Terms, Policies & Privacy Guidelines

Transparent guidelines, agreements, and terms supporting our global marketplace connecting authentic African designers with customers worldwide.

01. AGREEMENT CONSUMER

Terms & Conditions for Use by Consumers

Welcome to the ANANSE On-Line Market Platform (“the Platform”), Terms & Conditions for Use (“Terms” and/or “Agreement”). By accessing www.ananse.com and its related websites and applications, you agree to the following terms, including those linked by reference. These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you, the commercial user (“Consumer”), and the Merchants who advertise and sell products on the Platform.

USE OF THE ANANSE PLATFORM:

By using the Platform, you agree that the purchase agreement is between you, the Consumer, and the Merchant. ANANSE facilitates but is not party to the sale. The Platform is for users aged 18 and over. ANANSE reserves the right to remove content or restrict access if Terms are breached. In disputes with Merchants, ANANSE will aim to mediate and resolve issues amicably.

PURCHASING ON THE PLATFORM:

Upon purchase, Merchants have 24 hours for ready-to-wear items and up to 48 hours for made-to-order items to confirm availability. Merchants may offer similar alternatives, which you may accept or decline. If declined, you will be refunded in full.

FITMASTER FEATURE & MADE-TO-MEASURE (MTM) PRODUCTS:

Some products are marked with the MTM (Made-to-Measure) label and supported by the Fitmaster feature, allowing garments to be customised to your submitted measurements. MTM items are:

  • Final sale: non-returnable and non-refundable unless faulty, damaged, or incorrect.
  • Based on Consumer-provided measurements. ANANSE and the Merchant are not liable for issues due to inaccurate sizing provided by the Consumer.
  • Subject to longer lead times. Estimated timelines are noted on the product page.
  • Returnable only in cases of defect or error, in which case the Merchant will cover return costs and a full refund will be processed per our Returns Policy.

ORDERS, FEES AND SERVICES:

All payments must be made via the Platform’s payment gateway. Product costs include listed prices and shipping. Upon payment, you enter into a contract with the Merchant. Risk and ownership pass upon delivery. Duties and taxes may apply based on your location and are your responsibility unless stated otherwise. ANANSE may assist but is not obliged to confirm such duties.

CANCELLING AN ORDER:

Orders can be cancelled within 14 days of receipt. You may log into your account or email ANANSE with your reason for cancellation. Refer to our Returns and Refunds policy for more.

REFUNDS AND RETURNS:

Returns are only accepted for incorrect, defective, or damaged goods. For cross-border orders, return shipping is non-refundable. For domestic returns not due to defect, return shipping is at your cost. Refunds exclude original delivery fees unless otherwise specified. Please refer to our full Returns & Refunds policy.

CONTENT & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

All content is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy or distribute content without written permission. By uploading content, you grant ANANSE a non-exclusive right to use it across any media.

ABUSING THE PLATFORM:

Please report any abuse, technical issues, or offensive material. ANANSE may take steps including removing content or banning users if Terms are breached. ANANSE does not monitor all content and accepts no liability for unlawful material.

LIABILITY & RELEASE:

We are not liable for transactions between Consumers and Merchants or for Merchant content. We do not review all posts or guarantee the quality or legality of listed products. Disputes with Merchants must be resolved directly. By using the Platform, you release ANANSE from all claims related to such disputes.

DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY:

By using the Platform, you consent to data storage and processing by ANANSE in accordance with applicable laws, including GDPR. Your data will be processed solely for its intended purpose and deleted once fulfilled.

GENERAL & GOVERNING LAW:

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. Disputes will be resolved by mediation or arbitration through AFSA (Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa). Failing resolution, parties submit to the jurisdiction of the High Court South Gauteng. If any clause is found invalid, the rest of the Terms remain enforceable.

02. COMMERCE MERCHANT

Terms & Conditions for Use by Merchants

Welcome to the ANANSE Online Market Platform (“Platform”), intended to facilitate sales between Merchants and Consumers. By using www.ananse.com, you agree to these Terms and any relevant policies. This Agreement is legally binding upon account registration.

USE OF THE PLATFORM & RESTRICTIONS:

Merchants agree not to: violate local or international laws; post abusive, misleading, or unlawful content; infringe third-party intellectual property rights; distribute malware or use scrapers; misuse Consumer personal data; or infringe ANANSE’s proprietary content. ANANSE may remove content or restrict accounts for breaches. Merchants hold sole responsibility for all posted content.

PUBLICATION ON OTHER PLATFORMS:

ANANSE may repost your designs, descriptions, and media content on third-party marketing channels. By posting on our platform, you consent to this promotional use, subject to the third-party platform’s terms of service.

COMMISSION FEES AND SERVICES:

Use of the ANANSE Point of Sale (POS) application is free. Online Marketplace transactions incur the following tiered commissions based on account tenure:

  • Year 1: 10% commission on gross sales value.
  • Year 2: 12% commission on gross sales value.
  • Year 3: 15% commission on gross sales value.

All transactions and payouts are calculated in USD. ANANSE reserves the right to refuse refunds in specific cases of merchant breach.

ORDER FULFILMENT & SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENTS (SLA):

When a sale occurs, you enter into a binding sales agreement with the Consumer. You are responsible for accurate product descriptions, legal compliance, and suitable packaging. Order confirmation requirements are:

  • Ready-To-Wear: Confirm availability and process within 24 hours. Failure to do so allows ANANSE to cancel and refund the customer.
  • Made-To-Order (MTO) & Made-To-Measure (MTM): Confirm order details within 48 hours. The customized item must be complete and ready for dispatch within 14 days. If declined or delayed, a full customer refund will be initiated.

IMPORT DUTIES & LOGISTICS:

Consumers may be liable for import taxes. If undetermined, they must consult local customs. ANANSE will attempt to flag where applicable but holds no obligation. DHL is our preferred carrier and shipping coordinates are managed directly via platform integration.

PAYMENTS TO MERCHANTS:

Payouts are processed after the customer return eligibility period ends. Payouts reflect total sales minus ANANSE’s commission fees. Merchants in listed African countries may receive local currency if the purchase was made in that currency.

CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS, & DATA PROTECTION:

Consumers have 14 days post-delivery to cancel. Returned items must be sent back by the Consumer. Merchants must comply with all applicable privacy laws, including GDPR and POPIA. Customer personal data may only be used for the sole purpose of order fulfillment and must be deleted securely thereafter.

LIABILITY, RELEASE, & GOVERNING LAW:

Merchants hold full responsibility for their listings and transactions. ANANSE is not a party to sales agreements. Disputes with Consumers must be resolved directly. These Terms are governed by South African law. Disputes will first attempt resolution via AFSA mediation or arbitration, failing which they will submit to the jurisdiction of the High Court South Gauteng.

03. SECURITY PRIVACY

Privacy Policy & Data Notice

ANANSE respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy details how we collect, process, share, and protect personal data across our marketplace platforms and services, in compliance with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act, South Africa), GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), and other international data standards.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT:

We collect data to provide a seamless and secure shopping experience:

  • Identity Details: Full name, age range (to verify 18+ requirement), and account credentials.
  • Contact Info: Email address, phone number, physical billing address, and shipping address.
  • Measurement Data: Custom measurements submitted voluntarily via the Fitmaster feature for Made-to-Measure orders.
  • Transaction Logs: Purchased items, merchants transacted with, transaction totals, and payment references (no raw card data is stored).

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION:

We process your personal information strictly for the following operational needs:

  • To fulfill transactions and coordinate logistics between Consumers, Merchants, and DHL.
  • To customize garments through the Fitmaster measurement profiles.
  • To process payments securely through our integrated payment gateways (Paystack, Payfast, PayPal).
  • To prevent fraudulent activities and resolve platform disputes.
  • To send transactional emails, shipping status notifications, and marketing updates (with opt-out controls).

3. DATA SHARING & THIRD-PARTY DISCLOSURE:

We never sell your personal information. Data is shared only with selected partners necessary to facilitate platform actions:

Merchants: Shared with the specific merchant fulfilling your order (limited to name, shipping coordinates, phone number, and custom measurements if MTM).

Logistics & Payments: Shared with DHL for global deliveries, and with authorized payment processors for executing bank/card transactions.

4. COOKIES & TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES:

We use cookies and equivalent browser tracking to maintain state (e.g., keeping items in your cart, staying logged into your account session), and to monitor platform traffic patterns via Google Tag Manager and Facebook Pixel. Disabling cookies in browser settings may restrict cart functionality and checkout processing.

5. YOUR DATA RIGHTS & RETENTION:

You hold the right to access your stored personal information, request corrections, or ask for the deletion of your account and related logs. For any data inquiries or rights requests, contact our Data Officer at care@ananse.com. We retain data only as long as required to fulfill transactions, satisfy tax audits, or as required by governing South African financial law.

04. LOGISTICS SHIPPING

Global Shipping & Delivery Terms

Welcome to the ANANSE Online Market Platform (“Platform”), designed to facilitate the sale and purchase of products and goods. By accessing www.ananse.com and any of its related websites, services, or applications, you expressly agree to the terms laid out in this policy, in addition to ANANSE’s Terms and Conditions. This Shipping Policy forms a binding part of your agreement with ANANSE as a Consumer and/or Merchant.

ANANSE ships orders globally using trusted courier partners, with DHL as our primary delivery service. We aim to provide reliable and timely international delivery. Please review the following to understand how shipping is managed:

1. SHIPPING TIMELINES:

Orders are processed once payment is verified. Delivery typically takes 3 to 10 business days (excluding weekends and public holidays). Timelines may vary based on destination, customs processing, and courier efficiency. Once dispatched, you will receive a tracking number via email to monitor your order.

2. DELIVERY ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS:

Please ensure that the delivery address provided is complete and accurate, including:

  • Full street address with building or apartment number
  • City, postal code, and country
  • Contact phone number

Shipping to P.O. Box addresses is not supported. If incorrect or incomplete information is submitted at checkout, ANANSE cannot be held responsible for delivery failures, delays, or lost shipments.

3. CUSTOMS DUTIES, IMPORT FEES, AND DELIVERY TERMS (DAP):

All ANANSE orders are shipped under DAP (Delivery At Place) terms. This means:

  • Product prices and shipping fees paid to ANANSE do not include import duties, taxes, or handling fees.
  • These charges are determined by your country’s customs authorities and must be paid by you, the recipient, directly to the courier upon delivery.
  • ANANSE does not control or influence these costs and is not liable for any customs delays.

4. FREE SHIPPING PROMOTIONS:

From time to time, ANANSE may offer free shipping promotions. These cover the cost of standard delivery to your country but do not include customs duties, import taxes, or clearance fees, which remain your responsibility under DAP terms.

5. ORDER TRACKING & NON-DELIVERY:

Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with tracking details. You may also log into your customer account at www.ananse.com to view order history and shipment status. If you experience any issues with tracking or non-delivery, please contact care@ananse.com for assistance.

6. UNDELIVERABLE OR REJECTED SHIPMENTS:

If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unavailability at delivery, or refusal to pay duties, the cost of the original delivery and return shipping will be deducted from any applicable refund. To avoid this, ensure that you are available to receive the package and are prepared to cover applicable duties.

7. MULTIPLE MERCHANT ORDERS:

If your order includes items from different merchants, they may arrive separately. Shipping timelines and tracking details will be provided per package.

8. MADE TO MEASURE (MTM) ORDERS:

Products marked as Made to Measure (MTM) are custom-made to your specifications. These items are not eligible for return or exchange unless they are damaged or incorrectly fulfilled. Please refer to our Returns Policy for full details.

CONTACT US:

If you have questions or need help with a shipment, please email care@ananse.com and include your order number. We’re here to help ensure your Ananse shopping experience is as smooth and transparent as possible.

05. ASSURANCE RETURNS

Returns & Refunds Policy

Returned items must comply with our Returns Policy. Refunds and exchanges are only allowed if the merchant has delivered an incorrect item (different to what was ordered or incorrect size), a faulty item, or a damaged product. The merchant will be responsible for the return shipping costs as well as any taxes and duties related to the return and the delivery of a replacement item.

RETURNS PERIOD:

All return requests must be submitted within 14 days of receiving your order.

MADE TO MEASURE (MTM) ITEMS – FITMASTER:

Certain items on the Platform are marked with the MTM (Made to Measure) label and are supported by our Fitmaster feature. These products are custom made according to measurements you submit at checkout. Please note:

  • MTM items are final sale and cannot be returned or refunded unless the item is damaged, faulty, or not as described.
  • Returns are not accepted for MTM products due to any issue arising from self-submitted measurements, including incorrect fit. Returns are also not accepted for reasons such as change of mind or preference.
  • MTM items may require longer lead times, which are noted on the product page.
  • If your MTM item is damaged, faulty, or incorrect, email care@ananse.com within 14 days of receiving your order with your order number, photos, and a short description of the issue. If approved, the merchant will cover return shipping and applicable taxes and duties.
  • Refunds for MTM items will only be processed once the item is received, inspected, and approved. Refunds typically reflect within 10 business days, depending on your payment provider.

REFUND PROCESSING DETAILS:

Refunds are processed once the returned items are inspected and approved by the merchant. If your return includes items from multiple merchants, you will receive your refund in one payment after all approvals are confirmed. Once approved, the refund typically reflects within 10 business days. Please note:

  • For refunds on damaged goods, the original delivery cost will not be included in the refund amount.
  • For DAP (Delivery At Place) shipments, taxes and duties are non-refundable through Ananse. You may recover these by contacting your local customs office.
  • For DDP (Delivery Duties Paid) shipments, taxes and duties are refundable through Ananse.

PACKAGING OF RETURNS:

Items must be returned unused, with all tags attached and original packaging included. Place items inside a protective box. Label the box but leave it open for the courier to inspect contents upon collection. The customer is responsible for ensuring that the return package is accurate and complete. Incorrect returns may forfeit refund eligibility.

HOW TO RETURN (STEP-BY-STEP):

Step 01

Have your order number and email address ready. If you have an Ananse account, log in and request an RMA (Return Merchant Authorisation).

Step 02

Email care@ananse.com with “Exchange and/or Return” in the subject line. Include your order number, products you wish to return, the reason, and pickup address.

Step 03

We will email you an RMA label. If the return is due to a merchant error or fault, Ananse provides a prepaid label and covers all costs via DHL. Affix this label and prepare for pickup.

Please note: returns due to any issue with self-submitted measurements are not eligible. For other returns such as change of mind or unwanted gifts, return shipping and duties incurred will be your responsibility. If a package is refused at delivery without a valid reason, shipping/duties will be deducted from your refund.