Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of FishHub, operated by FishHub (Pty) Ltd (registration number pending publication) ("FishHub", "we", "us", "our"), available at https://fishhub.co.za. By creating an account or using the platform you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use FishHub.

1. Who we are and the two roles we play

FishHub operates in two distinct legal roles. It is important that you understand which role applies to any given interaction, because our responsibilities differ in each.

1.1 As a marketplace operator

For the marketplace, FishHub is an intermediary that lets verified aquarium shops and individual community members ("Sellers") list their own items, and lets buyers discover them. In this role:

• FishHub is never the seller. Every marketplace listing is sold by, and is the sole responsibility of, the Seller who posted it.
• FishHub does not take payment between buyers and Sellers. Any payment, collection, courier, or delivery arrangement for a marketplace item is made directly between the buyer and the Seller. We are not a party to it and do not hold funds in escrow.
• FishHub does not handle, transport, hold, or take ownership of livestock or any other marketplace goods.
• We provide discovery, search, price history, alerts, messaging and trust signals (such as verified-shop badges and reviews) — not the sale itself.

1.2 As a store (the FishHub Store)

Separately, FishHub operates the FishHub Store, where FishHub imports and sells its own physical goods (such as equipment and dry goods). For Store purchases only:

• FishHub is the seller and carries the obligations of a supplier under the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 ("CPA").
• Store purchases are governed by the Store Refund & Returns Policy and the Shipping & Delivery Policy.
• The FishHub Store does not sell livestock.

Throughout these Terms, "marketplace" and "Store" mean the two roles described above. Where a clause applies to only one, we say so.

2. Eligibility and accounts

You must be at least 18 years old, or have the consent of a parent or guardian, to create an account. You are responsible for the accuracy of your account information and for keeping your login credentials secure. You are responsible for all activity under your account.

3. The marketplace — buyers and Sellers

3.1 Listings are the Seller's responsibility

Sellers are solely responsible for their listings, including the accuracy of descriptions, prices, availability, the legality of the items, and the fulfilment of any sale. FishHub does not verify, endorse, or guarantee any marketplace listing, and does not warrant that any item is as described, of any particular quality, or fit for any purpose.

3.2 Transactions happen between buyer and Seller

Because FishHub is not a party to marketplace transactions, any dispute, refund, return, payment issue, or loss arising from a marketplace transaction is between the buyer and the Seller. We may, at our discretion, provide trust tools (reviews, reporting, verified badges) and guidance, but we are not responsible for resolving such disputes and are not liable for them.

3.3 Livestock

Live animals listed on the marketplace are listed and supplied entirely by Sellers. FishHub never sells, ships, or takes custody of livestock. Buyers and Sellers are responsible for complying with all applicable animal-welfare, transport, and provincial/municipal requirements.

3.4 Verified shops and community sellers

Some Sellers are verified shops (businesses we have checked) and others are individual community sellers. A verified badge indicates we have performed a verification step; it is not a guarantee of any transaction. Shop Sellers are additionally bound by the Shop / Seller Agreement and community sellers by the Community Seller Agreement.

4. The FishHub Store

Where you buy from the FishHub Store, FishHub is the seller and the sale is a direct contract between you and FishHub (Pty) Ltd. All Store prices are shown inclusive of VAT and all mandatory costs; delivery costs, where they apply, are shown before you confirm your order. Your statutory rights under the CPA — including the cooling-off right for certain electronic transactions and the right to return defective goods — are described in the Store Refund & Returns Policy.

5. Memberships, boosts and fees

Some features are offered on a paid basis (for example shop subscriptions and listing boosts). Paid features, their prices, and billing terms are presented at the point of purchase. Membership benefits that relate to the FishHub Store (such as a store discount or free shipping) apply to Store purchases only and are described where they are offered.

6. Acceptable use

You agree not to misuse FishHub. This includes the rules in our Community Guidelines & Acceptable Use Policy, which form part of these Terms. We may remove content, suspend, or terminate accounts that breach them.

7. Content you provide

You retain ownership of content you submit (listings, reviews, photos, messages). You grant FishHub a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to host, display, and distribute that content for the purpose of operating and promoting the platform. You are responsible for ensuring you have the rights to everything you post.

8. Intellectual property

The FishHub platform, including our species catalogue, software, branding, and original content, belongs to FishHub (Pty) Ltd or its licensors and is protected by law. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse it except as expressly permitted.

9. Privacy

Your personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, which describe your rights under POPIA.

10. Disclaimers and limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, and subject to your non-excludable statutory rights (including under the CPA for Store purchases):

• The platform is provided "as is". We do not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation.
• For the marketplace, we are not liable for the acts, omissions, listings, goods, livestock, or conduct of Sellers or buyers, nor for any transaction between them.
• Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot lawfully be limited.

11. Suspension and termination

We may suspend or close your account if you breach these Terms or applicable law, or to protect the platform or other users. You may close your account at any time.

12. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms. When we make material changes we will update the version and "last updated" date and, where appropriate, ask you to re-accept. Continued use after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

13. Governing law and disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. The CPA, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 ("ECT Act"), and the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 ("POPIA") apply where relevant.

14. Contact

Questions about these Terms: support@fishhub.co.za. Our full company and registration details are on the Company Information page.