Shipping Policy

1. Introduction

At Apodytes, a proudly South African e-commerce platform specialising in ICT, electronics, and gadgets, we are dedicated to delivering a seamless shopping experience. We operate without on-site inventory, partnering with trusted suppliers to offer products readily available from their stock. This Shipping Policy outlines our processes for order processing, delivery, and costs, ensuring transparency and compliance with South African laws, including the Consumer Protection Act 2008 and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 2002. By ordering from us, you agree to these terms.

2. Order Processing and Delivery

We aim to deliver your order within 3-7 working days from the time of order placement, though times may vary due to payment clearance, supplier stock availability, and your delivery location.

• Orders are processed only after funds have cleared in our account (e.g., via bank transfer or card payment). Orders placed after 14:00 may begin processing the next working day.
• Delivery timelines are estimates and include sourcing from suppliers and courier transit:
  • Gauteng and surrounding provinces: Typically 3-5 working days total.
  • Other provinces: Typically 4-6 working days total.
  • Regional or remote areas: Up to 7 working days, potentially longer due to courier routing or supplier delays.
• Items marked “restocking soon” or requiring special sourcing may take up to 8 weeks. We will notify you via email if extended delays apply.
• External factors (e.g., supplier stocktaking, courier delays, or force majeure events like strikes or weather) may affect timelines. We will communicate any significant delays promptly.
• If an item becomes unavailable, we reserve the right to cancel the order and issue a full refund, in line with the Consumer Protection Act.

3. Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are calculated in real-time during checkout based on your order’s size, weight, total value, geographic location, and delivery address, ensuring fair and accurate pricing.

• Free shipping applies to orders over R5000, except for:
  • Oversized parcels (heavier than 30kg or equivalent volume), which may incur additional fees.
  • Addresses in “high-risk” or “dangerous” zones (as defined by our courier partners), which may carry surcharges.
• Any additional charges (e.g., for high-risk zones or oversized items) will be reflected at checkout or communicated post-purchase if identified later by the courier. You may cancel the order if additional fees are unacceptable, subject to our cancellation policy.
• All costs are disclosed before order confirmation. If a delivery fails due to an incorrect address or no recipient being available, additional redelivery charges may apply, and failed deliveries may be returned to the supplier, potentially incurring restocking fees deducted from any refund.

4. Delivery Guidelines

We partner with reputable courier companies to deliver your order. Once an order is processed and handed over, it is in the courier’s care.

• We are not liable for delays caused by couriers, incorrect address details, or unforeseen events (e.g., weather, strikes). However, if delivery fails due to our error, we will arrange redelivery or a refund per the Consumer Protection Act.
• We recommend choosing a delivery address where someone is available to sign for and inspect the package. Couriers may not always call ahead.
• Do not use P.O. Boxes, Postnet Suites, or incomplete addresses, as these may lead to failed deliveries. Ensure your postal code is accurate to avoid surcharges or delays.
• Once dispatched, you will receive a tracking number via email or SMS to monitor your order’s progress through our website or the courier’s portal.

5. Cancellations and Refunds

If you wish to cancel an order before dispatch, contact us at shipping@apodytes.co.za. Refunds for cancellations or failed deliveries (due to our error) will be processed within 7-14 working days, per the Consumer Protection Act. Additional charges (e.g., restocking or redelivery fees) may apply for failed deliveries due to customer-provided errors.

6. Changes to This Shipping Policy

We may update this policy periodically to reflect operational or legal changes. The revised policy will be posted on our website and will be effective immediately. Your continued use of our platform constitutes acceptance of these updates.

7. Contact Us

For questions or concerns about this Shipping Policy or your order, please contact us at shipping@apodytes.co.za. Thank you for choosing Apodytes!