Last updated: 20 August 2025
1. Overview
The Paperhound Bookshop ZA (Pty) Ltd (Registration No. 2025/003844/07), trading as The Paperhound Online Bookshop (“we”, “us”, “our”, “I”), operates this website and sells pre-owned books and related products online within South Africa. By visiting our site and/or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”), our Returns & Refunds Policy, and any other policies referenced herein or available via hyperlink.
These Terms apply to all users of the site, including without limitation browsers, customers, and content contributors. Please read these Terms carefully before accessing or using our website. If you do not agree, you should not use our site or services.
We may update these Terms from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the effective date. Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.
2. Legal Disclosure (as required by ECTA)
- Full Business Name: The Paperhound Bookshop ZA (Pty) Ltd t/a The Paperhound Online Bookshop
- Registration Number: 2025/003844/07
- Physical Address (Domicilium citandi et executandi): Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Email: support@thepaperhound.co.za
- Telephone: 066 101 1372
- VAT Number: Not applicable
- Website: www.thepaperhound.co.za
3. Online Store Terms
By agreeing to these Terms, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old or have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to use this site. You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorised purpose. You may not transmit any malicious code or attempt to interfere with the operation of the site.
4. Products & Availability
All products listed are pre-owned and sold in the condition described on the product page. We make every effort to display item details, including photos and condition notes, accurately. However, colours may vary slightly due to screen settings.
As most items are one-of-a-kind, once sold they cannot be replaced.
We reserve the right to limit sales of our products to any person, geographic region, or jurisdiction and to change or discontinue products without notice.
5. Pricing & Payment
Prices are listed in South African Rand (ZAR) and are subject to change without notice.
We accept payment via OZOW secure payment gateway and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments:
- Orders will only be processed once payment reflects in our designated account.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that payment is made to the correct bank details provided.
- We do not accept cash deposits due to bank fees.
- If proof of payment is not received within 2 business days, your order may be cancelled.
OZOW payments:
- We offer Ozow as a secure Instant Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payment option for your convenience. When selecting Ozow at checkout, you will be redirected to Ozow’s secure platform to complete your payment.
- To use Ozow, you must have a valid internet banking profile with a supported South African bank. You are responsible for ensuring that you have sufficient funds in your account to complete the transaction. When redirected to the Ozow platform, you are required to review and agree to Ozow’s terms and conditions.
- Ozow is a third-party service, and we are not responsible for its availability, performance, or functionality. Ozow handles all payment processing and transaction security. Unless otherwise stated at checkout, you will not be charged any additional fees by Ozow. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed in accordance with our Refund Policy, and Ozow may be involved in facilitating the refund process.
- Your personal and payment information will be processed only as necessary to facilitate your transaction. Payment details entered via Ozow are encrypted and handled securely by both us and Ozow. For more details on how your information is handled during the payment process, please refer to Ozow’s Privacy Policy.
- Any disputes regarding your order should be addressed directly with us in accordance with our Refund and Returns Policy. Ozow is not responsible for resolving disputes.
- You can also refer to Ozow’s Terms & Conditions.
6. Delivery
We deliver using your chosen method at checkout. We strive to dispatch orders on the Wednesday or Friday following successful payment processing.
Per Section 19 of the CPA, goods will be delivered within the agreed timeframe, or within 30 days if no time is specified.
7. Returns & Refunds Policy
Our goal is to ensure you are happy with your order. Please inspect your order upon delivery and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or incorrect. In some cases, we may request photographs before issuing a refund or replacement.
Please note: All items are pre-owned and may show minor signs of wear, as described/shown in listings.
- You may request a return within 7 calendar days of delivery of your item.
- The returned item must then be shipped back within 7 calendar days of approval.
- The item must be free of additional damage, markings, or alterations not originally present as when you received it and returned in its original packaging.
- The customer is responsible for return postage, except where we shipped the wrong item.
- Contact us at returns@thepaperhound.co.za to initiate a return.
- In the case of the correct item sent: Customer covers cost of postage. We will communicate the delivery location.
- In the case of the incorrect item sent: We cover cost of postage. We will book a Pudo locker or in the case of Postnet we will refund the postage amount upon receipt of the proof of postage.
- Refunds will be processed as quickly as possible, and always within 30 calendar days of receiving the returned item and approving your return request. Refunds exclude the original shipping cost and are issued via EFT or, if you prefer, store voucher.
- Due to the nature of our products, exchanges are not possible.
Special Request Orders:
- These are books sourced specifically for you.
- As per CPA Section 20(2)(c), special orders are non-cancellable and non-refundable once payment has cleared and sourcing has begun.
8. Errors, Inaccuracies & Omissions
Occasionally, information on our site may contain errors, inaccuracies, or omissions relating to product descriptions, pricing, or availability. We reserve the right to correct these without prior notice, including after you have placed an order.
9. Prohibited Uses
You may not use this site or its content for:
- Any unlawful purpose;
- Violating any South African laws;
- Infringing on our intellectual property rights;
- Transmitting malicious software;
- Collecting personal data without consent.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access for prohibited uses.
10. Limitation of Liability
Nothing in these Terms limits your rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of our Service, except where such limitation is prohibited by law.
11. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Paperhound Bookshop ZA (Pty) Ltd, its directors, employees, and affiliates from any claims or demands arising from your breach of these Terms or violation of any law.
12. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain valid.
13. Termination
We may terminate or suspend your access if you breach these Terms. Obligations and liabilities incurred prior to termination will survive.
14. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes should first be addressed to us directly. If unresolved, you may refer the matter to the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud or pursue legal remedies in the courts of South Africa.