Refunds and Returns

Effective Date: 24/05/2025

At Second Half Sports, we believe every piece of gear deserves a second shot at the game. Because we are a peer-to-peer marketplace, our return policy is designed to protect both the buyers who fuel the game and the sellers who provide the gear.

1. The “Play Fair” Guarantee

To keep our community thriving, all sales are final once the buyer has accepted the item or the inspection window has passed. However, we offer a full refund if an item is Significantly Not As Described (SNAD).

You are covered if the item:

  • Has undisclosed damage (e.g., a cracked carbon fiber frame, dry-rotted leather).

  • Is the wrong size, brand, or model compared to the listing.

  • Is missing essential parts advertised in the photos.

  • Is proven to be an unauthenticated replica of a professional brand.

You are NOT covered for:

  • Change of Mind: You decided you no longer want the item.

  • Fit Issues: The item is the size stated in the listing, but it doesn’t fit you personally.

  • Minor Wear: Second-hand gear is expected to have minor “battle scars” unless listed as “New.”


2. The Inspection Window

Buyers have 48 hours (2 days) from the time of confirmed delivery to inspect their gear.

  • If everything is good: Do nothing, and the seller will be paid.

  • If there is an issue: Email us at disputes@secondhalfsports.co.za within this 48-hour window. 

Note: Once the 48-hour window closes or the buyer “Accepts” the item, funds are released to the seller and a return is no longer possible.


3. How to Initiate a Return

  1. Document the Issue: Take clear photos of the defect or the discrepancy.

  2. Submit a Claim: Contact our support team with your Order # and your photos.

  3. Review: Our team will review the claim within 2 business days.

  4. Ship it Back: If approved, we will provide a return shipping label. The item must be shipped back within 5 business days.


4. Refund Processing

Once the seller receives the returned item in its original condition:

  • Full Refunds: Including original shipping, are issued if the seller was at fault (wrong item/undisclosed damage).

  • Refund Method: Credits will be applied to your original payment method. Please allow 5–10 business days for your bank to process the transaction.


5. Important Safety Note

Second Half Sports facilitates the sale of used equipment. We strongly recommend that all safety-critical gear be inspected by a professional before use. By purchasing, the buyer acknowledges that used sports equipment carries inherent risks.

Seller Code of Conduct: The Playbook

To keep Second Half Sports a trusted marketplace, we hold our sellers to the following standards. By listing an item, you agree to “play fair” and follow these guidelines.

1. Transparency is Key (The “No Surprises” Rule)

  • Disclose All Damage: You must mention every crack, dent, tear, or significant scuff. If a zipper is sticky or a grip is peeling, say so.

  • No “Stock” Photos: Your first photo must be of the actual item in its current condition. Stock photos from the manufacturer may only be used as secondary reference images.

  • Accurate Sizing: Always list the manufacturer’s tagged size. If the item “runs small” or has shrunk, mention this in the description.

2. Authenticity & Integrity

  • No Counterfeits: Selling “knock-offs” or replicas as genuine branded gear is strictly prohibited and will result in a permanent ban.

  • Safety First: Do not list equipment that is structurally compromised or expired (e.g., a helmet that has been in a major collision or a climbing harness past its “use-by” date).

3. Professionalism in Shipping

  • Speed Matters: We aim to ship items within 2–3 business days. If a delay occurs when we arrange collection, you must communicate this to us by sending an email to admin@secondhalfsports.co.za.

  • Pack Securely: You are responsible for the item until it reaches the buyer. Use appropriate padding (bubble wrap, sturdy boxes) to ensure gear isn’t damaged during transit.

  • Cleanliness: While gear is used, it shouldn’t be dirty. Wipe down equipment, knock off excess mud, and ensure apparel is laundered before shipping.

4. Communication & Ethics

  • Honest Communication: Respond to any questions within 24 hours whenever possible.

  • No Off-Platform Sales: To protect everyone, all transactions and communications must stay within Second Half Sports. Taking a sale “offline” removes your seller protection and ours.

  • Honor the Price: Once a “Buy” or “Offer” is accepted, do not cancel the sale to sell it to someone else for more money.

Prohibited Items List

To ensure the safety of our community and comply with legal standards, the following items are strictly prohibited from being listed on Second Half Sports.

1. High-Risk Safety Equipment

We do not allow the resale of items where structural integrity cannot be visually verified, as failure could result in serious injury:

  • Helmets: (Football, hockey, cycling, equestrian, etc.) Due to the “one-hit” nature of protective foam.

  • Climbing Safety Gear: Ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and belay devices.

  • Personal Floatation Devices: Life jackets or vests that do not meet current coast guard certifications.

  • Safety Sensors: Avalanche beacons or electronic safety monitors.

2. Hygiene & Personal Items

For the health and safety of our buyers, we do not allow:

  • Used Mouthguards: (Even if “boiled and reshaped”).

  • Used Swimwear or Underwear: (e.g., compression shorts, jockstraps, or athletic supporters).

  • Used Water Bottles & Hydration Bladders: Unless they are brand new in original packaging.

  • Personal Care Products: Creams, muscle rubs, or supplements (e.g., protein powders, pre-workouts).

3. Weapons & Regulated Gear

  • Firearms & Ammunition: Including hunting rifles or handguns.

  • Certain Martial Arts Weapons: Nunchucks, throwing stars, or bladed weapons (check local laws).

  • Bows & Crossbows: (Optional: Many marketplaces allow these, but they require high shipping scrutiny. You may choose to ban them to stay “low-risk”).

  • E-Bikes with Modified Motors: Any motorized vehicle that exceeds local legal speed/wattage limits for “bicycles.”

4. Counterfeit & Infringing Goods

  • Fake Jerseys: “Knock-off” professional jerseys or fan gear.

  • Unauthorized Tech: Modified golf rangefinders or GPS units with pirated software.

  • Recalled Items: Any product that has been officially recalled by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or the manufacturer.

Shipping & Dispute Resolution Clauses

1. The Shipping Framework

Second Half Sports utilizes a third-party courier integration. By using the platform, Users agree that:

  • The Shipping Contract: The contract for carriage is between the Seller and the Courier. Second Hakf Sports acts only as a facilitator.

  • Accuracy of Data: The Seller is responsible for providing accurate weight, dimensions, and collection addresses. Any “surplus charges” from couriers due to incorrect sizing (e.g., shipping a weight bench as a “small parcel”) will be deducted from the Seller’s payout.

  • High-Risk Areas: Second Half Sports and its partners reserve the right to decline door-to-door service in areas deemed “high-risk” by couriers. In such cases, Pudo-to-Pudo or Point-to-Point delivery will be the mandatory alternative.

2. The “Handover” & Risk of Loss

  • Risk Transfer: Risk passes from the Seller to the Courier upon collection. However, if an item is damaged due to inadequate packaging (e.g., a carbon fiber bike frame shipped without padding), the Seller remains liable for the loss, regardless of courier insurance.

  • Proof of Collection: Sellers must obtain a signed waybill or digital confirmation from the driver. Without this, Second Half Sports cannot initiate an insurance claim for “lost” parcels.

3. Inspection & “Deemed Acceptance” (Escrow)

To balance the buyer’s rights under ECTA with the seller’s need for certainty:

  • The 48-Hour Window: Upon delivery (as confirmed by courier tracking), the Buyer has 48 hours to inspect the equipment and “Flag a Dispute” via the app.

  • Automatic Release: If no dispute is raised within 48 hours, the funds are automatically released to the Seller. This constitutes “Final Acceptance.”

  • Technical Sports Gear: For technical items (e.g., scuba regulators, e-bikes), the Buyer acknowledges that “Acceptance” covers aesthetic and basic functional matching of the listing, not long-term mechanical warranties.

4. Damage & Refund Procedure

  • Reporting: If a parcel arrives damaged, the Buyer must photograph the external packaging before opening it.

  • The “South African Swap” Prevention: To prevent buyers from swapping their old broken gear for the seller’s good gear and then claiming a refund, Second Half Sports may require a “Packing Video” from the seller or a “Unboxing Video” from the buyer for items valued over R5,000.

Contact Us

For questions or concerns, please contact us at:
Second Half Sports
Email: admin@secondhalfsports.co.za
Website: secondhalfsports.co.za