Family Marketplace
Acceptable Use

Acceptable Use Policy

Last updated: May 2025

1. Purpose

This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) governs how users may use Family Marketplace (“the Platform”). By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to comply with this AUP. Violations may result in suspension or permanent termination of your account.

This policy must be read in conjunction with our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and POPIA Compliance pages.

2. Permitted Use

You may use Family Marketplace to:

  • Browse, search, and purchase items listed by verified sellers.
  • List genuine goods and services for sale to other South African users.
  • Communicate with other users in good faith regarding listings.
  • Create and manage a seller/vendor profile for lawful commercial activity.
  • Use AI-powered tools provided on the Platform for legitimate listing creation and search.
  • Pay for and use subscription tiers as described in our Pricing page.

3. Prohibited Activities

You may not use Family Marketplace to:

Illegal Content & Activities:

  • List, sell, or promote any item that is illegal under South African law.
  • Sell controlled substances, drugs, or paraphernalia.
  • Sell weapons, firearms, or ammunition without proper licensing.
  • Distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM) — this will be reported to the SAPS immediately.
  • Conduct money laundering, fraud, or any other financial crime.
  • Facilitate human trafficking or exploitation.

Fraudulent & Deceptive Conduct:

  • Create fake listings, phantom goods, or misrepresent items for sale.
  • Impersonate another person, business, or official entity.
  • Use the Platform to conduct advance-fee fraud (419 scams).
  • Manipulate reviews, ratings, or feedback systems.
  • Create multiple accounts to circumvent account suspensions.

Technical Abuse:

  • Attempt to hack, scrape, or reverse-engineer the Platform.
  • Deploy bots, spiders, or automated tools without our written permission.
  • Introduce viruses, malware, or malicious code.
  • Conduct denial-of-service (DoS) attacks against the Platform.
  • Circumvent any security or access control measures.

Spam & Harassment:

  • Send unsolicited commercial messages (spam) to other users.
  • Harass, threaten, or intimidate other users or Platform staff.
  • Post hateful, discriminatory, or defamatory content.
  • Share another user's personal information without their consent (doxxing).

4. Payment & Transaction Rules

When using PayFast or Paystack payment services on our Platform:

  • You must only use payment cards and accounts that belong to you or that you are authorised to use.
  • Chargebacks raised fraudulently or in bad faith will result in immediate account suspension.
  • You must not attempt to process payments for prohibited goods or services.
  • All pricing must be listed in South African Rand (ZAR).

5. Prohibited Items List

The following items may not be listed on Family Marketplace:

Illegal drugs and substances
Unlicensed firearms and ammunition
Counterfeit goods and pirated content
Stolen property
Human organs or body parts
Endangered species (live or parts)
Pyramid schemes or MLM recruitment
Pornographic material
Fake identity documents
Prescription medication without a prescription
Hazardous chemicals or materials
Items promoting hate or discrimination

6. Enforcement

We reserve the right to take the following actions for AUP violations:

  • Warning: First-time minor violations may receive a written warning.
  • Content removal: Prohibited listings will be removed without notice.
  • Account suspension: Temporary suspension pending investigation.
  • Permanent ban: Repeated or serious violations result in permanent account termination with no refund.
  • Legal action: Where required by law, we will report violations to the SAPS or relevant authorities.

To report a violation, use our Report page or email abuse@familymarketplace.co.za.

7. Contact Us