Refund and Cancellation Policy

At SME South Africa, we are committed to equipping entrepreneurs with the highest quality resources, gear, and experiences. We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.

Because our platform offers a hybrid of digital memberships, physical merchandise, and live events, our refund policies vary depending on the type of product or service you have purchased. Our policies are fully compliant with the South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA). Please read the specific terms below carefully.

1. Digital Memberships

Applies to SME Hub Memberships and Premium Subscriptions.

We believe in the value of our community and digital resources. However, because digital content and platform access are instantly available upon purchase, all membership and subscription sales are strictly final and non-refundable.

• Cancellations: You may cancel your monthly subscription at any time to prevent future billing. We do not provide prorated refunds for mid-month cancellations. Upon cancellation, you will retain full access to the platform until the end of your current paid billing cycle.

2. Physical Merchandise

Applies to all physical goods purchased via the SME South Africa Store.

We proudly stand behind the quality of our “Built for Founders” gear. If you are not completely satisfied with your physical purchase, we offer a 14-day return window from the date of delivery.

• Eligibility for Return: To be eligible for a refund or exchange due to a change of mind, items must be unused, unwashed, and in the same condition that you received them. They must also be in the original packaging.
• Non-Returnable Items: Sale items, custom-branded merchandise, and gift cards are final sale and cannot be returned unless defective.
• Defective Goods: If your physical product is materially defective or unsafe, you have the right to return it within 6 months of delivery. You may choose between a repair, a replacement, or a full refund.
• Shipping Costs: For standard returns, original shipping costs are non-refundable, and the buyer is responsible for return shipping to our warehouse. For defective goods, SME South Africa will cover all return shipping costs.

3. In-Person Events

Applies to tickets purchased for live, physical SME South Africa events.

Live events require advanced venue booking, catering, and logistical planning. We understand that schedules change, so we offer a tiered refund policy for event tickets.

The following tiered structure represents a “reasonable cancellation penalty” based on the nature of the event and the notice provided. All approved event refunds are subject to a non-refundable payment processing fee deduction (standard gateway fees incurred during the original transaction).

• 30+ Days Before the Event: 100% refund (minus processing fees).
• 14 to 29 Days Before the Event: 50% refund (minus processing fees).
• Less than 14 Days Before the Event: No refunds will be issued due to finalised venue and catering headcounts.
• Ticket Transfers: As a courtesy, if you cannot attend, you may transfer your ticket to another entrepreneur at no extra cost up to 48 hours before the event. Please email our support team with the new attendee’s details.

5. How to Request a Refund or Cancellation

To initiate a return, refund, or cancellation, please follow these steps:

1. Email our dedicated support team at support@smesouthafrica.co.za.
2. Include your Full Name, Order Number, and the Email Address associated with your account.
3. Briefly explain the reason for the refund request (this helps us improve our offerings).

Processing Time: Once your request is received (and your physical item is inspected, if applicable), we will notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. Approved refunds will be processed within 7 to 10 business days, and a credit will automatically be applied to your original method of payment (Credit Card, EFT, etc.).

SME South Africa reserves the right to amend this policy at any time. By purchasing our platform, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.