Refund policy

REFUND & RETURNS POLICY

Effective Date: 2026

Store Name: The Sweat Society

Website: [thesweatsociety.co.za]

At The Sweat Society, we take pride in the quality of our fitness gear and personal accessories. This Refund & Returns Policy is formulated in accordance with the South African Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA) to clearly outline your rights and obligations as a customer.

1. 7-Day Cooling-Off Period (ECTA Section 44)

In terms of Section 44 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA), you are entitled to cancel your purchase within seven (7) calendar days after receipt of the goods without reason and without penalty, subject to the following statutory conditions:

  • Hygiene Exclusion (CRITICAL): For health and safety reasons, products that come into contact with liquids, food/supplements, or bodily fluids (including the Spider Bottle Shaker and Instant Cooling Towels) CANNOT be returned under the 7-day cooling-off period if the original sealed packaging has been opened, unsealed, or if the item shows any sign of use or washing.

  • Condition of Goods: Non-hygiene items (e.g., Hand/Wrist Strengtheners) returned under ECTA must be completely unused, unwashed, free of scuffs, and in their original, undamaged packaging with all tags and components intact.

  • Return Shipping Fees: Pursuant to Section 44(2) of ECTA, the customer is directly responsible for all courier/shipping costs associated with returning the item to us.

2. Non-Returnable & Non-Refundable Items

To the fullest extent permitted under South African law, the following items are strictly non-returnable unless deemed defective by our technical inspection team:

  1. Used Hygiene Items: Shaker bottles, supplement containers, blender grids, or cooling towels that have been opened, washed, or used.

  2. Normal Wear and Tear: Items damaged due to heavy use, improper cleaning/washing, dishwashing temperatures exceeding product tolerances, accidental dropping, or over-straining springs/grips beyond recommended usage.

  3. Sale & Clearance Items: Items purchased during promotional sales, clearance sales, or using discount codes are non-refundable unless defective.

3. Defective Goods & 6-Month Statutory Warranty (CPA Section 56)

Under Section 56 of the CPA, all products carry an implied statutory warranty against manufacturing defects for up to six (6) months from delivery.

What is covered:

  • Structural manufacturing defects (e.g., broken spring mechanism upon delivery, factory cracks in shaker plastic, unravelling seams on a new cooling towel prior to use).

What is NOT covered:

  • Damage caused by misuse, abuse, negligence, or lack of proper care (e.g., dropping filled bottles on hard surfaces, forcefully over-cranking the resistance dial on wrist grippers).

  • Normal wear and tear from routine physical use.

  • Leaks caused by improper lid alignment, cross-threading of modular storage cups, or worn seals resulting from improper washing.

Defective Return Process:

  1. Contact us within 48 hours of noticing a defect at [thesweatsociety365@gmail.com] with your order number, a detailed description, and high-resolution photo/video evidence of the defect.

  2. If deemed potentially defective upon preliminary review, we will arrange collection via our courier at our expense.

  3. Upon physical inspection by our team:

    • If found defective: You will be offered a choice between a repair, replacement, or full refund.

    • If NOT defective / Damaged by user: The customer will be responsible for the courier costs incurred to collect and return the product back to them.

4. Incorrect or Damaged Deliveries

  • Transit Damage: Please inspect your package immediately upon delivery. If your order arrives visually damaged, you must notify the courier upon receipt and notify us within 24 hours at [thesweatsociety365@gmail.com] with clear photos of the outer box and damaged goods.

  • Wrong Item Received: If you receive an item different from what you ordered, notify us within 48 hours. We will collect the item and deliver the correct item at no cost to you, provided the incorrect item remains completely unopened and in original condition.

5. Refunds & Store Credit

  • Processing Time: Approved refunds will be processed within 7–14 business days via the original payment gateway/method used during checkout (e.g., PayFast, Ozow, EFT, Credit Card).

  • Deductions: For returns made under the 7-day cooling-off period, initial delivery charges paid by the customer are non-refundable.

6. Return Request Procedure

To initiate any return or warranty claim, please contact our support team:

  • Email: [thesweatsociety365@gmail.com]

Do not send items back to our warehouse without prior written authorization from our support team. Unauthorized returns will be rejected and returned to sender at the customer's expense.