Terms and Conditions for Softmeet

Last Updated: June 13, 2025

Website: https://softmeet.co.za
Company: Softtechz Technology PTY LTD and its subsidiaries, affiliates, and parent companies

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms", "Agreement") govern your use of the Softmeet communication platform and services operated by Softtechz Technology PTY LTD ("Softmeet", "we", "us", or "our").

IMPORTANT: SERVICE TIERS AND DATA USAGE

Softmeet operates a hybrid service model with distinct tiers:

Data-Free Services (Basic Tier)

Services provided without data usage where network agreements exist:

  • Text messaging and chat communication
  • Basic profile management (text-based information)
  • Website navigation and account management
  • User authentication and login processes

Premium Services (Data-Required Tier)

Services requiring active internet connection and data usage:

  • Media Upload and Storage - Images, videos, audio files stored via DigitalOcean Spaces
  • Media Viewing and Download - Accessing any uploaded content
  • Voice and Video Calls - Real-time communication via Agora.io services
  • File Sharing - Document uploads and downloads
  • Profile Pictures and Cover Photos - Visual content display

By using Premium Services, you acknowledge that data charges will apply and you are responsible for all associated costs.

1. ACCEPTANCE AND CONSENT

By accessing or using Softmeet services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access the service.

You specifically consent to:

  • Processing of your data as described in our Privacy Policy
  • International data transfers to third-party service providers
  • Data usage charges for Premium Services
  • Storage of media content on third-party cloud infrastructure

2. SERVICE ACCESS AND USAGE RIGHTS

2.1 Access Rights

Subject to compliance with these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to:

  • Access and use Softmeet services for personal or business communication
  • Download and use our mobile applications on your devices
  • Access associated documentation and support materials

2.2 Service Tiers and Limitations

Basic Tier (Data-Free):

  • Text-based communication services
  • Limited to essential communication features
  • Subject to network provider data-free agreements
  • No media upload or viewing capabilities

Premium Tier (Data-Required):

  • Full access to media features and cloud storage
  • Real-time voice and video communication
  • Enhanced file sharing and collaboration tools
  • Global content delivery via third-party infrastructure

2.3 Third-Party Service Dependencies

Our services integrate with third-party providers:

DigitalOcean Spaces (Media Storage):

  • All uploaded media stored on DigitalOcean infrastructure
  • Subject to DigitalOcean's terms of service and availability
  • Located in Bangalore, India data centers
  • Requires active internet connection for access

Agora.io (Communication Services):

  • Voice and video call processing
  • Real-time communication infrastructure
  • Global service with international data routing
  • Subject to Agora's terms and service availability

You acknowledge that:

  • Third-party service outages may affect Premium Services
  • We are not liable for third-party service interruptions
  • Data charges apply for all third-party service usage
  • Third-party terms of service also govern your usage

2.4 User Restrictions

You agree not to:

  • Reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to extract source code
  • Use services to violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • Transmit harmful, offensive, or illegal content
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
  • Use services for commercial purposes without authorization
  • Share account credentials or allow unauthorized access

3. DATA USAGE AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

3.1 Data Usage Charges

You are solely responsible for all data usage costs associated with:

  • Uploading images, videos, or files to DigitalOcean Spaces
  • Viewing or downloading media content
  • Participating in voice or video calls via Agora.io
  • Any other Premium Service usage

3.2 Network Provider Relationships

  • Data-free access depends on agreements between Softmeet and network providers
  • Not all networks may offer data-free access to Basic Services
  • Data-free status may change without notice
  • Users should verify data-free coverage with their network provider

3.3 No Liability for Data Costs

Softmeet explicitly disclaims liability for:

  • Data charges incurred through Premium Service usage
  • Unexpected data usage due to service features
  • Changes in network provider data-free agreements
  • Third-party service data consumption

4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND CONTENT

4.1 Softmeet Intellectual Property

We retain all rights, title, and interest in:

  • Softmeet platform, software, and applications
  • Service documentation and materials
  • Trademarks, logos, and branding elements
  • Proprietary algorithms and technology

4.2 User Content

For content you upload or share:

Text Content (Basic Services):

  • Stored on Softmeet servers in South Africa
  • You retain ownership of your text communications
  • We may process for service delivery and improvement

Media Content (Premium Services):

  • Stored on DigitalOcean Spaces infrastructure
  • You grant us license to store, process, and deliver content
  • Subject to DigitalOcean's terms and data policies
  • You remain responsible for content legality and appropriateness

4.3 Content Responsibilities

You represent and warrant that:

  • You own or have rights to all content you upload
  • Your content does not violate any laws or third-party rights
  • You have necessary permissions for any shared content
  • Content complies with our Acceptable Use Policy

5. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

5.1 Data Processing

Our Privacy Policy governs data collection, use, and sharing practices. Key principles:

  • Text data stored locally in South Africa
  • Media data stored internationally via DigitalOcean
  • Communication data processed via Agora.io
  • Data transfers comply with applicable privacy laws

5.2 Data Retention

  • Text messages: Retained until account deletion
  • Media files: Stored on DigitalOcean per their policies
  • Account data: Retained for legal and operational requirements
  • Call records: Processed by Agora.io per their retention policies

6. FEES, PAYMENT, AND BILLING

6.1 Service Fees

  • Basic Services: Free where data-free agreements exist
  • Premium Services: Subject to data usage charges paid to your network provider
  • Subscription Services: As specified in service plans or order forms
  • Additional Features: May require separate payment

6.2 Payment Terms

For paid subscription services:

  • Fees are non-refundable except as legally required
  • Payment due within 30 days of invoice date
  • Credit card payments authorized for recurring charges
  • Late payments subject to 1.5% monthly finance charge

6.3 Taxes and Additional Charges

  • Fees exclude applicable taxes, duties, and government charges
  • You are responsible for all taxes except those on our net income
  • Additional charges for premium features clearly disclosed
  • Currency conversion fees may apply for international transactions

7. MARKETPLACE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

7.1 Marketplace Operations

Softmeet Marketplace allows users to buy and sell items through our platform. By participating, you agree to these terms:

For Sellers:

  • Softmeet retains a 10% commission on all completed transactions
  • Commission calculated on final sale price including any shipping fees
  • Commission automatically deducted before payment to seller
  • You are responsible for accurate item descriptions and condition
  • You must fulfill orders within agreed timeframes
  • All items must comply with applicable laws and our content policies

For Buyers:

  • Payment processed securely through our payment systems
  • Purchase protection subject to our dispute resolution process
  • Refunds processed according to seller's return policy and our terms
  • You are responsible for reviewing item descriptions before purchase

7.2 Escrow and Payment Processing

Softmeet acts as an intermediary for marketplace transactions:

Payment Holding:

  • Softmeet temporarily holds buyer payments in escrow
  • Funds released to seller upon confirmed delivery or buyer acceptance
  • Escrow period protects both buyers and sellers
  • Dispute resolution may extend escrow period

Seller Payments:

  • Payments processed after successful transaction completion
  • Softmeet's 10% commission automatically deducted
  • Net proceeds transferred to seller's designated account
  • Payment processing may take 3-5 business days

7.3 Withdrawal Terms and Processing

Withdrawal Requests:

  • Users may request withdrawals at any time through account settings
  • Minimum withdrawal amount and processing fees may apply
  • All withdrawals subject to identity verification requirements
  • Fraudulent or suspicious transactions may delay processing

Processing Timeline:

  • Standard processing time: 3 business days from approval
  • Bank holidays and weekends may extend processing time
  • International transfers may require additional processing time
  • Rush processing options may be available for additional fees

Withdrawal Requirements:

  • Valid bank account information required
  • Account holder name must match registered user name
  • All outstanding disputes must be resolved before withdrawal
  • Compliance with anti-money laundering regulations

7.4 Affiliate Program

Softmeet Affiliate Program rewards users for successful referrals:

Commission Structure:

  • 10% one-time commission on successful subscription referrals
  • Commission paid only on first subscription purchase by referred user
  • Commission calculated on subscription value excluding taxes
  • Multiple referral attempts for same user result in single commission

Referral Requirements:

  • Referred user must be new to Softmeet (no existing account)
  • Subscription must be completed within 30 days of referral link use
  • Referral link must be properly attributed through our tracking system
  • Fraudulent or self-referral attempts result in account suspension

Commission Payment:

  • Commissions credited to affiliate account after subscription payment
  • Subject to same withdrawal terms as other platform earnings
  • Commission reversals may occur for refunded subscriptions
  • Annual tax reporting required for earnings above statutory thresholds

7.5 Point System and Rewards

Softmeet Point System allows users to earn rewards through platform activity:

Point Earning:

  • Points awarded for various platform activities as determined by Softmeet
  • Point values and earning opportunities may change without notice
  • Bonus point promotions may be offered periodically
  • Point manipulation or fraudulent earning results in account penalty

Point Redemption:

  • Exchange Rate: 1000 points = R1.00
  • Minimum withdrawal: R250.00 (250,000 points)
  • Points converted to cash at time of withdrawal request
  • Point balances expire after 12 months of account inactivity

Redemption Terms:

  • Points have no cash value until officially redeemed
  • Withdrawal requests subject to verification and approval process
  • Processing time follows standard withdrawal procedures (3 business days)
  • Point fraud or system abuse may result in forfeiture and account termination

7.6 Financial Compliance and Reporting

Regulatory Compliance:

  • All financial transactions comply with South African financial regulations
  • Anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures apply
  • Transaction monitoring for suspicious activity
  • Cooperation with regulatory authorities as required by law

Tax Responsibilities:

  • Users responsible for reporting earnings to tax authorities
  • Softmeet may issue tax documentation for earnings above legal thresholds
  • International users subject to applicable tax treaties and regulations
  • Professional tax advice recommended for significant earnings

Record Keeping:

  • Transaction records maintained for legal compliance periods
  • Users may access transaction history through account portal
  • Additional documentation available upon request
  • Records provided for legitimate legal or tax purposes

7.7 Financial Disputes and Resolution

Marketplace Disputes:

  • Buyer-seller disputes resolved through our mediation process
  • Evidence and documentation required for dispute claims
  • Softmeet's decision on disputes is final and binding
  • Repeated disputes may result in marketplace restrictions

Payment Disputes:

  • Withdrawal delays investigated within 5 business days
  • Bank transfer issues resolved with cooperation of financial institutions
  • Chargeback and payment reversal procedures established
  • Alternative payment methods may be offered for resolution

Appeal Process:

  • Users may appeal financial decisions within 30 days
  • Written appeals with supporting documentation required
  • Independent review for appeals exceeding R10,000
  • Final decisions communicated within 14 business days

8. SERVICE AVAILABILITY AND LIMITATIONS

7.1 Service Levels

Basic Services:

  • 99% uptime target for text communication
  • Subject to scheduled maintenance windows
  • Limited support via standard channels

Premium Services:

  • Subject to third-party provider availability
  • No uptime guarantees for DigitalOcean or Agora.io services
  • Performance depends on internet connection quality

7.2 Maintenance and Updates

We reserve the right to:

  • Perform scheduled and emergency maintenance
  • Update service features and functionality
  • Modify third-party service integrations
  • Discontinue features with reasonable notice

7.3 Geographic Limitations

  • Services may not be available in all countries
  • Third-party service restrictions may apply
  • Data-free agreements limited to specific regions
  • Compliance with local laws and regulations required

9. ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT AND TERMINATION

8.1 Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

  • Maintaining account security and confidentiality
  • Providing accurate and current information
  • Complying with usage policies and restrictions
  • Monitoring account activity and usage

8.2 Termination Rights

You may terminate:

  • Your account at any time through account settings
  • Specific service subscriptions per billing terms
  • Access to Premium Services while retaining Basic Services

We may terminate or suspend:

  • Accounts violating Terms or Acceptable Use Policy
  • Services for non-payment or billing issues
  • Access due to legal or regulatory requirements
  • Services affected by third-party provider changes

8.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Access to services immediately ceases
  • Data deletion follows our Privacy Policy requirements
  • Outstanding fees remain due and payable
  • Survival clauses continue to apply

10. LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMERS

9.1 Service Disclaimers

SERVICES PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES:

  • No guarantee of uninterrupted or error-free operation
  • Third-party service availability not warranted
  • Data-free access subject to network provider agreements
  • Performance dependent on external factors beyond our control

9.2 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • Total liability limited to fees paid in preceding 12 months
  • No liability for indirect, consequential, or special damages
  • No responsibility for third-party service failures or data charges
  • No liability for data loss due to third-party service issues

9.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from:

  • Claims arising from your violation of these Terms
  • Content you upload or share through services
  • Your use of third-party services or features
  • Data usage charges or billing disputes

11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND GOVERNING LAW

10.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by South African law without regard to conflict of law principles.

10.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes will be resolved in South African courts, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in South Africa.

10.3 Limitation Period

Any claims must be brought within one (1) year of the cause of action arising.

12. GENERAL PROVISIONS

11.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any service-specific terms, constitute the complete agreement between you and Softmeet.

11.2 Modifications

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of new terms.

11.3 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder of these Terms remains in full effect.

11.4 Assignment

We may assign these Terms without notice. You may not assign your rights without our written consent.

11.5 Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for performance delays due to circumstances beyond reasonable control.

13. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about these Terms or our services:

Softtechz Technology PTY LTD
Unit 7, 49 De Havilland Crescent, Persequor
Email: support@softmeet.co.za
Website: https://softmeet.co.za

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By using Softmeet services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.


© 2025 Softtechz Technology PTY LTD. All rights reserved.

These Terms are effective as of June 13, 2025, and supersede all previous versions.