Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the Bid2Buy platform (“Platform”), operated by Bid2Buy Africa (“we”, “us”, “our”), accessible at bid2buy.africa and all associated subdomains.

By creating an account — whether as a Seller (tenant) or Bidder — you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

• Platform — the Bid2Buy website, subdomains, and all associated services.
• Seller — a registered business or individual who creates a tenant account to list items for auction.
• Bidder — a registered user who places bids on items listed by Sellers.
• Lot — an individual item or group of items listed for auction.
• Hammer Price — the final winning bid amount when an auction closes.
• Buyer's Premium — a percentage added to the Hammer Price, payable by the winning Bidder to the Seller.
• Platform Commission — a percentage of the Hammer Price payable by the Seller to Bid2Buy.
• Deposit — a refundable amount paid by Bidders to the Seller before they are permitted to bid.

Bid2Buy is a technology platform that connects Sellers and Bidders. We are not a party to any transaction between Sellers and Bidders. We do not own, possess, inspect, value, or warrant any item listed on the Platform.

All transactions are between the Seller and the winning Bidder. We provide the auction engine, hosting, and payment calculation tools, but we do not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or accuracy of any listing.

Sellers are solely responsible for the accuracy of their listings, the condition of items, and compliance with all applicable laws.

4.1 Sellers

To register as a Seller, you must provide accurate business information including your legal name, business registration (where applicable), contact details, and bank account information. We reserve the right to verify this information and to refuse or revoke Seller status at our sole discretion.

Sellers must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into binding contracts. By registering, you represent that all information provided is truthful and current.

4.2 Bidders

To register as a Bidder on a Seller's auction site, you must provide your name, contact information, and identification details as required by the Seller. Bidders must be at least 18 years old.

4.3 Account security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. Any activity under your account is your responsibility. Notify us immediately at hello@bid2buy.africa if you suspect unauthorized access.

5.1 Listing obligations

Sellers must provide accurate descriptions, clear photographs, and honest disclosures of any defects, damage, or encumbrances on listed items. Misleading listings may result in suspension or removal from the Platform.

5.2 Bidding is binding

Every bid placed on the Platform constitutes a binding offer to purchasethe item at the bid amount, plus any applicable Buyer's Premium. Bidders may not retract bids except where permitted by the Seller.

5.3 Anti-sniping

Auctions employ anti-sniping rules: if a bid is placed within the final minutes before closing, the closing time is automatically extended. The exact threshold and extension period are set by the Seller per auction.

5.4 Reserve prices

Sellers may set a hidden reserve price. If the highest bid does not meet the reserve, the item is not sold and no transaction occurs.

5.5 Anonymous bidding

Bidder identities are anonymised during auctions. Each Bidder is assigned a unique number visible to other participants. Real identities are disclosed only to the Seller after a winning bid.

Sellers may require Bidders to pay a refundable deposit before bidding. Deposits are paid directly to the Seller via bank transfer.

• Verification: The Seller verifies each deposit before granting bidding access. Bid2Buy does not hold, process, or guarantee deposits.
• Refunds: Deposits for non-winning Bidders should be refunded by the Seller within a reasonable period after the auction closes.
• Forfeiture: If a winning Bidder fails to complete the purchase, the Seller may forfeit the deposit as compensation for the failed transaction.

Bid2Buy is not responsible for deposit handling, refund timing, or forfeiture disputes. These are between the Seller and the Bidder.

7.1 Platform Commission

Sellers pay a Platform Commission on every completed sale (where the winning bid meets or exceeds any reserve price). The commission rate is agreed upon during registration and is visible in the Seller's dashboard.

Commission is calculated as a percentage of the Hammer Price and is deducted or invoiced as specified in the Seller's agreement.

7.2 Buyer's Premium

Sellers may charge a Buyer's Premium (a percentage added to the Hammer Price) payable by the winning Bidder. The Buyer's Premium rate is disclosed on each auction and is the Seller's revenue.

7.3 No listing fees

There are no fees for creating an account or listing items. You only pay when you sell.

When an auction closes and a lot is sold:

1. The Platform calculates the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium, and Platform Commission.
2. The Seller contacts the winning Bidder to arrange payment and collection/delivery.
3. Payment flows directly between the Seller and Bidder — Bid2Buy does not process or escrow transaction payments at this time.
4. The Platform Commission owed to Bid2Buy is invoiced to the Seller or offset against the deposit, as applicable.

You must not:

• List stolen, counterfeit, illegal, or prohibited items.
• Provide false or misleading information in listings or registration.
• Manipulate bids (shill bidding), collude with other users, or interfere with the auction process.
• Use the Platform for money laundering, fraud, or any unlawful purpose.
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users.
• Attempt to circumvent the Platform to avoid commission (e.g., taking transactions off-platform after connecting via Bid2Buy).
• Scrape, copy, or reproduce Platform content without permission.
• Interfere with the Platform's technical infrastructure.

Violation of these rules may result in immediate suspension, account termination, forfeiture of deposits, and legal action.

Sellers retain ownership of their listing content (descriptions, photos, videos). By uploading content to the Platform, Sellers grant Bid2Buy a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to display, distribute, and promote their listings on and through the Platform, including in marketing materials.

The Bid2Buy name, logo, and platform design are our intellectual property. You may not use them without written permission.

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Bid2Buy provides the Platform “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
• We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure.
• We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Platform, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or business opportunities.
• Our total liability to you for any claim arising from these Terms shall not exceed the total Platform Commission you have paid to us in the 12 months preceding the claim.
• We are not liable for any dispute between Sellers and Bidders, including disputes over item condition, payment, delivery, deposits, or refunds.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Bid2Buy, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform.
• Your violation of these Terms.
• Your violation of any applicable law or regulation.
• Any dispute between you and another user.
• Any content you upload to the Platform.

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms.
• Suspected fraud or illegal activity.
• Non-payment of Platform Commission.
• Extended inactivity.

Upon termination, any outstanding Platform Commission remains payable. Your listing data may be retained for legal and audit purposes.

Disputes between Sellers and Bidders should be resolved directly between the parties. Bid2Buy may, at its discretion, assist in mediation but is not obligated to do so.

Any dispute between you and Bid2Buy shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of Botswana and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Botswana.

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email or a prominent notice on the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

For questions about these Terms, contact us at:

• Email: hello@bid2buy.africa