Refund policy

GOLD DOT MEDIA

Refund, Cancellation & Returns Policy

Effective Date: 13 November 2026

At Gold Dot Media, we are committed to providing professional, personalised website design and development services that help small businesses establish and grow their online presence.

As our services involve customised creative work, technical configuration and dedicated project time, we have established the following Refund, Cancellation & Returns Policy to ensure transparency and fairness for all clients.

1. Full Payment Policy

Gold Dot Media requires 100% full payment upfront before any website design or development work can commence.

  • Full payment must be received and confirmed before a project is scheduled.

  • We do not offer deposit arrangements or instalment payment options.

  • Payment confirms the client's acceptance of the agreed services, pricing and project scope.

  • Work will only begin once payment has been successfully received.

2. Project Cancellations

Clients wishing to cancel a project must submit their cancellation request in writing via email.

Before work commences:

If a client cancels after making payment but before any work has commenced, the refund request will be assessed in accordance with applicable South African consumer protection legislation and the circumstances of the cancellation.

After work has commenced:

If a client chooses to cancel a project after work has started, any refund will be assessed based on:

  • The amount of work completed.

  • Time spent on design, development and technical configuration.

  • Resources allocated to the project.

  • Third-party costs incurred on the client's behalf.

Gold Dot Media reserves the right to deduct reasonable charges for work already performed and costs legitimately incurred, where permitted by applicable law.

3. Completed Projects

Once a website has been completed, approved and handed over to the client, refunds will not automatically be granted for changes of mind or dissatisfaction with a design direction that was previously approved.

However, if the delivered service does not meet the agreed project specifications, clients are encouraged to contact us so that the matter can be investigated and an appropriate resolution arranged.

Nothing in this section limits any statutory consumer rights.

4. Revisions and Additional Work

Website design packages include the revisions and services specified in the original quotation or package description.

Requests outside the agreed project scope may attract additional charges.

These may include:

  • Additional product uploads beyond the agreed package allowance.

  • Additional website pages or sections.

  • Major design changes after approval.

  • Additional integrations or functionality.

  • Further development or customisation requests.

Any additional work will be quoted separately and must be approved by the client before commencement.

5. Third-Party Services and Subscriptions

Gold Dot Media may assist clients with configuring or integrating third-party services, including:

  • Shopify subscriptions and applications.

  • Payment gateways.

  • Domain registrations.

  • Email hosting services.

  • Third-party software and integrations.

Fees paid directly to third-party providers are subject to their respective terms, conditions and refund policies.

Gold Dot Media cannot guarantee refunds for third-party charges and is not responsible for recurring subscriptions or fees charged directly by external providers.

6. Client Responsibilities and Project Delays

Clients are responsible for providing all information and materials required to complete their projects, including:

  • Website content and business information.

  • Product descriptions and images.

  • Branding assets and logos.

  • Required account access and credentials.

  • Feedback and design approvals.

Delays caused by the late submission of information, content or approvals may result in adjusted project completion timelines.

Such delays do not automatically qualify a client for a refund.

7. Services Not Delivered as Agreed

Gold Dot Media takes pride in delivering services according to the agreed project scope.

If a client believes that the service delivered is materially different from what was agreed, they must notify us in writing with details of the concern.

Where appropriate, Gold Dot Media will endeavour to resolve the issue through:

  • Correcting identified defects.

  • Completing outstanding agreed work.

  • Providing an appropriate partial refund.

  • Offering another remedy required by applicable legislation.

8. Refund Requests and Processing

All refund requests must be submitted in writing and include:

  • Client's full name.

  • Service or package purchased.

  • Proof of payment.

  • Reason for the refund request.

Each request will be reviewed individually.

Approved refunds will be processed within a reasonable period, subject to applicable legal requirements and payment provider processing times.

9. Consumer Protection and Legal Rights

This policy is governed by the applicable laws of the Republic of South Africa.

Nothing in this policy is intended to exclude, restrict or override any rights afforded to consumers under applicable legislation, including:

  • Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008.

  • Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002.

Where applicable legislation provides consumers with cancellation, refund or other statutory rights, those rights will take precedence over any conflicting provision in this policy.

10. Contact Information

For questions, cancellations or refund enquiries, please contact:

Gold Dot Media

Email: [info@golddotmedia.co.za]

Website: [www.golddotmedia.co.za]

We appreciate your business and remain committed to providing professional service, transparent communication and quality website design solutions for small businesses.

Gold Dot Media – Bringing Your Business Online.