or upon receipt of a valid, bank-generated PDF Proof of Payment.

Non-refundable: All fees paid to the Website are strictly non-refundable, regardless of whether you make any sales during your 3-month cycle.

3.3 Content Accuracy and Intellectual Property

Designers are solely responsible for ensuring they own the copyright or usage rights to all imagery, text, logos, and clothing designs uploaded. You warrant that your descriptions (sizing charts, fabrics, colors) are precise and accurate to minimize customer complaints.

4. Total Limitation of Liability

No liability: To the maximum extent permitted under South African law, Collaborate.art (including its owner, employees, or representatives) shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages resulting from the use of, or inability to use, this Website.

Specific exclusions: This exclusion includes, but is not limited to, financial fraud by third parties, identity theft, defective clothing items, structural errors on garments, or communication breakdowns between users.

5. Privacy Policy & POPIA Compliance

Data collection: We collect minimal personal data (e.g., email addresses for inquiries or Designer business info) to facilitate connections.

Consent: By submitting an inquiry form or signing up as a Designer, you consent to the processing of your data in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Third-party shared data: Once a Shopper clicks a link to contact a Designer, that data leaves our platform. We are not responsible for how individual Designers store or use Shopper information.

6. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Collaborate.art and its owner from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or demands (including legal fees) made by any third party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms, your misuse of the Website, or your violation of any South African law.

7. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are 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 South African courts.