OFFICE FURNITURE FABRICATORS
Cnr Mpande & Betschana Service Rd, Sebenza, Edenvale, 1609
Email: info@officefurniturefabricators.com
Website: www.officefurniturefabricators.com

Last Updated: 25 July 2025

1. Introduction

At Office Furniture Fabricators, we are committed to delivering high-quality office furniture and exceptional customer service. This Returns and Damages Policy outlines your rights and our obligations regarding the return of products and handling of damages, in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) and, where applicable, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA). This policy applies to all purchases made through our website (www.officefurniturefabricators.com), email, or in-person, ensuring a fair and transparent process for our customers in South Africa.

Please read this policy carefully before making a purchase. For any questions or to initiate a return, contact us at info@officefurniturefabricators.com.

2. Consumer Rights Under South African Law

As a consumer, you are protected by the CPA, which grants rights to fair value, good quality, and safe goods. Under Section 55 of the CPA, goods must be suitable for their intended purpose, of good quality, free of defects, and durable for a reasonable period. Section 56 provides an implied warranty of quality, allowing returns for defective goods within six months of delivery. For online purchases, Section 44 of the ECTA provides a seven-day cooling-off period for certain transactions. This policy aligns with these legal frameworks while clarifying our processes for returns and damages.

3. General Returns Policy

3.1 No General Right of Return

The CPA does not provide a general right to return goods due to a change of mind, financial constraints, or dissatisfaction with appearance, unless specified in this policy or required by law. Returns are permitted only under the conditions outlined below.

3.2 Inspection Upon Delivery

You must inspect all products upon delivery and notify us of any visible damage, defects, or discrepancies (e.g., incorrect item or quantity) within 48 hours by emailing info@officefurniturefabricators.com. Please include your order number, photos of the issue, and a detailed description. Failure to report within 48 hours may limit your ability to claim under this policy, except where CPA rights apply.

4. Returns for Non-Custom Goods

4.1 Cooling-Off Period for Direct Marketing

If you purchased non-custom goods as a result of direct marketing (e.g., unsolicited calls, emails, or in-person promotions), you may return them within five business days from the date of delivery or agreement, whichever is later, as per Section 16 of the CPA. For online purchases, Section 44 of the ECTA extends this to seven days from receipt of goods or conclusion of the agreement for transactions governed by ECTA. Returns must be:

  • Unused, in original packaging, and in resalable condition.

  • Accompanied by proof of purchase (e.g., invoice or order confirmation).

  • Shipped at your expense, unless the return is due to our error (e.g., incorrect item delivered).

To initiate a return, contact us at info@officefurniturefabricators.com. We will provide instructions for returning the goods. Refunds will be processed within 14 days of receiving the returned items, via the original payment method, excluding delivery costs unless we are at fault.

4.2 Goods Not Inspected Prior to Purchase

If you did not have the opportunity to inspect goods before purchase (e.g., online or catalogue orders), you may return them within 10 business days of delivery if they are unsuitable for their intended purpose, as per Section 20 of the CPA. Goods must be unused, in original packaging, and in resalable condition. You may be responsible for reasonable restoration costs to make the goods fit for restocking, as permitted by the CPA.

4.3 Defective Goods

Under Section 56 of the CPA, you may return non-custom goods within six months of delivery if they are defective, unsafe, or fail to meet the standards of Section 55 (e.g., not suitable for intended purpose, poor quality). You may choose:

  • Repair: We will repair the goods at no cost to you, within a reasonable timeframe.

  • Replacement: If repair is not feasible or the defect persists within three months of repair (as per Section 56(3)), we will replace the goods.

  • Refund: If repair or replacement is not possible or practical, we will refund the purchase price, excluding delivery costs unless the defect is our fault.

To return defective goods, contact us within seven days of discovering the defect, providing photos and a description. We will arrange an inspection and cover return shipping costs if the defect is verified.

5. Returns for Custom-Made Goods

Custom-made goods (e.g., furniture with specific finishes, dimensions, or designs, such as Derrick’s Beautiful Boardroom Table or Sizwe Steel Framed L-Shape Desk) are non-returnable unless defective or not as specified in the written agreement, as per Section 17 of the CPA. If custom goods are defective or do not match the agreed specifications, you may return them within six months of delivery for repair, replacement, or refund, as outlined in Section 4.3. Contact us at info@officefurniturefabricators.com to initiate a return, and we will arrange an inspection to verify the issue.

6. Damages Policy

6.1 Damages During Delivery

We take reasonable care to ensure products are delivered in good condition. Risk of loss or damage passes to you upon delivery, as per Section 4.4 of our Terms and Conditions. If goods are damaged during delivery:

  • Notify us within 48 hours of delivery at info@officefurniturefabricators.com with photos and details of the damage.

  • We will assess the damage and, if attributable to our delivery process, offer repair, replacement, or a refund at our discretion, at no cost to you.

  • If damage is due to your failure to provide a safe delivery environment (e.g., obstructed pathways), you may be responsible for repair or replacement costs.

6.2 Damages During Installation

For installations performed by our team, we exercise reasonable care to avoid damage to your property. However, minor wear and tear (e.g., scuff marks) may occur as part of the installation process. We are not liable for damages or injuries caused by pre-existing site conditions (e.g., weak flooring, electrical hazards) or your failure to prepare the site, as outlined in our Installation Liability Waiver. If damage occurs due to our gross negligence or willful misconduct, we will repair or compensate for the damage, as required by South African law. Report installation-related damages within 48 hours to info@officefurniturefabricators.com.

6.3 Damages After Delivery

We are not liable for damages caused by misuse, neglect, improper storage, or unauthorized modifications after delivery. Such damages void the product warranty and are not eligible for returns or refunds.

7. Refund Process

  • Refunds for approved returns will be processed within 14 days of receiving the returned goods, via the original payment method.

  • Delivery and installation costs are non-refundable unless the return is due to our error or defect.

  • For defective goods, we cover return shipping costs. For other returns (e.g., cooling-off period), you are responsible for return shipping unless otherwise agreed.

  • Refunds for custom goods are subject to inspection and confirmation that the goods are defective or not as specified.

8. Warranty

All products come with a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects, subject to normal use and maintenance, as outlined in Section 6 of our Terms and Conditions. This warranty complements the implied warranty of quality under Section 56 of the CPA. Contact us at info@officefurniturefabricators.com to claim under the warranty, providing proof of purchase and details of the issue.

9. Dispute Resolution

If you are dissatisfied with our handling of a return or damage claim, we encourage good-faith negotiation to resolve the issue. Contact us at info@officefurniturefabricators.com to discuss your concerns. If unresolved, you may:

  • Lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (www.thencc.gov.za).

  • Refer the matter to the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (www.cgso.org.za).

  • Approach a consumer court or a court of competent jurisdiction in Edenvale, as per South African law.

10. Contact Us

For assistance with returns, damages, or any questions about this policy, please contact us at:
Email: info@officefurniturefabricators.com
Address: Cnr Mpande & Betschana Service Rd, Sebenza, Edenvale, 1609

We are committed to resolving issues promptly and fairly, ensuring your satisfaction with our products and services.