Shoplinka.com Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Effective Date: 22 January 2026
Website: https://www.shoplinka.com

This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) governs how users may access and use Shoplinka.com (the “Platform”). It applies to all users, including vendors, customers, visitors, and any other persons accessing the Platform.

By using Shoplinka.com, you agree to comply with this AUP, the Terms & Conditions, the Vendor Agreement, and all other applicable policies.

1. Purpose of This Policy

This AUP exists to:

• Protect Shoplinka.com, its users, and partners

• Prevent misuse, fraud, and illegal activity

• Ensure compliance with South African laws and regulations

• Maintain a secure, fair, and trustworthy online marketplace

2. Permitted Use

You may use Shoplinka.com only for lawful purposes, including:

• Listing and selling approved products as a registered vendor

• Browsing, purchasing, and reviewing products as a customer

• Communicating respectfully with other users and Shoplinka.com support

• Using Platform features strictly as intended

Any use outside of these purposes may be considered a violation of this AUP.

3. Prohibited Activities

You may not, directly or indirectly, engage in any of the following activities:

3.1 Illegal or Unlawful Activities

• Selling, promoting, or facilitating illegal goods or services

• Violating any applicable South African laws or regulations, including the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA), and related legislation

• Selling restricted or regulated products without required approvals or licences

• Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: alcohol, tobacco, prescription medication, weapons, and adult-oriented content

3.2 Fraud, Deception, or Misrepresentation

• Providing false, misleading, or inaccurate product information

• Manipulating prices, stock levels, reviews, or ratings

• Creating fake accounts, orders, or transactions

• Impersonating any person, brand, or business

3.3 Payment and Platform Abuse

• Bypassing Shoplinka.com payment systems

• Requesting, accepting, or facilitating off-platform payments

• Attempting to avoid platform commissions, fees, or charges

• Using the Platform for money laundering or fraudulent payment activities

3.4 Harmful or Abusive Conduct

• Harassment, threats, hate speech, or discriminatory behaviour

• Abusive or offensive language toward customers, vendors, or Shoplinka.com staff

• Bullying, intimidation, or coercion of any kind

3.5 Prohibited Content

You may not upload, post, or distribute content that:

• Is obscene, explicit, violent, or otherwise offensive

• Promotes hatred, discrimination, or harm

• Infringes intellectual property or proprietary rights

• Contains malware, viruses, or malicious code

3.6 Platform Security and Technical Abuse

• Attempting to hack, probe, or disrupt the Platform or its systems

• Circumventing security measures or access controls

• Scraping data or harvesting user information without authorisation

• Uploading malicious scripts, files, or software

3.7 Intellectual Property Violations

• Selling counterfeit, pirated, or unauthorised goods

• Using brand names, trademarks, logos, or images without permission

• Copying or reproducing Shoplinka.com content, branding, or systems without consent

Shoplinka.com will remove infringing content upon notification by the rightful intellectual property owner.

4. Vendor-Specific Restrictions

Vendors using Shoplinka.com must not:

• List products they do not intend or are unable to supply

• Repeatedly cancel orders without valid justification

• Misuse customer personal data for marketing or purposes outside the Platform

• Contact customers to redirect transactions away from Shoplinka.com

Vendors must process all customer personal information strictly in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and only for the purpose of fulfilling orders.

5. Monitoring and Enforcement

Shoplinka.com reserves the right to:

• Monitor Platform activity for compliance with this AUP

• Investigate suspected violations

• Remove content, listings, or accounts without prior notice

• Suspend or permanently terminate access to the Platform

• Withhold payouts where legally permitted

All enforcement actions are taken at Shoplinka.com’s sole discretion. Illegal activities may be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or relevant regulatory authorities.

6. Reporting Violations

If you believe this AUP has been violated, please report the matter to:

Email: [email protected]

Reports should include sufficient details to assist investigation. Shoplinka.com will remove infringing content upon notification by the rightful intellectual property owner.

7. No Liability for User Conduct

Shoplinka.com acts solely as a platform facilitator and is not responsible for:

• Vendor products, fulfilment, or conduct

• Customer misuse of the Platform

• Disputes between vendors and customers

Users remain solely responsible for their actions. Shoplinka.com is not an agent of any vendor and provides the Platform on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis.

8. Updates to This Policy

Shoplinka.com may update this Acceptable Use Policy at any time. Continued use of the Platform following any updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact Information

For questions regarding this policy, please contact:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 73 136 5631