ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

1. Purpose

This Acceptable Use Policy (“Policy”) governs the use of the Dropside software platform by all suppliers, merchants, and users (collectively, “Users”).

Dropside provides software tools that enable Shopify merchants to source products from independent suppliers and automate data synchronization. Dropside does not sell goods, hold inventory, act as a merchant of record, or process customer payments between merchants and suppliers.

All Users must comply with this Policy and applicable laws.

2. Prohibited Activities and Products

2.1 Illegal Products

• Controlled substances and narcotics
• Drug paraphernalia
• Stolen goods
• Weapons, ammunition, explosives
• Hazardous chemicals
• Fraudulent documents
• Products prohibited under applicable law

2.2 Counterfeit & Infringing Goods

• Counterfeit or replica goods
• Unauthorized use of trademarks or copyrighted materials
• Products infringing patents, design rights, or intellectual property

2.3 High-Risk Products

Unless pre-approved and legally compliant:

• Medical devices
• Pharmaceuticals
• Health supplements
• Food and ingestible products
• Cosmetics
• CBD or regulated substances
• Age-restricted products

Dropside reserves sole discretion to remove listings.

3. Fraud & Deceptive Practices

Users may not:

• Provide false identity or business information
• Engage in chargeback abuse or payment fraud
• Manipulate inventory or pricing dishonestly
• Misrepresent product origin, quality, or brand
• Engage in bait-and-switch tactics
• Fabricate reviews or testimonials

Any fraudulent conduct may result in immediate termination.

4. Consumer Protection Compliance

Users must comply with:

• The Consumer Protection Act (South Africa)
• Electronic communications and e-commerce regulations
• Advertising standards
• Refund and return laws

Suppliers are responsible for lawful product compliance and fulfillment accuracy.
Merchants are responsible for customer-facing disclosures and dispute handling.

Dropside disclaims liability for transaction disputes.

5. Platform Misuse

Users may not:

• Reverse engineer or exploit the platform
• Interfere with system integrity
• Circumvent fees or safeguards
• Use automation to abuse API limits
• Engage in money laundering or unlawful financial activity

6. Enforcement

Dropside may:

• Remove content
• Suspend accounts
• Request additional verification
• Report unlawful activity
• Terminate accounts permanently

Decisions are made to protect platform integrity and regulatory compliance.

7. Limitation of Role

Dropside provides software infrastructure only and:

• Does not hold funds
• Does not process payments between merchants and suppliers
• Is not a payment intermediary
• Is not responsible for product delivery

Users operate as independent businesses.

8. Reporting Violations

If you believe a User has violated this Policy, you may report the matter to Dropside by contacting:

Email: compliance@dropside.co.za
Website: https://dropside.co.za

Reports should include sufficient detail and supporting information to allow investigation.

9. Policy Updates

Dropside reserves the right to amend or update this Policy at any time. Updated versions will be published on the Dropside website. Continued use of the platform after publication of updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

10. Disclaimer

Dropside provides software infrastructure only. Suppliers and merchants operate as independent businesses and are solely responsible for their legal, regulatory, tax, and consumer protection obligations.

Dropside does not assume responsibility for transactions conducted between merchants and suppliers and shall not be liable for product defects, delivery failures, regulatory violations, or financial disputes arising from such transactions.