Shop Loka

Seller Code of Conduct

At Shoploka, it’s important to us that we’re well-loved and trusted – by our customers, our colleagues and the small businesses who call our marketplace home. So we’ve created this code of conduct – a set of guidelines that help our Partners know what’s expected of them. By marketing your goods and wares via any of our platforms, you agree to comply with what you read here. Because making sure we’re ethical, lawful and responsible as a business is top of our priority list.

This Code may be amended and updated at any time. In that event, the updated code of conduct will be published here. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are aware of any changes to the Code and that you comply with the terms of the Code from their publication on our website.

Unfair or Misleading Practices

Product Listings

The Advertising Regulatory Board (the ARB) is the organisation responsible for regulating advertising across all media in South Africa, including marketplaces, through the Committees of Advertising Practice rules (CAP Code). You must comply with all relevant codes and guidance that the ARB has in place for advertising products to sell online.

What Are Misleading Practices?

You must avoid misleading practices. Misleading practices can include:

  • Misleading pricing (e.g., if your lead image shows a more expensive, enhanced version of your product alongside a base price relating to a less expensive, less enhanced version);
  • Misleading product descriptions or false claims about your product (such as unsupported ‘eco-friendly’ claims);
  • Missing or exaggerated product information that prevents a customer from making an informed decision (e.g., missing ingredients list or material composition).

Partners must:

  • Ensure that products listed for sale on the SHOPLOKA website do not materially mislead customers.
  • Ensure that the correct details are given online for the main characteristics of the product (description, imagery, price, composition, delivery fees and Partner contact details).
  • Ensure that price statements do not mislead customers. The price must relate to the product listed for sale on the SHOPLOKA website.

Competition

You must comply with all applicable competition laws, including but not limited to those relating to teaming and information sharing with competitors, price-fixing and rigging bids.

Labour Practices

Anti-Slavery and Anti-Trafficking

Shoploka has zero tolerance for slavery and human trafficking. Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It can take various forms such as slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking.

We are committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in any part of our business or our supply chains. We have an Anti-Slavery and Anti-Trafficking Policy that reflects our commitment to acting ethically and with integrity. We expect the same high standards from our Partners and their suppliers.

Our expectations of you:

  • Ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and hold your suppliers to the same standard.
  • Ask your suppliers for information to better understand and reduce the risks of modern slavery in your supply chains.
  • Have measures in place to prevent, detect and report modern slavery in any part of your business or supply chains.
  • Avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of these principles.

Anti-Harassment and Unlawful Discrimination

We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity. We do not tolerate discrimination of any form. This includes discrimination by race, disability, gender, religion and other protected characteristics.

Maintain a respectful work environment that is free of discrimination, violence, harassment and intimidation. Any form of harassment is prohibited, whether physical, sexual, psychological or verbal.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

As a Partner, you must:

  • Follow all applicable laws and abide by all SHOPLOKA policies.
  • Act in a manner that ensures a safe, trustworthy, reliable and positive experience for SHOPLOKA customers.

You must never engage in any misleading, unethical, aggressive or offensive behaviour. This applies to:

  • Information provided on your account;
  • Information in listings, content or images;
  • Communication with SHOPLOKA, other Partners, or customers;
  • Your personal conduct outside of being a Partner, including on social media.

Anti-Tax Evasion and Financial Crimes

Shoploka has a zero-tolerance approach to tax evasion. SHOPLOKA conducts its business honestly and ethically and does not tolerate tax evasion or financial crimes. You must comply with all relevant laws including but not limited to:

  • Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998
  • Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001
  • Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011

Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Shoploka has zero tolerance for bribery and corruption. The making or receiving of bribes, payments, things of value or other benefits to obtain or retain improper advantage is prohibited.

Avoid giving or receiving lavish gifts or hospitality to anyone working for or with you, including potential suppliers. Use good judgment and comply with applicable laws and customs.

Environmental Protection and Responsibilities

Eco-Efficiency and Resource Reduction

We ask Partners to consider the environment and sustainability when operating their business. This includes:

  • Sustainable supply chain choices
  • Eco-friendly packaging and materials
  • Efficient energy and resource consumption
  • Minimising waste and diverting from landfills
  • Reducing harmful chemical use

Hazardous Substances and Chemicals

Partners must abide by all applicable laws for hazardous materials, air emissions, waste and wastewater discharges. If any hazardous materials are identified, ensure safe handling, movement, storage, use, recycling or disposal.

Escalation

If you are contacted by media regarding SHOPLOKA or have genuine concerns in relation to your or other Partners’ conduct, report it immediately through ‘Raise a Support Enquiry’ in the CMS under ‘Other’.

If contacted by a customer directly regarding their purchase, remember that the contract of sale is between you and the customer. Be professional, courteous, assist as far as reasonably possible, and avoid any actions that could harm the reputation of Shoploka. Notify SHOPLOKA through the support channel for assistance.