Welcome to Sidekick! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our delivery, pickup, and shopping services. By using our services, you agree to these Terms in full. Please read them carefully.

By placing an order through Sidekick's website, WhatsApp, or any other communication channel, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our services.

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time without prior notice. Your continued use of our services following any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes.

Sidekick operates as a local delivery service providing the following:

• Delivery Service: Transportation of items from one location to another within our service areas
• Pickup Service: Collection of items from a specified location and delivery to the customer
• Shopping Service: Purchase of goods on behalf of customers and delivery to their specified address

Service availability is limited to our designated coverage areas and operating hours. We reserve the right to refuse service for any reason, including but not limited to capacity constraints, safety concerns, or prohibited items.

2.1 Weight and Dimension Restrictions

All deliveries are subject to the following restrictions based on vehicle capacity:

Items exceeding these limits will not be accepted for delivery. Customers must accurately declare item weight and dimensions when placing orders. Sidekick reserves the right to refuse delivery if items exceed stated limits or cannot be safely transported.

For oversized or heavy items, please contact us in advance to discuss special arrangements, which may incur additional fees.

When using Sidekick's services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information for all delivery and pickup requests
• Ensure that items being delivered or picked up comply with all applicable laws and our prohibited items list
• Be available or designate an authorized representative at the pickup and delivery locations
• Package items appropriately to prevent damage during transport
• Declare the accurate contents and value of items being delivered
• Provide clear and accurate shopping lists for shopping services
• Pay all fees promptly using the agreed payment method
• Treat our delivery partners with respect and courtesy

4.1 Service Fees

Service fees are based on:

• Service areas (pickup and delivery locations)
• Type of service (delivery, pickup, or shopping)
• Number of items or shops (for shopping services)
• Additional fees for special requests or urgent deliveries

4.2 Shopping Service Costs

For shopping services, you will be charged:

• The actual cost of goods purchased (with proof of purchase provided)
• The applicable service fee based on your area and shopping requirements
• Any additional costs incurred during shopping (e.g., parking fees, if applicable)

4.3 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

• e-Wallet / ATM Cash Send: No additional processing fee
• Yoco Card Payment (Tap/Pin): Subject to a 5% processing fee

4.4 Pricing Changes

Prices quoted at the time of order confirmation are final for that specific order. However, we reserve the right to adjust our standard pricing structure at any time. Any price changes will not affect orders already confirmed.

4.5 Shopping Service Estimates

For shopping services, estimated costs are based on your input. You will be charged the actual cost of items purchased, which may differ from your estimate. We will contact you if the actual cost significantly exceeds your estimate before completing the purchase.

Sidekick strictly prohibits the delivery or pickup of the following items:

• Illegal drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances
• Weapons, firearms, ammunition, or explosives
• Hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or toxic substances
• Stolen goods or items obtained illegally
• Live animals (except with prior arrangement and appropriate containers)
• Perishable items requiring specialized refrigeration (unless specifically arranged)
• Currency, securities, or negotiable instruments above R5,000
• Items that violate any local, provincial, or national laws
• Pornographic or obscene materials
• Items that could cause harm, offense, or distress to our delivery partners or recipients

6.1 Limited Liability

Sidekick operates as a delivery intermediary connecting customers with independent delivery partners. While we strive to provide reliable service, we have limited liability for loss, damage, or delays as follows:

6.2 Loss or Theft

Sidekick's maximum liability for lost or stolen items is limited to:

• Standard Items: R500 per delivery, regardless of declared value
• High-Value Items: Items valued over R500 must be declared in advance and may require additional insurance fees

To claim compensation for lost items, you must:

1. Report the loss within 24 hours of expected delivery
2. Provide proof of item value (receipts, invoices, or appraisals)
3. Cooperate with any investigation
4. File a police report for items valued over R1,000

6.3 Damage to Items

We are not liable for damage to items that:

• Were inadequately or improperly packaged by the sender
• Are inherently fragile without special packaging arrangements
• Were damaged due to the nature of the item (e.g., perishable goods)
• Were not properly declared as fragile or requiring special handling

For items properly packaged and declared, our liability for damage is limited to the lesser of:

• The actual repair cost (with estimates required)
• The declared value of the item
• R500 maximum

6.4 Delays

While we aim to deliver within estimated timeframes, we are not liable for delays caused by:

• Traffic conditions or road closures
• Weather conditions or natural events
• Vehicle breakdowns or mechanical issues
• Inaccurate address information
• Recipient unavailability
• Circumstances beyond our reasonable control

No refunds or compensation will be provided for delays unless caused by gross negligence on our part.

6.5 Exclusions

Sidekick is not liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, business opportunities, or data
• Emotional distress or inconvenience
• Damage to property at pickup or delivery locations
• Items left unattended at the recipient's request

7.1 Basic Coverage

Our standard service includes basic coverage up to R500 per delivery as outlined in Section 6. This is included in your service fee.

7.2 Additional Insurance

For items valued over R500, customers may:

• Declare the value and purchase additional coverage (subject to availability)
• Obtain third-party insurance for their items
• Accept the standard R500 liability limit

7.3 Claims Process

To file a claim for loss or damage:

1. Contact us within 24 hours via WhatsApp or email
2. Provide your order number and detailed description of the issue
3. Submit photographic evidence (for damage claims)
4. Provide proof of value (receipts, invoices)
5. Allow up to 14 business days for claim investigation

Claims submitted after 48 hours may not be accepted unless exceptional circumstances apply.

8.1 Customer Cancellations

You may cancel your order under the following conditions:

• Before pickup/shopping begins: Full refund minus any transaction fees already incurred
• After pickup/shopping has started: No refund, full service fee applies
• Shopping service after purchases made: You are responsible for the cost of items purchased; service fee is non-refundable

8.2 Sidekick Cancellations

We reserve the right to cancel any order if:

• The delivery contains prohibited items
• The customer provides false or misleading information
• The customer is abusive or threatening to our delivery partners
• Weather or safety conditions make delivery unsafe
• Payment cannot be processed or verified

In case of cancellation by Sidekick (except for customer violations), a full refund will be provided.

8.3 Refund Processing

Approved refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days to the original payment method. Processing fees may be non-refundable.

9.1 Independent Contractors

Sidekick's delivery partners are independent contractors, not employees. While we screen and monitor our partners, we are not responsible for their individual actions beyond the scope of this agreement.

9.2 Partner Conduct

Our delivery partners are expected to:

• Treat customers and their property with respect
• Handle items with reasonable care
• Follow delivery instructions when safe and practical
• Maintain appropriate licensing and insurance for their vehicles

9.3 Reporting Issues

If you experience any issues with a delivery partner, please contact us immediately. We take all complaints seriously and will investigate accordingly.

All content on Sidekick's website and materials, including logos, text, graphics, and software, are the property of Sidekick or its licensors and are protected by copyright and trademark laws.

You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without permission
• Use our name, logo, or branding without written authorization
• Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code from our systems

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to our services immediately, without prior notice, for any reason including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms of Service
• Providing false or misleading information
• Abusive or threatening behavior toward our team or partners
• Fraudulent payment activities
• Repeated cancellations or no-shows
• Attempting to deliver prohibited items

Termination will not affect any outstanding obligations or liabilities.

Sidekick's services are provided "as is" and "as available" without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
• Warranties regarding accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of service
• Warranties that the service will be uninterrupted or error-free

We do not guarantee that our services will meet your specific requirements or that they will be available at all times.

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

13.1 Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute, we encourage you to contact us first to seek an informal resolution. If an informal resolution cannot be reached, you agree to attempt mediation before pursuing litigation.

At Sidekick, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

When you use our services, we collect information that you voluntarily provide, including:

• Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address
• Delivery Information: Pickup and delivery addresses, special instructions
• Shopping Information: Shopping lists, store preferences, estimated budgets
• Payment Information: Payment method selection (we do not store card details)
• Communication Data: Messages sent through WhatsApp, email, or other channels

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use our website or services, we may automatically collect:

• Device information (type, operating system, browser)
• IP address and general location data
• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, interactions)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

1.3 Delivery Partner Information

For individuals applying to become delivery partners, we additionally collect:

• Full legal name and ID/passport number
• Date of birth and nationality
• Driver's license details and driving history
• Vehicle information and insurance details
• Employment history and references
• Criminal background check results (where applicable)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: Processing and fulfilling your delivery, pickup, and shopping requests
• Communication: Sending order confirmations, updates, and customer support responses
• Payment Processing: Facilitating secure payment transactions
• Service Improvement: Analyzing usage patterns to improve our services and user experience
• Safety & Security: Preventing fraud, abuse, and ensuring the safety of our community
• Legal Compliance: Complying with legal obligations and responding to lawful requests
• Marketing: Sending promotional offers and updates (with your consent)
• Partner Vetting: Screening and verifying delivery partner applications

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

3.1 With Delivery Partners

We share necessary information (name, phone number, addresses, delivery instructions) with assigned delivery partners to complete your order.

3.2 With Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us with:

• Payment processing (e.g., Yoco)
• Communication services (e.g., WhatsApp Business API)
• Web hosting and analytics
• Background check services (for partner applications)

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

3.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information if required by law or if we believe in good faith that such action is necessary to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect the safety and rights of Sidekick, our users, or the public
• Investigate fraud or security issues

3.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

4. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Secure payment processing through certified providers

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records, transaction history)
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

Typical retention periods:

• Order information: 5 years for accounting and tax purposes
• Communication records: 2 years
• Marketing data: Until you opt out or request deletion
• Delivery partner records: 7 years after termination of partnership

6. Your Rights

Under South African law (particularly the Protection of Personal Information Act - POPIA), you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your information for marketing purposes
• Right to Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing where consent was the legal basis

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact section below.

7. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use our services
• Improve website performance and user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our website.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information is primarily stored and processed in South Africa. If we transfer your data internationally, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable laws.

11. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send you promotional emails or messages about our services, special offers, and updates. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by:

• Clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails
• Replying "STOP" to marketing messages
• Contacting us directly to request removal from marketing lists

Please note that even if you opt out of marketing, we will still send transactional communications related to your orders.

12. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification (for significant changes)

Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. POPIA Compliance

Sidekick is committed to complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and its principles:

• Accountability: We take responsibility for the information we process
• Processing Limitation: We process information lawfully and with your knowledge
• Purpose Specification: We collect information for specific, explicit purposes
• Further Processing: We only use information in ways compatible with the original purpose
• Information Quality: We ensure information is accurate and up to date
• Openness: We are transparent about our information practices
• Security: We protect information with appropriate safeguards
• Data Subject Participation: We respect your rights regarding your information