Terms of Service
Effective Date: August 2026 | Last Updated: August 26, 2026
Section 1
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using SokoPlus ("Platform"), including our website at sokopluss.co.tz, mobile application, and all related services, you ("User", "you", "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and POX Technologies Ltd ("Company", "we", "us", "our"), a company registered in the United Republic of Tanzania. The Electronic Transactions Act, 2015 recognizes the validity of contracts formed electronically, so these Terms are legally enforceable.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and POX Technologies Ltd ("Company", "we", "us", "our"), a company registered in the United Republic of Tanzania. The Electronic Transactions Act, 2015 recognizes the validity of contracts formed electronically, so these Terms are legally enforceable.
In Plain LanguageIf you use SokoPlus, you automatically agree to these rules. This is a real legal contract under Tanzanian law. If you don't agree with any part of it, don't use the platform.
Section 2
Definitions
In these Terms:
- "Platform" means SokoPlus, including the website, mobile app, and all related services
- "Buyer" means any person who purchases products through the Platform
- "Vendor" means any person or business that lists and sells products through the Platform
- "Service Provider" means any person or business that offers services through the Platform
- "Content" means all text, images, videos, reviews, and other materials on the Platform
- "Escrow" means the secure holding of payment funds until delivery is confirmed
In Plain LanguageThese are the key words used throughout this document. "Buyer" means you're buying something, "Vendor" means you're selling something, and "Escrow" means we hold the buyer's money safely until the product is delivered.
Section 3
Eligibility
To use SokoPlus, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old, or 16+ with parental/guardian consent
- Have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
- Be a resident of Tanzania or an East African Community (EAC) member state
- Not be previously banned or suspended from the Platform
- Provide accurate and complete registration information
In Plain LanguageYou need to be at least 18 (or 16 with your parents' okay), live in Tanzania or an EAC country, and not be someone we've banned before.
Section 4
Account Registration and Security
4.1 Registration
- You may register as a buyer (client), vendor, or service provider
- Guest checkout is available for buyers without an account
- Vendors and service providers must complete identity verification (NIDA, selfie, documents) before listing products or services
- You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- You must immediately notify us of any unauthorized access to your account
- We reserve accounts for verified users and may require re-verification at any time
- One account per person; duplicate accounts may be suspended
In Plain LanguageYou're responsible for keeping your password safe. If someone hacks your account, tell us right away. One person = one account. Vendors need to prove their identity before they can sell.
Section 5
Platform Role and Marketplace Rules
5.1 SokoPlus as MarketplaceSokoPlus acts as an intermediary marketplace connecting buyers, vendors, service providers, and delivery partners. We are not a party to transactions between users. We do not take possession of, or title to, any products sold through the Platform.5.2 Buyer Obligations
- Provide accurate delivery information and contact details
- Pay for orders through approved payment methods
- Confirm delivery using the recipient verification code within the specified timeframe
- Report any issues with orders within 48 hours of delivery
- Treat vendors, service providers, and delivery partners with respect
In Plain LanguageSokoPlus is just the marketplace — we connect buyers and sellers but aren't part of the actual transaction. If you're buying, give us your real address, pay properly, and confirm delivery when it arrives. You don't need an account to buy things.
Section 6
Vendor Terms
6.1 Vendor Obligations
- Maintain accurate product listings with honest descriptions, prices, and images
- Fulfill orders within the stated processing time
- Maintain adequate inventory for listed products
- Comply with all applicable Tanzanian laws and regulations, including the Fair Competition Act
- Respond to buyer inquiries within 24 hours
- Maintain a valid business registration where required
- A 5% commission is charged on each completed product sale
- Payment gateway fees (~3%) are deducted from the commission
- Additional fees may apply for product boosting, flash sale participation, and premium features
- Commission rates may vary based on vendor subscription tier (Free, Pro, Business, Enterprise)
- All fees are non-refundable except where required by law
In Plain LanguageVendors need to be honest about what they sell, ship on time, and reply to customers fast. We take 5% of each sale. You need to prove your identity to sell on SokoPlus.
Section 7
Service Provider Terms
7.1 Service Provider Obligations
- Accurately describe services offered, including pricing and availability
- Fulfill bookings as confirmed with clients
- Maintain professional standards and appropriate qualifications
- Carry adequate insurance where applicable to the service provided
- Respond to booking requests within 24 hours
In Plain LanguageService providers (like repairmen, consultants, etc.) pay a monthly subscription instead of a commission per booking. They need to be qualified, show up as promised, and respond to requests quickly.
Section 8
Products and Services
8.1 Product DescriptionsVendors are solely responsible for the accuracy of their product listings, including descriptions, pricing, images, and availability. SokoPlus does not verify or endorse any product listings.8.2 Product QualitySokoPlus does not manufacture, store, or inspect products sold through the Platform. The vendor is solely responsible for product quality, safety, and compliance with applicable laws.8.3 PricingAll prices are displayed in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) unless otherwise stated. Prices include applicable taxes unless clearly stated otherwise. Vendors may not charge hidden fees beyond the listed price and any clearly disclosed delivery charges.
In Plain LanguageWe don't check every product listing — that's the vendor's job. If a product is fake or doesn't match the description, that's on the vendor, not SokoPlus. All prices are in TZS and must include taxes.
Section 9
Orders and Payments
9.1 Payment MethodsThe Platform supports payments via Selcom, M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, and Stripe (for international cards). All payments are processed through secure, PCI-compliant third-party processors.9.2 Escrow SystemPayments for product orders are held in escrow from the time of purchase until delivery is confirmed by the recipient. This protects buyers by ensuring funds are only released to vendors after successful delivery verification.9.3 Order ConfirmationAn order is only confirmed after the vendor accepts it. Until then, the order is pending and either party may cancel without penalty.9.4 Payment SecuritySokoPlus does not store your payment card details. All payment information is processed and stored by our PCI-compliant payment processors (Selcom, Stripe). We only receive transaction confirmations, not your full payment credentials.
In Plain LanguageYour money is held safely (in escrow) until you confirm you received your product. We never see your full card or mobile money details — the payment companies handle that securely. Orders aren't final until the vendor accepts them.
Section 10
Delivery and Order Tracking
10.1 Delivery Options
- Vendor-managed delivery: Vendors arrange delivery through their own teams within configured delivery zones
- Buyer pickup: Buyers may collect orders directly from the vendor's location
- Third-party delivery: Integration with local delivery partners where available
In Plain LanguageWe use a verification code system to make sure the right person gets the right package. When your order arrives, give the delivery person your code — this proves you got it and releases the payment to the vendor.
Section 11
Refunds and Returns
- Refunds are processed if an order is cancelled before shipment, or if the product is significantly not as described
- Refund requests must be submitted within 48 hours of delivery
- Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 5-14 business days
- Service booking refunds are subject to the service provider's cancellation policy
- Perishable goods, custom items, and intimate products are not eligible for returns unless defective
In Plain LanguageYou have 48 hours after delivery to report a problem. If the product is wrong or broken, you'll get a refund within 2 weeks. Some items (like food or custom-made things) can't be returned unless they're actually defective. See our full Refund & Returns Policy for details.
Section 12
Prohibited Activities
Users must not:
Violation may result in immediate account suspension or termination without prior notice.
- List counterfeit, stolen, or illegal products or services
- Engage in fraud, misrepresentation, or identity theft
- Circumvent platform fees or commissions
- Use the Platform for money laundering or financing illegal activities
- Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
- Scrape, data-mine, or use automated tools to access the Platform without authorization
- Interfere with Platform security, integrity, or functionality
- Circumvent vendor verification requirements
- Create multiple accounts to exploit promotions or referral credits
- Violate any applicable Tanzanian or international laws
Violation may result in immediate account suspension or termination without prior notice.
In Plain LanguageDon't cheat, lie, sell fakes, or try to hack the system. If you break these rules, we'll ban you immediately without warning.
Section 13
Dispute Resolution
13.1 Platform MediationSokoPlus provides a built-in dispute resolution mechanism for order-related issues. Both parties must engage in good-faith mediation through the Platform before escalating.13.2 EscalationIf mediation fails, disputes may be escalated to:
- The Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania for consumer protection matters
- The Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) for delivery disputes
- Arbitration under the Arbitration Act of Tanzania (Cap 6, R.E. 2022)
- The courts of competent jurisdiction in Mbeya, Tanzania
In Plain LanguageTry to work it out through SokoPlus first. If that doesn't work, you can go to the Fair Competition Commission, an arbitrator, or the courts in Mbeya. You have 1 year to file any legal claim.
Section 14
Intellectual Property
14.1 Platform IPAll content, software, trademarks, logos, and design elements of SokoPlus are the intellectual property of POX Technologies Ltd and are protected by Tanzanian and international intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written consent.14.2 User ContentBy posting product listings, reviews, photos, or other content on the Platform, you grant SokoPlus a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute such content in connection with operating the Platform.14.3 Vendor IPVendors retain ownership of their brand names, logos, and product images. Vendors grant SokoPlus a license to display this content on the Platform for the duration of their vendor relationship.
In Plain LanguageOur logo and brand are ours — don't copy them. If you post photos or descriptions on SokoPlus, we can show them on the platform. Vendors keep ownership of their own brand but give us permission to display it.
Section 15
Limitation of Liability
- SokoPlus provides the Platform on an "as is" and "as available" basis
- We do not guarantee uninterrupted, error-free, or secure operation of the Platform
- We are not liable for the quality, safety, legality, or availability of products or services listed by vendors
- We are not responsible for the actions, omissions, or content of users (vendors, buyers, service providers)
- Our total liability shall not exceed the commission fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim
- We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
- We are not liable for losses caused by force majeure events including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, network failures, or power outages
In Plain LanguageWe do our best, but we can't promise the platform will never have issues. We're not responsible for what vendors sell or how they behave. If you sue us, the most you can get back is what you paid in fees over the past year.
Section 16
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless POX Technologies Ltd, its directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:
- Your use of the Platform
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any law or regulation
- Your infringement of any third-party rights
- Any content you post or transmit through the Platform
In Plain LanguageIf you do something illegal on SokoPlus that gets us sued, you're responsible for the legal costs. Protect us from trouble you cause.
Section 17
Account Suspension and Termination
17.1 By SokoPlusWe may suspend or terminate your account if:
- You violate these Terms or any platform policies
- You engage in fraudulent, illegal, or harmful behavior
- You fail to complete vendor/service provider verification
- We are required to do so by law or regulatory authority
- The Platform is discontinued (with 30 days advance notice)
- Your profile and public listings will be removed
- Pending orders must be fulfilled or cancelled first
- Outstanding commissions or fees remain payable
- Data retention applies as described in our Privacy Policy
In Plain LanguageWe can shut down your account if you break the rules. You can also delete your own account anytime, but you need to finish any pending orders first and pay any outstanding fees.
Section 18
Subscription and Fee Changes
Subscription tiers and fee structures may be updated from time to time. Changes will be communicated at least 30 days in advance. Continued use of premium features after the change date constitutes acceptance of the new fees.
In Plain LanguageIf we change our prices, we'll tell you 30 days before they take effect. If you keep using the paid features after that, you agree to the new prices.
Section 19
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania, including the Electronic Transactions Act, 2015, the Fair Competition Act, and the Cybercrimes Act, 2015. Any disputes not resolved through mediation or arbitration shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Mbeya, Tanzania.
In Plain LanguageThis contract follows Tanzanian law. If we can't resolve a dispute, it goes to court in Mbeya, Tanzania.
Section 20
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
In Plain LanguageIf a court strikes down one part of these Terms, the rest still apply.
Section 21
Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, Vendor Agreement, Refund & Returns Policy, Cookie Policy, and any additional policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and POX Technologies Ltd regarding the use of the Platform.
In Plain LanguageThese Terms plus our other policies (Privacy, Vendor Agreement, Refund Policy, Cookie Policy) make up the complete agreement between you and SokoPlus.
Section 22
Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through:
Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
- In-app notification upon your next login
- Email notification to registered users
- Prominent notice on our website
Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
In Plain LanguageIf we change these rules, we'll let you know through the app and email. If you keep using SokoPlus after the changes, you agree to the new rules.
Section 23
Contact Us
For questions about these Terms of Service:
POX Technologies Ltd
Email: support@sokopluss.co.tz
Phone: +255 760 706 872
Website: sokopluss.co.tz
Location: Tanzania