Terms & Conditions

What Winkl is

Winkl is a platform that enables makers, farms, bakers, artists, and small businesses to sell directly to their customers. Winkl provides the technology — each shop is independently owned and operated.

Shop owners

Each winkl shop is run by an independent seller. When you place an order, your contract is with that seller, not with Winkl. The seller is responsible for the accuracy of their product descriptions, pricing, and fulfilment of orders.

Shop owners are required to provide a valid phone number and South African ID number before going live. This is a once-off identity check to reduce fraud — the ID number is not stored.

Prices and orders

Prices shown include VAT where applicable. An order confirmation sent to your email constitutes acknowledgement of your order in terms of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT Act).

Returns and cooling-off (ECT Act)

Under the ECT Act you have the right to cancel an online purchase within 7 days of receiving goods, without giving a reason. The seller must refund you within 30 days. Return shipping costs are your responsibility unless the goods are defective.

The 7-day right does not apply to: perishable goods (fresh food, flowers, etc.), custom-made or personalised items, digital goods once downloaded, or services already fully performed.

Consumer Protection Act

All goods sold through Winkl shops are subject to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Goods must be safe, of good quality, and match their description. You have an implied 6-month warranty on physical goods. If goods are defective, contact the seller directly — their contact details are shown in your order confirmation.

Payments

Card payments are processed by PayFast (Pty) Ltd. EFT payments go directly to the seller's bank account. Winkl does not hold or transfer customer funds.

For shop owners (paid plans)

The clauses in this section apply to shop owners running a winkl on a paid plan. They do not apply to customers shopping on a winkl.

AI use. Winkl is operated by 8by3, who use AI tools as described in the 8by3 AI policy. By using a paid plan you accept that policy.

Billing. Annual plans are billed monthly over 12 months so the cashflow burden on a small business is the same as a monthly plan — but you commit to the full 12-month term when you sign up. Monthly plans bill month-to-month and can be cancelled at any time.

Price lock. Your subscription price is locked at the rate you signed up for, for the duration of your term. If our list prices change, your existing term is not affected — the new rate only applies if you renew or change plan.

Your data

Winkl only stores information needed to operate your account and process orders. Customer data belongs to the shop owner, not to Winkl. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Questions or complaints

For order issues, contact the shop owner directly using the details in your order email. For platform or technical issues, email help@winkl.co.za. For questions about these terms, email legal@winkl.co.za.