SELLER POLICY
Konokan is an online marketplace that facilitates transactions between Sellers and Buyers, with added payment processing. Sellers handle their own inventory, packaging and shipping directly to Buyers.
Konokan works on a commission and profit-sharing basis, where it receives a commission of 10% on all sold products, and invests a portion of the overall profits generated by the Website among its stakeholders (including investors, employees, etc.). For Sellers, Konokan uses a portion of its overall profits to cover marketing and communication costs of the Website. The 10% commission is on the total sale amount of products. In certain countries and for registered companies, VAT or GST may be applicable. See Taxes section.
For services proposed on Konokan that directly lead to work for the Service provider off-Website, i.e. the lead comes from Konokan marketing and online presence, but the payment does not go through Konokan, – Konokan proposes that the Service provider discloses the information and contributes as per commission toward the sustainability of the Website. Konokan is based on trust, transparency and reciprocity and aims to build such a relationship with its community of Sellers.
- Who can sell
- Any adult individual who has products and services to sell as per the items and services/experiences listed in this document.
- Any micro, small and medium business owner who may be looking for greater exposure.
- Any Non-profit organisation or charity that has products and services/experiences to sell.
- What can be sold
Konokan is a marketplace for Dreamers, Creators, Makers and Doers who care about our world, its people, and the environment. Buyers come here to purchase items and services that directly or indirectly make this world a better place.
Konokan welcomes all those who sell the following products, following comprehensive screening, authentication and validation of each Seller and their products:
- Handmade items made and designed by you.
- Artworks, using any medium of expression, except those derived from the list provided on What can’t be sold.
- Vintage, preloved, upcycled items: Vintage furs and leather items can be sold locally where they are located. For international shipping to countries, these may require appropriate permits as and when necessary.
- New items that fulfil a social purpose, such as earning a living.
- Small farmers fare and products: Perishable Goods can only be sold locally where they are grown, i.e. vegetables grown in South Africa, may only be sold in South Africa. These products or any derived products may be sold outside of the country where they are produced, only with the necessary certifications and permits.
- Services, such as holistic consultancies, community building programs, coaching, therapy and counselling, empowerment and change agent initiatives, regenerative and circular farming methods and learning, etc.
- Experiences, such as ebooks, introductions into novel ways of thinking and doing, travel-with-a-purpose initiatives, etc.
If you sell handmade items, you agree that: All handmade items are made or designed by you or a family member or friend who is unable to sell, and who has given you the authority to sell their creations. If you work with a production partner, you must disclose that production partner in your relevant listings. You accurately describe every person involved in the making of an item in your Store in your About section. You are using your own photographs or video content – not stock photos, artistic renderings (except where necessary and referenced), or photos used by other Sellers or Websites in copyright infringement.
Content created with Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used within limits, should they only be part of a set of content that otherwise clearly represents the real item. For instance, when you upload three sets of content, one of them can be produced with Artificial Intelligence but the other two need to represent their actual reality. In cases where the Seller is selling purely AI services, they can upload their AI creations.
If you are selling personalised or made-to-order items in the Handmade category, you agree that:
- All listings are available for purchase at a set price.
- If you are using photographs of previous work with options for customisation (like colour choices) included in the listing, it is clear in your description that the photos shown are just examples that can be customised.
Vintage items must be at least 20 years old; and Antiques at least 100 years old. Retro items are replica items and should be clearly identified as such.
The above list of products are not exhaustive and may be revised on a regular basis, provided they are not included in the section What can’t be sold.
- What can’t be Sold
Sellers agree that even if products do otherwise meet our Website criteria, prohibited products that violate our intellectual property policies can’t be sold on Konokan. All listings must offer a physical and/or digital item or service for sale.
Konokan will not sell the following:
- Human beings;
- Personal Identification Information;
- Human Remains and Body Parts, including organs, bones, and fluids;
- Any item that benefits or is made from child labour;
- Offensive Material, such as products and services promoting hate speech, violence, division, or discrimination;
- Political slogans and lobbying, such as partisan politics, activist causes, or religious messaging that are not conducive to unity, inclusivity and peace; that seek to differentiate and divide; and that foster dichotomous thinking, instead of dialectical thinking;
- Live Animals;
- Non-vintage furs, and any products made through animal cruelty and testing;
- Illegal or Regulated Products;
- Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia: Including controlled substances, synthetic drugs, and accessories used for drug consumption;
- Prescription Medications, including prescription drugs and certain medical devices;
- Medical Claims Products, such as items claiming to cure, treat, or prevent diseases without the proper legal approvals. This does not include certified skincare products;
- Weapons and Ammunition, such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, among others.
- Any product that is identified as stolen property;
- Hazardous Materials, such as fireworks, pesticides, poison, and radioactive materials;
- Counterfeit Goods, such as fake products mimicking brands or trademarks, except those that are upcycled or transformed;
- Unauthorized Copies and Pirated media including software, movies, music, and books;
- Adult Services and Content, such as implicit or explicit adult material, pornography, and escort services;
- Gambling activities, including Lottery Tickets, sweepstakes, online, and gambling devices or tools;
- Real Estate and Housing Services;
- Artefacts and Antiquities that are culturally significant and regulated by law;
- Alcoholic beverages and food items that include alcohol;
- Tobacco and Vaping Products, including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes;
- Perishable Goods can only be sold locally where they are grown, i.e. vegetables grown in South Africa, can only be sold in South Africa. For derived products, only those with the necessary certifications may be sold outside of the country where they are produced;
- Vehicle and Vehicle Parts; and
- Posting a referral code or an Ad or similar activity.
As a Seller, you agree not to solicit donations, in cash or in kind, or ask for help from Buyers.
The above list of What can’t be sold is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically.
Keep in mind that anyone from the Seller and Buyer communities or, in some cases third parties, may flag listings that appear to violate our policies for Konokan review. Konokan may remove any listings that violate our policies, after consultation with the responsible Seller. Konokan may also suspend or terminate your account for any continued violations. Konokan undertakes to communicate transparently and enter into consultation with the responsible Seller to ensure an acceptable solution is found for both the Seller and Konokan. Any Seller grievances that may result out of this process can be taken to the regular General Forum meeting for consultation and discussion.
- Managing your Konokan Store
Your Store represents you, your creativity, purpose and business to the community and the world. It’s important that you, your products and your Store are honestly and accurately represented.
By selling on Konokan, you agree that you are:
- Providing honest, accurate information to Konokan and in your About section.
- Honouring your Store Policies.
- Ensuring your Store content, such as any text, photos or videos used to represent yourself, your Store or your listings, abide by Konokan policies.
- Accurately representing your items in listings and listing photos. The use of filters is not encouraged.
- Respecting your customers’ privacy. Please be aware of country focused Privacy legislation. In some cases, such as in the USA, certain States e.g. California, have stringent Privacy legislation, whereby the law requires Sellers to give Buyers the right to know what information is being collected and how it’s being used, delete their information, opt out of their information being shared or sold, and face non-discrimination when exercising these rights.
- Respecting the intellectual property of others. If you feel someone has violated your intellectual property rights, you can report it to Konokan.
- Not intentionally facilitating off-Website transactions from connections made on Konokan, or if you do, to share transparently. Konokan is based on mutual trust and consultation and welcomes continued interactions off-Konokan.
- Not creating duplicate Stores or taking any other action (such as manipulating clicks, baskets or sales) for the purpose of manipulating search or circumventing Konokan policies.
- Not coordinating pricing with other Sellers.
- Responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations for the products you list for sale, including any required labels and warnings. Konokan assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, labelling, or content of your listings.
- Meeting Service Level Standards such as providing great customer service and maintaining trust with your Buyers. Konokan may reach out to you if your Store fails to meet Konokan Seller Service Level Standards.
By selling on Konokan, you agree to the following Service Level Standards:
- Safeguard the personal information of Buyers and communicate promptly with them in order to provide a great customer experience.
- Honour your dispatch and processing times. Sellers are obligated to dispatch a product or otherwise complete a transaction with a Buyer in the agreed upon timelines, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please be aware that legal requirements for dispatch times vary by country.
- Respond to Messages in a timely manner.
- Honour the commitments you make on your Store policies.
- Resolve disagreements or order issues directly with the Buyer. In the unlikely event that you can’t reach a resolution, Konokan can help.
- If you are unable to complete an order, you must immediately notify the Buyer and cancel the order. The aim should be to keep your customer happy and all should be done to fulfil an order or to replace it after consultation and agreement with the Buyer.
- Selling and Payment Fees
There are no set up or maintenance fees associated with listing, selling, and advertising on Konokan.
Konokan works on a commission-based fee of 10% of the total sales value of a product, once these have sold, excluding shipping costs. You will note that all fees are listed exclusive of any value-added tax (VAT) or similar taxes that may apply. See the Taxes section below for further details. It’s important to note that all service fees are non-refundable.
You authorise Konokan to keep your card payment information on file. If your account on file with us is closed, the account number is changed, or a charge is rejected by your card issuer, you must update your card information or add a new card number in your Konokan account. Your authorisation applies to any successive, replacement card you, or your card issuer provides. Konokan will only keep your card payment information on file as needed for transactions.
For all transactions on Konokan locally in South Africa, the Seller will receive payment at the end of the month. For international transactions on Konokan, the Seller or Service provider may receive payment, once cleared.
Your statement is available once you have made a sale and will be shared with you at the beginning of the month following your sale, and will detail all sales and fees activity from the preceding month.
PEACH PAYMENTS IN SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) (or any applicable currency) | |||
Local Mastercard, Visa & AmEx Cards (3DSecure) | 2.95% + R1.50/transaction | ||
Local Mastercard, Visa, & AmEx Cards (Non-3DSecure) / Recurring | 3.50% + R1.50/transaction | ||
International Mastercard, Visa & AmEx Cards | 3.50% + R1.50/transaction | ||
Pay by Bank by Peach Payments | 1.50% + R1.50/transaction | ||
Capitec Pay | 1.50% + R1.50/transaction | ||
Nedbank Direct EFT | 1.50% + R1.50/transaction | ||
Mobicred | 3.50% + R1.50/transaction | ||
Payflex | 5.25% + R4/transaction + R1.50/transaction | ||
Scan to Pay | 2.95%+ R1.50/transaction | ||
ZeroPay | 4.75% + R2/transaction + R1.50/transaction | ||
3D Secure | ✔️ | ||
Currencies | Accept payments from any country in Rands (ZAR) |
- Taxes and Customs
Knowing e-commerce laws is essential to protecting yourself, being compliant legally, as well as maintaining positive customer relationships.
Always communicate all costs clearly to Buyers and keep a written trail of transactional agreements. As an added precaution, you may require an e-signature from Buyers should you have the following non-exhaustive transactional scenarios:
- High-Value Transactions: For expensive products, e-signatures may be used to confirm the Buyer’s agreement to the terms and conditions, ensuring they are aware of the price and any associated costs.
- Age-Restricted Products: When selling products that require age verification, e-signatures can help confirm that the buyer meets the legal age requirements.
- Business-to-Business (B2B) Transactions: In B2B marketplaces, e-signatures are often used during the supplier verification process, contract agreements, and other formal documentation to ensure compliance and streamline operations.
- Purchase Confirmations: To avoid disputes, e-signatures may be used to confirm the Buyer’s acceptance of the purchase terms, delivery details, and any other relevant conditions.
Some countries may require the use of Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) or other specific technologies to ensure the highest level of security and authenticity. The European Union, for example, mandates QES under the eIDAS regulation.
Using e-signatures at these points helps ensure legal compliance, reduces the risk of fraud, and provides a clear record of the transaction.
- Taxes
Online marketplaces are not immune to taxes. Different countries regulate these differently.
There are Value Added Tax (VAT) in the USA, South Africa, and the EU; and GST for Australia and Canada, among others. There are also Import and Export Taxes that may be applicable depending on different countries.
In South Africa, the country of its inception, Konokan will only register for VAT once its earnings exceed the set legal threshold of over R1 million in a 12-month period. Once this happens, a 15% VAT amount will be charged on top of the price of each product or service and will be payable by the Buyer. Local companies registered for VAT must communicate in their About section that they charge VAT on top of their prices (and include it in their price) to enable the Buyer to make an informed decision before purchasing the item or service.
In other parts of Africa, there may be different tax thresholds applicable for online transactions. You can find more information in this article.
In the USA, Marketplace facilitator laws require Konokan itself to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of its Sellers. This means that Konokan would be responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax for transactions made through the Website, even if one of the Sellers has a physical presence in the USA. The individual seller would not need to handle the sales tax collection for sales made through Konokan. You can find more information on taxes on the Economic Nexus Treatment Chart. Please note that choosing to sell in particular States may not make sense for smaller and medium Sellers, and Sellers need to use their discretion in committing to such sales. For instance, in Arkansas, selling 200 of the same item at a price of $5 for a total of $1,000 would be sufficient to require the Seller to comply with the Arkansas sales tax collection and remittance rules, even though the total revenue was dramatically less than the $100,000 sales threshold. As of July 2024, you may find here the Sales Tax Threshold in different States to comply with Sales Tax collection and remittance rules.
In terms of the European Union (EU) VAT reform rules, the VAT rate charged is that of the Buyer’s country of residence and the online marketplace does not take on product liability or regulatory obligations. The DAC7 regulations, which are part of the EU’s Directive on Administrative Cooperation, impose reporting obligations on digital Websites to help combat tax evasion and ensure tax compliance. These regulations require marketplaces to report certain information about Sellers using their services. For imports not exceeding EUR 150, instead of import VAT, Konokan must charge the Buyer VAT at the point-of-sale and declare it instead of the Seller.
Konokan will endeavour to provide automated Tax solutions through its Website, to facilitate the process of Tax compliance when possible.
- Import and Export Duties and Taxes
In most countries around the world, Buyers will cover the cost of Import and Customs duties on receipt of the purchased products. The duties are calculated based on the value, volume, and/or quantity of the items.
Africa. In many African countries, Buyers are responsible for paying import/custom duties and taxes upon receipt of the purchased item.
Australia. The Buyer will pay import GST only if the customs value is above A$1,000.
United States of America (USA). If a South African imports goods in excess of R10,000 (Ten thousand rand) or more than three times a year to the USA, they will have to get an importers code, irrespective if it is for personal or business use.
Konokan will endeavour, where necessary, to meet its compliance obligations in the countries it does business. This includes providing any required documentation to its community of Sellers. Always check currency fluctuations on transaction and delivery timelines.
DISCLAIMER: These guidelines are for information purposes only and do not constitute professional legal advice on taxes. Please consult independent legal advice or a lawyer for information specific to your country and circumstances.
- Delivering Your Products
Sellers are responsible for packaging and delivering sold products to Buyers. Keep in mind that you are ultimately responsible for making sure that your Buyers receive their orders.
Konokan encourages Slow Commerce, Bundling of orders, and Once-off Shipping rate where possible, except for international shipping.
Free Shipping applied to the following:
- Digital Products and Services: Consider selling digital products (e.g., e-books, software licenses, music downloads) that don’t require physical shipping;
- Services like online courses or consulting can also be offered internationally without shipping costs.
Remember, it’s essential to strike a balance between customer satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. Evaluate your product range, margins, and shipping options to find the right approach for your store.
By selling on Konokan, you agree to:
- Use recycled, upcycled or any other eco-friendly packaging. Avoid using animal products or by-products, plastics (except for recycled plastics) and other environmentally harmful packaging;
- Provide an accurate “dispatched from” address;
- Specify your postage costs and processing times in your listings;
- Dispatch items promptly after they are sold. Prompt delivery means that you dispatch each item within 30 days of purchase, unless you specify otherwise in your processing time or agree to a different delivery period with the Buyer in writing (email or messaging). Konokan encourages slow commerce to reduce our carbon footprint. Before you update your processing time for a specific order, you must first obtain your Buyer’s consent;
- Comply with all local and international delivery and customs regulations. For instance, Tariff numbers are required on any package entering the European Union (EU) or sent within the EU. Packages shipped without a tariff code may be delayed by customs or returned to you. We know that delivery and customs regulations can be tough to read, so you can find more information about Tariff codes at World Customs Organization;
- Dispatch to the address listed on the Konokan receipt;
- Mark the order as dispatched when you dispatch it. Remember that you may only mark an order as dispatched after you actually have dispatched it. When you mark an order as dispatched, the Buyer will receive a notification;
- By entering tracking information or delivery confirmation on Konokan, you’re giving us permission to collect and share this data received from your chosen delivery company with the Buyer.
In the unlikely event an order does not arrive, be prepared to provide valid proof of dispatch. Valid proof of dispatch must show that the product actually was dispatched and that it was sent to the address provided by the Buyer. If a Buyer does not receive their order, they may file a case against your Store. We encourage you to build solid communication channels with Buyers and find a way to resolve disputes. Please be aware of your customer’s e-commerce legislation and keep important information in writing.
For any returns, please see Konokan Returns Policy.
- Being a Member of the Konokan Community and its Forum
Konokan is built on values such as respect, transparency, reciprocity, open communication and trust. Everyone is encouraged to be sensitive to cultural nuances. We are all community builders and agents of change in this journey called life.
The Konokan Forum or community space is a signed-in only access area where Sellers and Admin can interact with one another on a scheduled basis as part of the governance model. Sellers that use the community spaces must be over 18 years old, and in certain geographies over 21 years old (See Age of Majority by geography). To ensure that the Konokan community is a place that’s safe, welcoming and respectful, you agree to comply with the following policies in all community spaces:
- Respect other members’ privacy, and protect your own. Don’t share private or personally identifying information in public areas of the site. This includes, but is not limited to, transaction details, personal contact details and the verbatim contents of private correspondence;
- Do not use community spaces to discuss interactions with Konokan representatives, or to share verbatim extracts of such conversations (i.e., emails, DMs or messages, live chats etc.). Remember, most messages between you and Konokan are considered private correspondence, and we ask that you respect this confidentiality;
- Be honest and transparent about who you are. Don’t use a fake identity or Avatar;
- Be respectful towards other Sellers and, when in doubt, lead with kindness, assume best intentions and act on that basis. Don’t use community spaces to publicly disparage a specific Seller, or anyone else, Store, listing or category of item;
- Don’t use community tools or spaces to interfere with another Seller’s business;
- Don’t spam. This includes unsolicited or duplicate posts or links to your Store, fundraisers, surveys, social media, or other promotional content;
- Don’t use community spaces to coordinate pricing or off-Website transactions with other Sellers;
- Don’t use community spaces to harass other Sellers. Similarly, don’t post content in community spaces that may promote, support or glorify hatred, prejudice, division, misinformation, or that would be in violation of Konokan policies;
- Don’t publish or post threats of violence against others or promote or encourage others to engage in violence or illegal activity;
- Don’t engage in illegal activity or activity that infringes someone’s intellectual property, or encourage others to engage in that type of activity;
- Don’t use community spaces to encourage others to violate Konokan policies; contacting another member via Messages to warn them away from a particular member, Store, or item; posting in public areas to demonstrate or discuss a dispute with another member; purchasing from a Seller for the sole purpose of leaving a negative review; maliciously clicking on other Seller’s ads in order to drain that member’s advertising budget, also known as “click fraud”; creating or using an independent buyer account to maliciously up-vote another Store’s negative reviews in order to position those reviews more prominently; and most importantly,
- Be real, be you, be kind, think community.
- Creating and Uploading Content
As a Seller on Konokan, you can create and upload a variety of content, like listings, messages, text, photos, and videos free of charge.
A set of learning content is available on Konokan to be able to create and upload such content in respect of the Website and its social media pages.
Konokan and its Seller community abide by the following values: Authenticity, Transparency, Respect, Reciprocity, Consultation and Collaboration, Learning; and the Golden Rule: loving, caring, honest and welcoming attitude and activities toward the environment, people and the world.
In order to keep our community safe and respectful, you agree that you will not upload content that:
- Contains hateful or derogatory language or imagery, or any content that does not subject to our Policies;
- Contains threats, harassment, extortion, or violates our rules about interference with other Sellers;
- Violates someone else’s intellectual property rights;
- Is false, deceptive, or misleading;
- Shows nude, partly nude, sexually explicit, sexualised or aggregated sexual content;
- Contains unsolicited advertising or promotions, requests for donations, or spam;
- Contains private information, whether it is your own, or someone else’s;
- Contains prohibited medical drug claims;
- Uses Stock photos to showcase products or services;
- Uses children to sell items or shows children working at making the items;
- Sexualises minors under the age of 18. This may increase to 21 in certain geographies;
- Mistreats or imprisons animals, domestic or wild;
- Violates any of the rules described in our Prohibited Products List (What can’t be sold).
Members may not use Konokan services such as Messages, Favourites, Collections or YouTube videos to make inappropriate use of otherwise compliant content, whether overtly or through contextualisation.
- Communication Standards
You have the ability to communicate directly with your Buyers or other Konokan members. Messages are a great way for Buyers to ask you questions about an item or an order.
Sellers using Konokan communication channels, such as all social media Websites and Messages are encouraged to participate in the following activities:
- Sharing your story authentically, without violating another person’s rights or divulging their personal information and names;
- The making of your artwork, items for sale, and services and experiences, always aware and awake to Konokan sustainability and values fundamentals;
- Generously sharing your networks of Sellers, Creators, Dreamers, Doers, Makers and Buyers with others and with Konokan;
- Offering and engaging in capacity building, learning, and awareness raising activities within the community of Sellers;
- Being present in Seller Forum online and offline meetings to be part of Konokan decision making processes;
- Ensuring respect and reciprocity in all dealings within the community of Sellers;
- Raising ideas, reflections, new activities, collaborative activities, and concerns with Konokan.
Konokan communication channels may not be used for the following activities:
- Sending unsolicited advertising or promotions or spam;
- Requesting donations and contributions;
- Harassing or abusing another member or violating our Policies;
- Contacting someone after they have explicitly asked you not to; or
- Interfering with a transaction or the business of another member.
- Communicating Cancellations
If you are unable to complete a transaction, you must notify the Buyer in writing and cancel the transaction immediately. You are encouraged to keep proof of any agreements or refunds in the event a dispute arises. Only a Seller can cancel an order; if a Buyer would like to request a cancellation, the Buyer would need to contact the Seller directly and agree to a way forward in writing. Communication is key.
For any query or assistance about our Seller Policy, please contact us at care@konokan.com.