Last updated: November 2026
1. Introduction
These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") are a binding agreement between you ("you" or "your") and RusticLink (Pty) Ltd ("RusticLink", "we", "us" or "our"). They govern your access to and use of the RusticLink platform at app.rusticlink.co.za and the website at rusticlink.co.za (together, the "Platform").
By creating an account or using the Platform, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you may not use the Platform.
2. About the Platform
RusticLink is an online platform that connects homeowners and other customers ("Homeowners") with independent contractors and home-service businesses ("Contractors"). RusticLink provides tools for job posting, contractor discovery, quoting, communication and payment facilitation.
Important: RusticLink is a marketplace and lead-generation platform only. It is not a party to any contract formed between a Homeowner and a Contractor, and it does not employ, supervise or direct any Contractor. RusticLink does not guarantee the quality, legality, timeliness or outcome of any work carried out by a Contractor.
3. Eligibility & Accounts
You must be at least 18 years old and capable of entering into a legally binding contract to use the Platform. By registering, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You must provide accurate, current and complete information and keep it up to date. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that breach these Terms, provide false information, or are used fraudulently or abusively.
4. Homeowner Responsibilities
- Provide accurate job descriptions, locations, timelines and any other information required for Contractors to quote accurately.
- Respond to Contractors reasonably promptly and in good faith.
- Pay agreed amounts through the Platform's escrow facility where applicable.
- Comply with all applicable laws and do not use the Platform to request illegal, unsafe or unethical work.
5. Contractor Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate business, trade, licence, insurance and banking information on your profile.
- Hold all licences, registrations and insurance required to perform the work you advertise.
- Submit quotes in good faith and perform accepted work with reasonable skill and care.
- Comply with all applicable laws, including those relating to building, safety and consumer protection.
6. Contractor Subscriptions
Access to the Platform's contractor tools is provided on a paid subscription basis. Subscriptions are billed in advance, renew automatically, and are processed by our payment provider, Paystack.
The full terms governing contractor subscriptions — including billing, automatic renewal, fee changes and payment failures — are set out in our Contractor Subscription Terms.
7. Cancellation & Refund Policy
You may cancel your subscription at any time. Subscription fees are non-refundable, except as required by law or where a charge was made in error.
Full details on how to cancel and when refunds apply are set out in our Cancellation & Refund Policy.
8. Quotes, Jobs & Acceptance
Homeowners may receive quotes from one or more Contractors. A quote is an offer and only becomes binding when accepted by the Homeowner (and any Platform acceptance process is completed). The terms of each project (scope, price, timelines) are agreed directly between the Homeowner and Contractor.
RusticLink is not responsible for disputes between Homeowners and Contractors, including disputes about scope, workmanship, delays or price. Any such disputes must be resolved between the parties, subject to any escrow release process described below.
9. Payments & Escrow
Project payments between Homeowners and Contractors may be facilitated through TradeSafe, a licensed third-party escrow provider. Where escrow is used:
- Funds are held securely by TradeSafe and released according to the escrow instructions agreed by the parties.
- RusticLink does not hold or control project funds, and is not responsible for the acts or omissions of TradeSafe.
- Release of funds is subject to TradeSafe's own terms and conditions.
10. Service Fees
RusticLink may charge a service fee (commission) on certain transactions facilitated through the Platform. Where applicable, this fee is disclosed before a transaction is completed. Subscription and service fees are in addition to any amounts payable to the other party to a project.
11. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Use the Platform for any unlawful, fraudulent or deceptive purpose.
- Attempt to circumvent, disable or interfere with the Platform's security, or to bypass the Platform to avoid applicable fees.
- Post false, misleading or defamatory content, or impersonate any person or entity.
- Scrape, harvest or collect data from the Platform without our prior written consent.
- Upload malicious code or otherwise disrupt the Platform's operation.
- Use the Platform to arrange payments or work outside the Platform in a manner intended to evade Platform fees.
12. User Content
You retain ownership of content you submit (job posts, quotes, profiles, images and reviews). By submitting content, you grant RusticLink a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use, display and reproduce it for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform. You warrant that you have the right to submit such content and that it does not infringe any third-party rights.
13. Intellectual Property
The Platform, including its design, branding, software, text and graphics, is owned by RusticLink or its licensors and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute or create derivative works from any part of the Platform without our prior written consent.
14. Third-Party Services
The Platform integrates with third-party services, including Paystack (payments) and TradeSafe (escrow). Your use of these services is subject to their own terms and conditions and privacy policies. RusticLink is not responsible for the availability, accuracy or actions of any third-party service.
15. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. RusticLink does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free or free of harmful components.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, RusticLink (including its directors, employees and agents) shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for loss of profits, revenue, data or goodwill, arising out of or in connection with your use of the Platform, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 or other applicable South African law.
16. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless RusticLink (including its directors, employees and agents) from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses arising out of your use of the Platform, your breach of these Terms, or your violation of any law or third-party rights.
17. Termination & Account Deletion
You may delete your account at any time through your account settings. We may suspend or terminate your account for breach of these Terms or for any other lawful reason. On termination, your right to use the Platform ceases. Certain provisions of these Terms (including those relating to liability, indemnification and intellectual property) survive termination.
18. Privacy
Our collection and use of personal information is described in our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms. By using the Platform, you consent to our processing of your information as described there, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).
19. Governing Law & Disputes
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.
20. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will be revised when changes are made. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. Where changes are material, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you.
21. Contact Us
If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at:
RusticLink (Pty) Ltd
Email: hello@rusticlink.co.za
Website: rusticlink.co.za