Refund & Cancellation Policy

Last updated: January 15, 2025

This Refund & Cancellation Policy outlines the terms and conditions for returns, exchanges, repairs, and refunds for all products purchased from TechTraders (Pty) Ltd. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Terms & Conditions and Pricing Policy.

Important Notice

All returns require prior authorization through our RMA (Return Material Authorization) process. Products returned without an RMA number will not be accepted. Please contact our technical department at [email protected] to initiate any return request.

1. RMA (RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION) PROCESS

1.1 RMA Requirement

No returns will be accepted without a valid RMA number. All Return Material Authorization (RMA) requests must be submitted online through our website at www.techtraders.co.za prior to returning any items for any reason.

1.2 RMA Application Process

  • Complete the RMA application online on our website
  • Provide detailed fault description for defective items
  • Include original invoice number and purchase date
  • Our technical department will review and issue an RMA number
  • One RMA number is issued per item returned

1.3 RMA Number Usage

The issued RMA number must be used as a reference for all matters relating to the return. This number authorizes the return of one specific item only.

Important: Products shipped to TechTraders without a valid RMA number may be refused or subject to additional handling charges.

2. RETURN CONDITIONS

2.1 General Return Requirements

All merchandise returned to TechTraders must be returned with:

  • All original cables and power supplies
  • Complete documentation and manuals
  • Original packaging where applicable
  • All accessories included with the original product
  • Valid RMA number clearly marked on the package

2.2 Return Time Limits

  • Standard Returns: 7 days from delivery date
  • Defective Products: 30 days from delivery date
  • Warranty Claims: According to manufacturer warranty terms

2.3 Product Condition Requirements

Returned products must be:

  • In original, unopened packaging (for non-defective returns)
  • Free from physical damage not related to the claimed defect
  • Complete with all components and accessories
  • Free from data, software, or personal information

Note: Products that have been modified, damaged by misuse, or are incomplete may be subject to reduced refund amounts or may be rejected entirely.

3. RESTOCKING FEES

3.1 Standard Restocking Fee

If any of the return conditions are not met, TechTraders reserves the right either to refuse the return, or to charge a restocking fee of not less than 15% of the original purchase price.

3.2 When Restocking Fees Apply

  • Incomplete returns (missing accessories, cables, documentation)
  • Products returned without original packaging
  • Non-defective returns after 7 days
  • Special order or custom-configured items
  • Products showing signs of use (for non-defective returns)

3.3 Restocking Fee Calculation

Restocking fees are calculated based on:

  • Original purchase price of the item
  • Condition of returned merchandise
  • Completeness of the return
  • Time elapsed since original purchase
  • Market value impact due to return

3.4 Exemptions from Restocking Fees

  • Defective products under warranty
  • TechTraders shipping errors
  • Products that fail within manufacturer warranty period

4. DEFECTIVE PRODUCT RETURNS

4.1 Defective Product Definition

A product is considered defective if it:

  • Fails to function as designed out of the box
  • Has manufacturing defects affecting normal operation
  • Does not meet published specifications
  • Fails within the manufacturer warranty period

4.2 Defective Return Process

  1. Contact TechTraders technical support within 30 days of delivery
  2. Provide detailed description of the defect or malfunction
  3. Submit RMA application with fault description
  4. Await RMA approval and return instructions
  5. Return product with all original components

4.3 Technical Verification

Our technical department will test and verify the reported fault. Products found to be functioning correctly may be subject to:

  • Return shipping charges
  • Testing and handling fees
  • Standard restocking fees

4.4 Resolution Options

For verified defective products, TechTraders will offer:

  • Full refund to original payment method
  • Exchange for identical working product
  • Store credit for equal value
  • Repair service (where applicable)

5. SHIPPING AND INSURANCE

5.1 Return Shipping Responsibility

TechTraders is not responsible for the cost of returning any products to TechTraders offices, except in cases where:

  • TechTraders shipped the wrong product
  • Product was damaged in transit due to TechTraders packaging
  • Product is defective due to manufacturing defect

5.2 Shipping Insurance Requirements

For your protection, please ensure that all returned packages are:

  • Properly insured for full replacement value
  • Shipped via a traceable method (courier services recommended)
  • Packaged securely to prevent damage in transit
  • Clearly marked with the RMA number

5.3 Risk of Loss

TechTraders is not responsible for lost or damaged packages during return shipping. Risk of loss remains with the customer until TechTraders physically receives the returned merchandise.

5.4 Recommended Shipping Methods

  • Courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
  • South African Post Office registered mail
  • RAM Hand-to-Hand courier service
  • Any tracked and insured shipping method

Important: Always retain proof of shipment and tracking information until your return has been processed and confirmed by TechTraders.

6. REPAIR SERVICES

6.1 Repair Time Estimates

In cases of repairs undertaken by TechTraders, repair times given are merely estimates and are not binding on TechTraders. Time is not of the essence of this agreement unless expressly agreed upon in writing by TechTraders.

6.2 Liability Limitations

TechTraders shall not be liable for any loss or damage of whatsoever nature which the customer may suffer as a result of:

  • Any unforeseen costs during repair process
  • Delayed repairs beyond estimated timeframes
  • Data loss during repair process
  • Incompatibility issues discovered during repair

6.3 Repair Quotations

  • Repair quotations will be provided before commencing work
  • Customer approval required for repairs exceeding R500
  • Minimum diagnostic fees may apply
  • Parts replacement subject to availability

6.4 Data Backup Responsibility

Customers are responsible for:

  • Backing up all data before sending items for repair
  • Removing confidential or sensitive information
  • Understanding that repair processes may result in data loss
  • Providing necessary passwords or access codes if required

7. PRODUCT ACCEPTANCE AND INSPECTION

7.1 Incoming Inspection Process

TechTraders shall conduct incoming acceptance inspection as soon as possible upon receipt of returned products. This process includes:

  • Verification of RMA number and return authorization
  • Physical inspection for damage or missing components
  • Functional testing for defective product claims
  • Documentation review for completeness

7.2 Inspection Timeline

  • Standard Returns: 2-3 business days
  • Defective Product Claims: 5-7 business days
  • Complex Technical Issues: Up to 14 business days

7.3 Inspection Results

Following inspection, customers will be notified of:

  • Acceptance or rejection of the return
  • Any applicable charges or fees
  • Refund amount and processing timeline
  • Alternative resolution options if applicable

7.4 Disputed Inspections

If you disagree with our inspection results:

  • Contact our technical department within 7 days
  • Request detailed inspection report
  • Consider independent technical evaluation
  • Escalate to management if necessary

8. REFUND PROCESSING

8.1 Refund Methods

Approved refunds will be processed via:

  • Original payment method (preferred)
  • Bank transfer to customer account
  • Store credit for future purchases
  • Check payment (for account customers)

8.2 Refund Timeline

  • Credit Card Refunds: 5-10 business days
  • Bank Transfers: 2-3 business days
  • Store Credits: Immediate upon approval
  • Check Payments: 7-14 business days

8.3 Refund Amounts

Refund amounts may be reduced by:

  • Applicable restocking fees
  • Return shipping costs (if applicable)
  • Testing or handling charges
  • Repair costs for damage not covered by warranty

8.4 Partial Refunds

Partial refunds may be issued for:

  • Products returned with missing accessories
  • Items showing signs of use or damage
  • Products returned outside of standard return window
  • Special circumstances approved by management

8.5 Non-Refundable Items

The following items are generally non-refundable:

  • Custom-configured or special-order products
  • Software licenses and digital products
  • Products damaged by customer misuse
  • Items returned after 30 days without valid warranty claim
  • Products with missing serial numbers or tampered warranty seals
Additional Terms
  • VAT: All refunds will be processed inclusive of VAT where originally charged
  • Currency: Refunds processed in South African Rand (ZAR) only
  • Business Days: Monday to Friday, excluding South African public holidays
  • Account Credits: May be applied to outstanding account balances before refund processing

This policy may be updated from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated to active account holders.

Questions about Returns or Refunds?

If you have any questions about our return and refund process, please contact us:

Acknowledgment

By conducting business with TechTraders, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Refund & Cancellation Policy in conjunction with our Terms & Conditions and Pricing Policy.

TechTraders (Pty) Ltd.
Registration Number: 2012/031431/07
VAT Number: 4260272788