Online Terms and Conditions of Sale

Introduction

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all online purchases of goods from Cater Master (Pty) Ltd (“Cater Master”, “we”, “us”, “our”) through this website. These Terms constitute a binding agreement between Cater Master and the person or entity purchasing goods (“Customer”, “you”). By placing an order, you signify your acceptance of these Terms. No other terms or conditions will apply unless expressly agreed to in writing by an authorised representative of Cater Master.

1. Definitions

In this document, the following terms shall have these specific meanings:

• “Business Day”: Any day in South Africa that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or official public holiday.

• “Customer”: The end-user, whether a person or entity, purchasing Goods from Cater Master, and who is a “Consumer” as defined by the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008.

• “Goods”: Any and all catering, refrigeration, and food service equipment, including associated parts and components, offered for sale by Cater Master.

• “Handling Fee”: A fee charged by Cater Master to cover the administrative, operational, and restocking costs associated with processing a Customer’s order cancellation or product return.

• “Invoice”: The formal document issued by Cater Master to the Customer, which confirms the details of the Goods, delivery, payment, and serves as proof of purchase.

• “LPGSA”: The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa.

• “Purchase Order”: A written or electronic order submitted by the Customer to Cater Master, detailing the specific Goods the Customer wishes to purchase.

• “Sales Order”: A document issued by Cater Master to the Customer in response to a Purchase Order, which confirms stock availability, pricing, and requests payment.

• “Warehouse”: Any of Cater Master’s official dispatch warehouses.

2. Orders and Supply of Goods

2.1. All purchases must be initiated with a Purchase Order from the Customer. The Customer’s Purchase Order is an offer to purchase the Goods.
2.2. Upon receipt of a Purchase Order, Cater Master will issue a Sales Order to confirm the availability and current price of the Goods. Stock availability is not guaranteed, and all Goods are subject to prior sale.
2.3. Cater Master will always endeavour to supply Goods that are in good working condition, safe, and fit for their intended purpose.
2.4. Should the Customer choose to cancel a confirmed Purchase Order after a Sales Order has been issued, Cater Master reserves the right to charge a Handling Fee of 15% of the total invoiced value of the Goods.

3. Pricing and Payment

3.1. All prices displayed on the website or in any quotation are exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) and any applicable delivery costs, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
3.2. Prices are subject to change without any prior notice.
3.3. For all online sales, payment must be made in full before any Goods will be delivered or released for collection.
3.4. Goods will not be reserved or allocated to an order until the full payment has been received and reflects in Cater Master’s bank account (or has been confirmed by our third-party payment partners).
3.5. Customers must use their unique Customer Code or Sales Order number as the payment reference.
3.6. For any payment-related queries, please contact our accounting department, whose details will be provided on the Sales Order.

4. Delivery and Collection

4.1. Cater Master’s standard operating hours for deliveries and collections are 08:00 to 16:30 on Business Days.
4.2. Delivery Procedure: An Invoice will accompany the delivery. The Customer or an authorised representative must be present to accept and sign for the Goods. This signature confirms that all Goods were received in full, match the Invoice, and are in good condition. Any discrepancies must be noted on the delivery document at the time of receipt.
4.3. Delivery Timeframes: * Metropolitan Areas: For deliveries within a 60km radius of our main Warehouses, we will endeavour to deliver within 48 hours of payment confirmation. * Outlying Areas: For all other areas, delivery will typically occur within 3 to 5 Business Days. * While we make every effort to meet these timelines, Cater Master is not liable for any delays caused by factors beyond our control (e.g., courier delays, stock availability).
4.4. Free Delivery:Free delivery may be offered for purchases, subject to a minimum order value. For outlying areas, this minimum order value is R5,000.00. Orders below this value will be subject to a delivery charge.
4.5. Collections & Risk: * Customers may arrange to collect Goods directly from our Warehouse. * If a Customer uses their own or a third-party courier for collection, all risk for the Goods (including loss or damage) passes to the Customer the moment the Goods are dispatched from our Warehouse, even if that courier was recommended by Cater Master.

5. Returns Policy

5.1. Return of Unused Goods (Cooling-Off Period): * In accordance with the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA), a Customer may return unused Goods within 7 (seven) days of receipt, provided the Goods are eligible for return. * This policy may be extended, at Cater Master’s sole discretion, up to 14 (fourteen) Business Days from the date of the Invoice. * To be eligible for a return, the Customer must notify Cater Master in writing, and the Goods must be: 1. Completely unused; 2. In their original, unopened packaging, including all manuals, accessories, and parts; and 3. Accompanied by the original Invoice. * The Customer is responsible for all costs associated with returning the Goods to our Warehouse. * All such returns are subject to a 15% Handling Fee based on the invoiced value. * Cater Master will inspect the returned Goods and reserves the right to refuse a credit or refund if: * The Goods or packaging are found to be used, damaged, or incomplete. * The Goods have been modified, customised, or tampered with. * The serial numbers do not match the Invoice or packaging. * Exception: Electrical parts, gas components, and special-order items are non-returnable.

5.2. Return of Damaged or Defective Goods (Out-of-Box Failure): * The Customer must inspect all Goods upon delivery. * If Goods are found to be damaged or defective at the time of delivery, the Customer must: 1. Notify Cater Master in writing within 24 (twenty-four) hours of delivery. 2. Return the damaged/defective Goods to our Warehouse within 48 (forty-eight) hours of notifying us. * Cater Master will inspect the Goods to validate the claim. The Goods must be materially defective. Minor cosmetic issues (e.g., small scratches or dents) that do not affect the functionality of the Goods are not grounds for a damaged return.

6. Warranty

6.1. Warranty Period: Cater Master provides a 1 (one) year carry-in warranty on all electrical and gas Goods, effective from the date of the original Invoice.
6.2. Coverage: The warranty covers parts, labour, and travelling costs for repairs conducted within a 60km radius of our main Warehouses. Warranty repairs in Outlying Areas will be subject to a travel charge per kilometre, which is payable by the Customer.
6.3. Countertop Goods: The warranty on all carry-on/countertop Goods (e.g., blenders, mixers, toasters) is a “carry-in” warranty. The Customer must, at their own cost, deliver and collect these Goods from the nearest Cater Master service centre or accredited repair agent.
6.4. Critical Warranty Conditions (Warranty will be void if these are not met): * All Goods must be installed by a qualified technician registered with a relevant, accredited body. * Gas Goods: Must be installed by a registered LPGSA gas installer. Gas lines must be certified, a minimum 19kg gas cylinder must be used, and a 2.8 kPa LPG gas regulator (complying with SANS 1237) must be fitted. * Electrical Goods: Must be installed by a qualified electrician and fitted with a surge protection plug. Failure to use a surge protector voids all electrical warranties. * Water-Fed Goods: All combi steam ovens, dishwashers, and ice machines must be installed with an in-line water filter (softener). Failure to do so will void the warranty.
6.5. Warranty Terminations & Exclusions: The warranty will be immediately voided if: * The Goods are installed, repaired, or modified by an unauthorised third-party. * The power supply cable is cut, tampered with, or lengthened. * The Goods are exported outside of South Africa. * The fault is due to improper use, abuse, or failure to follow operating instructions. * The fault is due to incorrect or unstable power, gas, or water supply. * The fault is due to insufficient cleaning, or the use of incorrect cleaning chemicals. * The fault is due to insufficient ventilation.
6.6. Items Not Covered by Warranty: The warranty does not cover any wearing parts, including but not limited to: blades, bearings, belts, door seals, globes, fuses, or any damage from rust or corrosion.
6.7. Warranty Claim Process: * The Customer must log a service call with Cater Master to obtain a Reference Number. * The Customer must provide a copy of the original Invoice, model number, and serial number. * A Cater Master technician will be dispatched (for non-carry-in items). * If the technician determines the fault is not covered by the warranty (e.g., it is due to misuse, poor cleaning, or a non-covered part), the Customer will be charged the standard call-out fee and labour rate. * The Customer will also be liable for a call-out fee if the technician is denied access, or if no fault is found (e.g., the power was off, or the gas was empty).
6.8. Repair Terms: * Repairs and replaced parts carry a 3 (three) month warranty. * If Goods are replaced under warranty, the new item’s warranty is valid only for the remaining period of the original 1-year warranty. * Cater Master will endeavour to complete repairs within a reasonable timeframe but is not liable for delays (e.g., parts availability). * Cater Master is not liable for any loss of income, loss of product, or other damages incurred by the Customer while Goods are being repaired. * Cater Master will not provide a temporary replacement or loan unit.

7. Risk and Ownership

7.1. Risk: All risk (including loss or damage) for the Goods passes to the Customer upon signing the delivery note. If the Customer arranges their own collection, risk passes to the Customer the moment the Goods leave our Warehouse.
7.2. Ownership: Cater Master retains full ownership of all Goods until the Customer has paid for them in full.

8. Limitation of Liability

Cater Master shall not be liable to the Customer for any indirect, consequential, special, incidental, or punitive damages (including loss of profit or loss of income) that may arise from the purchase, use, or resale of the Goods.

9. Electronic Communications

The Customer consents to receive all communications from Cater Master electronically (e.g., via email). The Customer agrees that all agreements, notices, and disclosures provided electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1. Any dispute arising from this agreement (excluding non-payment by the Customer) shall first be referred to a committee of representatives from both Cater Master and the Customer, who will attempt to resolve it within 7 (seven) days. 10.2. Should the committee fail, the dispute will be referred to and resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA). 10.3. The Customer hereby consents to the jurisdiction of the Magistrate’s Court for any litigation. However, this does not prevent Cater Master from instituting action in the High Court of South Africa.

11. Notices (Domicilium)

Cater Master selects the following address for the receipt of all legal notices and processes. Any notice not sent to this address may be deemed invalid.

Unit 5 Villa Commercial Park, 5 Garlicke Drive, Ballito, Dolphin Coast

12. Force Majeure (Inability to Perform)

Cater Master shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations if such failure is due to any reason beyond its control, including (but not limited to) stock shortages, product delays, industrial disputes, strikes, government action, war, civil disturbance, natural disaster, or any Act of God. In such an event, Cater Master may suspend, delay, or cancel the order without liability.

13. General Disclaimer

Cater Master takes no responsibility and accepts no liability for any harm or damage caused as a result of the improper use of any Goods supplied, or the failure to maintain the Goods in accordance with the user manual or reasonable industry standards.