Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to BobJan Business Directory ("we," "our," or "us"). By accessing or using our website at bobjan.co.za, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

2. Service Description

BobJan is a local business directory exclusively for independent local businesses and small enterprises across South Africa. Our platform is specifically designed to support and promote truly local, community-based businesses. Our services include:

• Local business listings and directory services
• Community-based business search and discovery
• Local business registration and verification services
• Payment processing for local business registrations
• Community engagement and local business promotion

3. User Accounts and Registration

3.1 Business Registration Eligibility

To list your business on BobJan, you must meet these criteria:

• Local Business Focus: Operate as an independent local business serving a specific community
• Single Location: Operate from one primary physical location within a single town/city
• Independent Ownership: Be independently owned and operated (not part of a chain or franchise)
• Small Enterprise: Fall within the definition of a small to medium enterprise (SME)
• Provide accurate and complete business information
• Be the legitimate owner or authorized representative of the business
• Maintain the accuracy of your business information
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

3.2 Prohibited Business Types

The following business types are NOT permitted on BobJan:

• Chain Stores & Franchises: National or international chain stores, franchise operations
• Large Enterprises: Corporations with multiple locations or national presence
• Multi-location Businesses: Businesses operating under the same brand in multiple towns
• Brand Duplicates: Businesses using the same brand name across different locations
• Online-only Businesses: Businesses without a physical local presence
• Corporate Entities: Large corporations or publicly traded companies

3.3 Single Location Policy

Each business on BobJan must:

• Operate from one physical location within a single town or city
• Not be part of any chain, franchise, or corporate network
• Use a unique business name not shared with other locations
• Serve primarily the local community where they are physically located
• Not attempt to register multiple locations under the same business name

3.4 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Registration Fees & Promotional Pricing

BobJan offers flexible payment options for business registration with special promotional pricing:

Payment Method	Promotional Price (First 6 Months)	Standard Price (After 6 Months)	Features
EFT Payment	R1.00 per month	R99.00 per month	Manual monthly payment
Card Payment	R2.00 per month	R99.00 per month	Auto-renewal, 5-day grace period

4.2 Subscription Terms

For both payment options:

• Monthly subscription required for business listing
• Promotional pricing applies for the first 6 months of service
• Standard pricing of R99.00 per month applies after promotional period
• 5-day grace period for payments
• Card payments include automatic renewal for convenience
• Clients must submit a cancellation request via support ticket with their APP-XXXXX number
• Non-payment may result in temporary suspension of listing

4.3 Refund Policy

• Monthly subscription fees
• Application processing fees
• Transaction fees (3% for card payments)
• Subscription fees for completed billing periods
• Technical errors or system issues
• User errors or mistaken payments
• Service interruptions or platform downtime
• Changes to business circumstances
• Dissatisfaction with service

By using our services, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for all payments made and understand that no refunds will be issued for any reason.

5. Content Guidelines

5.1 Prohibited Content & Business Types

You may not list businesses that involve:

• Chain Operations: Franchises, chain stores, or multi-location businesses
• Large Enterprises: Corporations with national or international presence
• Brand Duplication: Businesses using the same name across multiple towns
• Illegal activities or services
• Adult content or services
• Hate speech or discrimination
• Misleading or fraudulent claims
• Intellectual property infringement
• Spam or duplicate listings

5.2 Content Ownership

You retain ownership of your business content but grant BobJan a license to display it on our platform and promote it through our services.

5.3 Local Business Verification

BobJan may require verification that your business:

• Is independently owned and operated
• Operates from a single physical location
• Is not part of any chain or franchise network
• Uses a unique business name for your specific location
• Primarily serves the local community where you are located

6. User Responsibilities

6.1 Business Owners

As a business owner, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and current business information
• Respond to customer inquiries promptly
• Maintain professional conduct
• Honor advertised services and pricing
• Update business information when changes occur
• Maintain active subscription for listing visibility
• Accept full responsibility for all payments and understand the no-refund policy
• Ensure your business qualifies as a genuine local, independent enterprise

6.2 Customers

As a customer using our directory, you agree to:

• Use business information responsibly
• Respect business operating hours
• Provide honest reviews and feedback
• Not engage in harassment or abuse
• Verify business details before engaging

7. Intellectual Property

All BobJan branding, logos, and platform technology are owned by us. Business owners retain rights to their business names, logos, and content submitted to our platform.

8. Termination and Suspension

8.1 By BobJan

We may suspend or terminate accounts for:

• Violation of these terms
• Fraudulent activity
• Non-payment of fees
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Platform abuse or spam
• Business is found to be part of a chain, franchise, or large enterprise
• Business operates multiple locations under the same brand name
• Misrepresentation of business as local when it is not

8.2 By Users

Business owners may request account cancellation by submitting a support ticket with their APP-XXXXX number. Note that:

• Cancellation requests must include your application number
• No refunds will be issued for any remaining subscription period
• Removal may not be immediate
• Some data may be retained for legal purposes

9. Limitation of Liability

BobJan provides a platform for local business discovery but does not:

• Guarantee business performance or quality
• Endorse specific businesses or services
• Assume liability for business-customer disputes
• Warrant uninterrupted service availability
• Provide refunds for any service issues or interruptions

10. Privacy and Data Protection

We handle personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to our data practices as described in our Privacy Policy.

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. We will notify users of significant changes and updates will be effective upon posting. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

13. Platform Philosophy & Local Business Focus

13.1 What We Support

BobJan welcomes and celebrates:

• Independent Local Businesses: Owner-operated businesses serving their community
• Small Enterprises: SMEs and micro-enterprises with local roots
• Community-focused Services: Businesses that understand and serve local needs
• Unique Local Offerings: Businesses that reflect the character of their community
• Neighborhood Services: Businesses that are integral to their local area

13.2 What We Don't Allow

To maintain our local business focus, we do not permit:

• Chain Stores: Any business that is part of a chain or franchise system
• Large Corporations: Businesses with multiple locations or national presence
• Brand Repetition: The same business name operating in different towns
• Corporate Entities: Businesses owned by large corporate structures
• Non-local Operations: Businesses without a genuine local presence

By using BobJan, you acknowledge and support our mission to create a platform exclusively for independent local businesses and small enterprises.

14. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: