Terms & conditions

The practical details that help keep Bookle fair, safe, and transparent for everyone.

Updated: 1 January 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Bookle. By accessing or using bookle.co.za, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

Bookle is an online marketplace that enables users to buy and sell secondhand books within South Africa. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use the website.

For any questions, contact us at [email protected].

2. Bookle's role

Bookle provides a platform that connects buyers and booksellers.

  • Bookle is not the seller of listed items unless explicitly stated

  • Individual sellers are responsible for their listings, descriptions, and fulfilment

  • Bookle does not guarantee the accuracy of listings but may intervene where disputes arise

We reserve the right to remove listings or restrict accounts that breach these terms.

3. Ethical use of the plafrom

Bookle is intended exclusively for the buying and selling of books.

You agree not to:

  • Upload offensive, misleading, or unlawful content

  • Use the platform for non-book-related activity

  • Abuse messaging, review, or dispute systems

If you encounter inappropriate content, report it to [email protected].
We reserve the right to investigate and take action at our discretion.

4. Registration and accounts

You may purchase as a registered user or as a guest.

By registering:

  • You confirm that the information you provide is accurate

  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login details

  • You accept responsibility for all activity conducted through your account

Bookle is not liable for losses resulting from unauthorised account access due to user negligence.

5. Product listings and availability

  • All products are subject to availability within the Republic of South Africa
  • Prices are listed in South African Rands (ZAR)

  • Sellers control their own listings and descriptions

  • Bookle may remove or modify listings without notice if required

If a material error in pricing or description is identified, Bookle reserves the right to cancel the order.

6. Pricing and fees

  • Prices are subject to availability and delivery location

  • Delivery fees apply per order. Payment gateway fees are currently covered by Bookle and are not charged separately to buyers or sellers.

  • Promotions are limited and subject to stock availability

All applicable fees are displayed at checkout.

7. Payment

Payments are processed securely via TradeSafe.

By submitting payment details, you confirm that:

  • You are authorised to use the payment method

  • Sufficient funds are available

Bookle does not store your payment card details.

8. Order confirmation

An order is confirmed only once you receive an email confirmation from Bookle.

9. Delivery

  • Deliveries are fulfilled through The Courier Guy, a third-party courier service operating locker-based deliveries

  • Estimated delivery is up to 9 days from purchase

  • Bookle is not responsible for loss or damage caused by third-party couriers

Delivery timelines are estimates and not guarantees.

10. Returns and refunds

10.1 Eligibility

Buyers may request a return or refund if the item materially differs from the seller’s listing description or images, including where the wrong item was sent.

Bookle’s Buyer Protection does not cover loss, theft, damage, disappearance, tampering or other incidents that occur while a parcel is in the custody of a courier or delivery service, except where Bookle is legally required to provide otherwise.

10.2 Courier-related loss or damage

  1. The seller is responsible for ensuring that the item is appropriately packaged, securely sealed and handed to the designated courier in a condition suitable for transportation.

  2. Once the seller has correctly handed the parcel to the designated courier, loss, theft, damage, disappearance or tampering occurring while the parcel is in the courier’s custody is not considered a defect in the item or a material difference from the listing and is not automatically grounds for a refund from the seller.

  3. If a buyer reports that a parcel was lost, empty, damaged, opened or otherwise compromised during delivery, Bookle may place the transaction on hold while the matter is investigated.

  4. Bookle may request information or evidence from the buyer, seller and/or courier, including tracking records, dispatch records, delivery scans, locker access records, photographs, packaging information and other relevant information.

  5. A buyer’s report that a parcel was lost, empty or damaged does not, by itself, create an automatic entitlement to a refund where the evidence indicates that the seller correctly dispatched the parcel and the issue occurred after the parcel entered the courier’s custody.

  6. Where appropriate, Bookle may assist the buyer or seller in communicating with the courier regarding a courier-related claim. Any compensation or resolution provided by the courier will be handled in accordance with the courier’s applicable terms and the circumstances of the incident.

10.3 Notification Window

After receiving the item, the buyer will receive an email from TradeSafe requesting confirmation that the order is satisfactory. The buyer has 24 hours to respond, especially if dissatisfied or if there is a problem with the order.

If the buyer does not report a problem within 24 hours, funds will automatically be released to the seller, subject to any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Where a problem is reported within the applicable period, Bookle may place the transaction on hold pending investigation and resolution.

10.4 Dispute and Resolution

If the buyer indicates dissatisfaction because the item materially differs from the listing:

  • The buyer and seller must negotiate a resolution, which may include a replacement, partial refund or full refund.

  • If the item must be returned, it should be sent in its original condition and packaging, where reasonably possible, at the buyer’s cost unless otherwise agreed.

  • Bookle may assist with communication between the buyer and seller but does not guarantee a particular outcome.

10.5 Completion of Refund Process

Once the buyer and seller confirm an agreed resolution, Bookle will instruct TradeSafe to complete the payment release or refund process according to the agreed resolution and TradeSafe’s applicable procedures.

Any seller policy stating “No returns” or similar is overridden by these Terms & Conditions where a return or refund is permitted under these Terms.

11. Payment gateway fees

Bookle covers all payment gateway fees for purchases, which include:

  • EFT: 0.75%
  • Ozow: 1.5%
  • Visa/MasterCard: 3%
  • SnapScan: 3.5%

The TradeSafe buyer protection fee is also at no extra cost to you.

12. User content and reviews

Verified buyers may post reviews and comments.

  • Content must be honest, lawful, and respectful

  • Bookle may remove content that violates these terms

  • Public content may remain visible even after account closure

13. Suspension and termination

Bookle reserves the right to:

  • Suspend or terminate accounts

  • Remove listings or content

  • Restrict platform access

This may occur if users breach these terms, misuse the platform, act unlawfully, or fail to adhere to Bookle’s listing and platform guidelines, such as listing prohibited items or providing incomplete information.

14. Limitation of liability

To the extent permitted by law:

  • Bookle does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access

  • Use of the platform is at your own risk

15. Governing law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

16. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time.

The version published on the website applies at the time you use Bookle.

17. Contact

For questions, disputes, or support, contact us at:  [email protected]

Buyer Protection with Tradesafe

Your payment is securely held by Tradesafe and only released to the seller once you’ve received and accepted your order. This ensures your money is safe until you are satisfied with your purchase.