Fees, Payments & Refund Policy

1. Introduction

This Fees, Payments & Refund Policy governs all fees, charges, subscriptions, memberships, introductions, transactions, and related services offered through the Sandton Index platform.

By registering, verifying your profile, purchasing a membership, submitting a project, expressing interest in a project, or using any paid service available through Sandton Index, you acknowledge and agree to this Policy.

This Policy forms part of the Sandton Index Terms of Use and should be read together with all other applicable platform policies.

2. Platform Purpose

Sandton Index is a project verification, networking, capital introduction, and partnership facilitation platform.

Sandton Index is not a bank, lender, crowdfunding platform, investment adviser, financial services provider, investment manager, broker, guarantor, insurer, or investment fund.

Fees charged by Sandton Index relate to platform access, verification services, introductions, memberships, facilitation services, and administrative support.

3. Currency

Unless otherwise stated:

• All fees are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR).
• All payments must be made in South African Rand.
• Taxes may apply where required by law.
• Exchange rate fluctuations remain the responsibility of the user.

4. Verification Fee

4.1 Mandatory Verification

All users must complete identity verification before accessing membership-based functionality. Verification applies to:

• Project Owners
• Capital Partners
• Any other user category introduced by Sandton Index

4.2 Verification Fee

The verification fee covers:

• Identity verification
• Profile review
• Compliance checks
• Fraud prevention measures
• Platform administration

4.3 Verification Fee Refunds

The verification fee is non-refundable once the verification process has commenced. No refunds will be granted where:

• Verification is unsuccessful;
• Incorrect information was submitted;
• Documents fail verification requirements;
• The applicant chooses not to continue with registration.

5. Membership Fees

5.1 Membership Requirement

Access to the Sandton Index Marketplace requires an active membership. Users without active membership may not:

• Browse marketplace opportunities;
• Submit projects;
• View project details;
• Express interest in opportunities;
• Participate in introductions.

5.2 Founders Promotional Package (Dual Plan Options)

Sandton Index offers an exclusive Founders Promotional Package with two distinct participation options:

• Founders Annual: Preferential annual rate of R999.00 per year; or
• Founders Lifetime: Preferential once-off fee of R4,999.00 with perpetual platform accreditation and zero future annual renewal fees.

The Founders Promotional Package:

• Is strictly limited to an aggregate total of the first one hundred (100) qualifying verified members across both options combined;
• Each activated package (annual or lifetime) counts as one slot toward the 100-member cap;
• Is subject to successful profile identity verification;
• Is subject to prompt payment clearance;
• Is non-transferable and personal to the approved user;
• Will automatically close upon allocation exhaustion, after which standard pricing applies.

Sandton Index reserves the right to verify eligibility before activating any Founders membership.

5.3 Standard Membership

Once the Founders Promotional Package allocation has been exhausted, membership applications will be processed at the standard membership rate.

Sandton Index reserves the right to amend membership pricing from time to time. Any pricing changes will not affect memberships already paid for and activated.

5.4 Membership Term

Memberships are valid for the period purchased. Membership benefits expire automatically upon membership expiry unless renewed.

5.5 Multi-Year Memberships

Sandton Index may permit users to purchase multiple years of membership in advance. Where offered:

• Membership fees must be paid upfront.
• Membership periods are consecutive.
• Membership benefits remain subject to ongoing compliance with platform policies.

6. Membership Renewals

Members are responsible for renewing their memberships before expiry. Failure to renew may result in:

• Marketplace access restrictions;
• Removal from active member listings;
• Suspension of project visibility;
• Restricted access to platform functionality.

Renewal reminders may be sent by email, SMS, in-app notifications, or other communication channels.

7. Success Fees

7.1 Introduction-Based Success Fees

Sandton Index may charge a success fee when:

• A Project Owner and Capital Partner are introduced through the platform; and
• A transaction, funding arrangement, partnership, equity participation, investment, acquisition, financing arrangement, strategic partnership, or commercial agreement is concluded as a result of the introduction.

7.2 Success Fee Structure

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

Sandton Index reserves the right to amend this structure from time to time.

7.3 Success Fee Obligation

A success fee becomes payable when:

• Funds are committed;
• Funds are disbursed;
• A partnership agreement is executed;
• Shares are acquired;
• A transaction is concluded; or
• A commercial agreement is signed.

The obligation applies regardless of whether payment occurs immediately or in stages.

7.4 Reporting Requirement

Users must disclose completed transactions arising from introductions made through Sandton Index. Failure to disclose transactions may constitute a material breach of platform policies.

8. Additional Services

Sandton Index may offer additional paid services from time to time. These may include:

• Meeting facilitation;
• Virtual meeting hosting;
• Boardroom facilities;
• Negotiation support;
• Transaction administration;
• Corporate structuring assistance;
• Shareholding administration support;
• CIPC-related administrative assistance;
• Joint venture facilitation;
• Data room services;
• Due diligence coordination;
• Professional service referrals;
• Project monitoring services;
• Documentation support services.

Separate fees may apply. Additional terms may be published when such services become available.

9. Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods may include:

• Debit Cards
• Credit Cards
• EFT
• Bank Transfer
• Digital Wallets
• Online Payment Gateways

Sandton Index may add or remove payment methods at its discretion.

10. Failed Payments

Where a payment fails:

• Services may not be activated;
• Memberships may remain inactive;
• Projects may remain unpublished;
• Access may be restricted.

Users remain responsible for outstanding amounts.

11. Invoices and Receipts

Sandton Index may issue:

• Tax Invoices;
• Receipts;
• Statements;
• Membership confirmations;
• Transaction invoices.

Users are responsible for maintaining accurate billing information.

12. Refund Policy

12.1 General Principle

Refunds are considered only where required by applicable law or where expressly provided in this Policy.

12.2 Non-Refundable Fees

The following are generally non-refundable:

• Verification fees;
• Membership fees after activation;
• Processing fees;
• Administrative fees;
• Facilitation fees;
• Project review fees;
• Service fees already performed.

12.3 Duplicate Payments

Where duplicate payments occur, Sandton Index may refund the duplicated amount after verification.

12.4 Technical Errors

Where payment errors arise directly from platform malfunction, Sandton Index may investigate and issue appropriate refunds or account credits.

12.5 Fraudulent Activity

Refund requests associated with fraud, misrepresentation, abuse, chargeback manipulation, or policy violations may be denied.

13. Chargebacks

Users agree not to initiate improper chargebacks.

Where a chargeback is initiated:

• Accounts may be suspended;
• Services may be terminated;
• Outstanding balances may become immediately due.

Sandton Index reserves all legal rights relating to chargeback recovery.

14. Taxes

Users remain responsible for:

• Income tax obligations;
• Capital gains tax obligations;
• VAT obligations;
• Regulatory reporting obligations;
• Any other taxes arising from their transactions.

Sandton Index does not provide tax advice.

15. Pricing Changes

Sandton Index reserves the right to:

• Introduce new fees;
• Amend existing fees;
• Modify pricing structures;
• Introduce promotional pricing;
• Withdraw promotional pricing.

Updated fees become effective upon publication unless otherwise stated.

16. Limitation of Liability

Sandton Index shall not be liable for:

• Lost investment opportunities;
• Failed transactions;
• Project losses;
• Investment losses;
• Business losses;
• Consequential damages;
• Indirect damages arising from platform use.

Users remain solely responsible for their commercial decisions.

17. Policy Amendments

Sandton Index may amend this Policy at any time.

Updated versions will be published on the Platform and become effective upon publication unless otherwise specified.

Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

18. Contact Information