Terms of Service

Welcome to Fooddable. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Fooddable mobile applications, website, and related services (collectively, the "Services"). By creating an account, browsing, purchasing, listing, or otherwise using Fooddable, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Services.

1. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms:

• "Fooddable" — the platform operated by us, including all apps and the website
• "Consumer" or "Buyer" — a user who browses and purchases surprise bags
• "Restaurant" or "Partner" — a business that lists surprise bags on the platform
• "Surprise Bag" — a discounted, time-limited listing of surplus food items, where the exact contents are not predetermined
• "Redeeming Code" — the unique code generated for each order, used to verify collection at the restaurant
• "Pickup Window" — the designated time range during which an order must be collected
• "Order" — a paid reservation of one or more surprise bags
• "Services" — all features and functionality provided by Fooddable

2. Eligibility

To use Fooddable, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract
• Register with accurate and complete information
• Not have been previously banned or removed from Fooddable

By using the Services, you represent and warrant that you meet all of these requirements.

3. Account Registration

3.1 Creating an Account

You must create an account to use most features of Fooddable. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to keep this information updated. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

3.2 Account Types

Fooddable supports three account roles:

• Consumer — for browsing and purchasing surprise bags
• Restaurant — for listing surprise bags and managing orders (subject to approval)
• Admin — for internal platform operations (restricted access)

You may not use a consumer account to act as a restaurant, or vice versa, unless explicitly authorised by Fooddable.

3.3 Account Security

You are responsible for safeguarding your password and for any actions taken under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorised access or security breach. We use Firebase Authentication for secure login and Firebase App Check to prevent abuse.

4. For Consumers (Buyers)

4.1 Browsing and Purchasing

Consumers can browse surprise bags listed by approved restaurants. Each listing shows:

• The estimated original value of the food
• The discounted price
• The pickup window (date and time range)
• The remaining quantity available
• The restaurant's location and pickup instructions

4.2 Payments

All payments are processed securely through Paystack. By placing an order, you authorise us to charge the listed amount in South African Rand (ZAR). You agree that:

• Payment must be completed before an order is confirmed
• Your payment method must be valid and have sufficient funds
• Paystack's terms and conditions also apply to your transaction

4.3 The Surprise Bag

A surprise bag represents a category or theme of excess food rather than exact menu items. By purchasing, you acknowledge that:

• The exact contents of a surprise bag are not guaranteed
• The value is an estimate based on the restaurant's regular pricing
• Dietary requirements, allergies, or preferences may not be accommodated unless explicitly stated in the listing
• Food is provided on an "as-is" basis at the time of pickup

4.4 Pickup and Redemption

After purchase, you will receive a unique redeeming code. To collect your order:

• Arrive at the restaurant during the designated pickup window
• Present your redeeming code to restaurant staff
• The restaurant will verify the code and hand over your surprise bag
• Orders not collected within the pickup window will expire and are not eligible for refund unless a support case is raised

4.5 Refunds

Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis through our support system. You may request a refund if:

• The restaurant was closed or unable to fulfil the order during the pickup window
• The food was inedible or unsafe for consumption
• There was a payment error or duplicate charge

Refund requests must be submitted within 24 hours of the pickup window closing. Fooddable reserves the right to approve or deny refund requests at its discretion.

5. For Restaurants (Partners)

5.1 Application and Approval

To list surprise bags, you must:

• Submit a complete restaurant application with accurate business details
• Provide a valid business name, address, city, and neighbourhood
• Describe your cuisine types and provide pickup instructions
• Wait for Fooddable admin approval before going live

We reserve the right to approve, reject, or pause any restaurant application at our sole discretion. Approved restaurants may be paused or removed for violations of these Terms.

5.2 Listing Surprise Bags

When creating a surprise bag listing, you must:

• Set an accurate original value and discounted price in ZAR
• Specify the exact quantity of bags available
• Define a realistic pickup window
• Ensure the food is safe, edible, and meets all applicable food safety regulations
• Not oversell — stock is reserved after payment and tracked automatically

5.3 Order Fulfilment

As a restaurant partner, you agree to:

• Be open and available during the published pickup window
• Honour all confirmed orders up to the listed quantity
• Verify each customer's redeeming code before handing over a bag
• Mark orders as redeemed through the app after handover
• Maintain appropriate food handling and safety standards

5.4 Payouts

Restaurant earnings are calculated based on the discounted price of sold bags, minus Fooddable's service fee. Payouts are processed according to the schedule and method agreed upon during onboarding. You are responsible for:

• Providing accurate payout details
• Paying all applicable taxes on your earnings
• Ensuring your banking information is kept up to date

5.5 Restaurant Conduct

Restaurant partners must not:

• List food that is unsafe, spoiled, or past its usable date
• Misrepresent the value or contents of surprise bags
• Discriminate against customers based on race, gender, religion, or any protected characteristic
• Attempt to conduct off-platform transactions to avoid fees
• Share or misuse customer redeeming codes or personal data
• Create multiple accounts to circumvent moderation

Violations may result in account suspension, withholding of payouts, or permanent removal from the platform.

6. Platform Rules

6.1 Prohibited Conduct

All users (consumers and restaurants) agree not to:

• Use Fooddable for any illegal purpose
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Interfere with or disrupt the platform's infrastructure
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to other users' accounts or data
• Harass, abuse, or threaten other users or Fooddable staff
• Post false, misleading, or defamatory content
• Use automated scripts, bots, or scrapers on the platform

6.2 Content Ownership

Restaurant partners retain ownership of their restaurant name, logo, and listing content. By posting on Fooddable, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display this content for the purpose of operating the platform.

6.3 Suspension and Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or pose a risk to the platform or other users. You may also delete your account at any time through the app settings.

7. Disclaimers

Fooddable is provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• We do not guarantee the quality, safety, or suitability of any food sold through the platform
• We are not responsible for the actions or omissions of restaurant partners
• We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of the Services
• All food is sold by restaurants, not by Fooddable — we are a marketplace platform, not a food seller

If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, you purchase and consume surprise bags at your own risk. Always inform the restaurant of any serious allergies before pickup if possible.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Fooddable and its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents will not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or goodwill
• Personal injury or illness arising from food consumed
• Damages exceeding the total amount you paid to Fooddable in the 12 months preceding the claim, or R1,000, whichever is greater

These limitations apply regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, negligence, or otherwise).

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Fooddable, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Your food listings or purchases on the platform

10. Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of Fooddable will first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, disputes will be resolved through the courts of South Africa.

11. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through the app or by email at least 14 days before taking effect. Your continued use of Fooddable after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us: