Terms of Service
Last updated: 27 March 2026
These Terms of Service govern your use of the Merchant platform — both as a buyer and as a seller. By using Merchant, you agree to be bound by these terms.
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using Merchant (the “Platform”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations of Zimbabwe. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please stop using the Platform immediately.
These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you and Merchant (Pvt) Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Zimbabwe.
Eligibility
To use Merchant as a seller, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a resident of Zimbabwe or operate a legally registered business in Zimbabwe.
- Possess a valid national identity document (ID, passport, or equivalent).
- Have a valid EcoCash, OneMoney, InnBucks, or bank account for payouts.
- Not have been previously suspended or permanently banned from {COMPANY}.
- Comply with all applicable Zimbabwean laws, including ZIMRA tax obligations.
Seller Account
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and all activity under your account. You agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete registration information and keep it updated.
- Notify us immediately at {SUPPORT_EMAIL} if you suspect any unauthorised account access.
- Not share your account credentials with any third party.
- Not create multiple accounts without prior written approval from {COMPANY}.
Merchant reserves the right to refuse registration, suspend, or terminate accounts at its sole discretion.
Approval Process
All seller applications are subject to review. Submitting a registration does not guarantee activation. The approval process may include:
- Identity verification using government-issued documents.
- Review of your business type and intended product categories.
- Confirmation of your payout account details.
- Background checks as required by applicable law or internal policy.
We aim to process applications within 1–3 business days and may request additional documentation at any stage. Approved sellers will receive an email confirmation.
Products & Listings
As a seller, you are solely responsible for the products you list. You represent and warrant that:
- All listings are accurate, truthful, and not misleading.
- You have the legal right to sell the products you list.
- Products comply with all applicable Zimbabwean laws and consumer protection regulations.
- Products are not counterfeit, stolen, or otherwise illegal.
- Product images are owned by you or used with proper authorisation.
- Stock levels are kept accurate and up to date at all times.
You may not list illegal substances, weapons, counterfeit goods, adult content, tobacco or alcohol without appropriate licensing, items that infringe third-party intellectual property, or anything banned under Zimbabwean law.
Merchant reserves the right to remove any listing that violates these Terms, without prior notice.
Payments & Fees
Merchant charges a platform commission on each completed sale. Commission rates are shown in your seller dashboard and may be updated with 14 days’ notice.
- Commission is deducted automatically before funds reach your merchant balance.
- All prices on the platform are displayed in United States Dollars (USD).
- Payments are processed via EcoCash, OneMoney, InnBucks, or bank transfer.
- You are responsible for applicable taxes on your earnings, including VAT and income tax under Zimbabwean law.
Payouts & Withdrawals
Your available balance can be withdrawn to a linked account at any time, subject to:
- A minimum withdrawal of $1.00 USD.
- At least one verified payout account being linked.
- Your account being in good standing (not suspended or under review).
- Processing times of up to 3 business days (bank) or 24 hours (EcoCash).
Withdrawal fees vary by method and are shown in your Financials dashboard before you confirm.
Funds remain “pending” until an order is confirmed complete. This protects both buyers and sellers during disputes.
Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Manipulate reviews, ratings, or customer feedback.
- Process transactions off-platform to avoid fees.
- Use bots, scrapers, or automated tools to access the Platform.
- Attempt unauthorised access to other accounts or systems.
- Harass, threaten, or discriminate against customers, sellers, or {COMPANY} staff.
- Use the Platform for money laundering or any other financial crime.
- Post false or misleading content of any kind.
Violations may result in immediate suspension, withholding of funds, and referral to law enforcement.
Intellectual Property
You retain ownership of the content you upload. By uploading, you grant Merchant a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display and reproduce that content solely to operate the Platform.
The Merchant name, logo, and software are owned by Merchant and may not be used without prior written consent.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Merchant is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages including:
- Loss of profits or revenue.
- Data loss or business interruption.
- Buyer–seller disputes.
- Technical failures or security breaches beyond our reasonable control.
- Actions taken by third-party payment processors.
Our total liability for any claim is capped at the fees you paid to Merchant in the three months preceding the claim.
Termination
Either party may terminate this agreement at any time. We may suspend or terminate your account if you breach these Terms, if required by law, or if your account shows fraudulent activity.
Upon termination, outstanding balances will be paid out after a 30-day review period, subject to deductions for fees, chargebacks, or unresolved disputes.
Disputes & Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Zimbabwe. Disputes shall first be referred to mediation; if unsuccessful, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Zimbabwe.
Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated by email and via a platform notice at least 14 days before they take effect. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance.
Contact Us
Questions about these Terms? Reach us at:
Merchant (Pvt) Ltd
Harare, Zimbabwe
Legal: legal@merchant.co.zw
Support: support@merchant.co.zw
Website: merchant.co.zw
© 2026 Merchant (Pvt) Ltd. All rights reserved.