Server Warehouse conducts its business in accordance with South African legislation, including the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA). These laws are designed to protect customers who purchase goods online, while also ensuring fair and transparent business practices.
1. Rights of Individual Consumers
An individual purchasing goods from Server Warehouse for personal or household use is regarded as a consumer under the CPA. The following protections apply:
- ›Right to information: Clear and accurate product descriptions, pricing (including VAT), and delivery terms must be provided before purchase.
- ›Right to safe goods: Products must be safe, of good quality, and free from defects at the time of delivery.
- ›Right to return: Consumers may return goods within the prescribed period under the CPA if they are defective, unsafe, or not as described.
- ›Cooling-off period: Under ECTA, consumers have the right to cancel an online transaction within 7 days of receiving goods, provided the goods are returned unused and in their original condition. Delivery costs for returns may apply.
- ›Warranty of quality: Goods are covered by the statutory 6-month warranty period under the CPA, during which defective items may be repaired, replaced, or refunded.
2. Rights of Business (Company) Customers
Businesses or organisations purchasing goods for commercial purposes are considered juristic persons. Different rules apply:
- ›Contractual agreements: Business transactions are governed by the terms and conditions agreed at the time of sale.
- ›No statutory cooling-off period: The 7-day cooling-off period under ECTA does not apply to business buyers.
- ›Limited CPA protection: Unless a business falls below the CPA's financial threshold (annual turnover or asset value of under R2 million), most CPA protections do not apply.
- ›Warranty of quality: Business customers still receive goods that meet the required quality and description standards, but remedies for returns or refunds are managed contractually.
3. Server Warehouse Commitments
- ›We clearly display product prices inclusive of VAT and provide full product specifications.
- ›We only supply genuine, compliant hardware sourced through authorised channels.
- ›We honour statutory rights of individual consumers under the CPA and ECTA.
- ›We maintain transparent terms and conditions for both individual and business customers.
4. Customer Responsibilities
Customers, whether individuals or businesses, are responsible for ensuring that the products selected meet their intended use. Accurate information, such as delivery details and billing information, must be provided during checkout to avoid delays or errors.
Legal Reference: Consumer Protection and E-Commerce in South Africa
The table below summarises the relevant sections of South African law and explains how Server Warehouse (Pty) Ltd applies these rights in practice.
| Law / Section | Right | Application at Server Warehouse |
|---|---|---|
| CPA Section 55 | Right to safe, good-quality goods | We only supply genuine, authorised products that are safe and meet manufacturer quality standards. |
| CPA Section 56 | 6-month warranty of quality (repair, replace, refund) | All goods carry a statutory 6-month warranty. Defective items may be repaired, replaced, or refunded. |
| CPA Section 20 | Right to return defective, unsafe, or wrongly described goods | Customers may return goods if they are defective, unsafe, or not as described, subject to CPA conditions. |
| CPA Sections 23–25 | Right to accurate information and disclosure | We clearly display prices inclusive of VAT, provide detailed specifications, and ensure transparent product listings. |
| CPA Section 29 | Fair marketing and honest representations | All advertising and promotions are accurate and not misleading. We only use approved manufacturer information. |
| ECTA Section 44 | 7-day cooling-off period for online purchases | Individual consumers may cancel within 7 days of delivery, provided goods are unused and in original packaging. Delivery costs may apply. |
| CPA Regulation 2 | Application to juristic persons | CPA protections apply only to businesses with turnover or asset value under R2 million. Larger businesses are covered by contract terms. |
Errors and Omissions Excepted (E&OE). Prices, specifications and stock levels are subject to change without notice and supplier confirmation.