Terms & Conditions

Operated by RER Global Ventures (Pty) Ltd

Last updated: January 2025

1. Introduction

These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern the use of the Stone Connect website and services ("the Platform"). By accessing or transacting on the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Stone Connect is owned and operated by RER Global Ventures (Pty) Ltd, a South African private company.

Stone Connect provides an online marketplace that connects customers ("Buyers") with independent, verified suppliers ("Sellers") who manufacture and install gravestones, tombstones, and memorial-related products.

2. Nature of the Business

Stone Connect:

  • Facilitates online orders and secure payment processing
  • Provides communication and coordination tools
  • Oversees dispute mediation between Buyers and Sellers

Stone Connect does not manufacture any products and is not the direct provider of workmanship or installation services.

All products are manufactured, delivered, and installed solely by independent Sellers.

3. Eligibility

To use the Platform, Buyers must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Provide accurate and complete personal information
  • Agree to and comply with these Terms

Stone Connect reserves the right to verify identity information where required.

4. Product Listings

Sellers are responsible for:

  • Uploading accurate product descriptions, pricing, photos, and specifications
  • Ensuring their listings comply with legal and cemetery regulations

Stone Connect verifies supplier legitimacy but cannot guarantee that listings will always be error-free.

Any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in a listing are the responsibility of the Seller.

5. Custom Orders

Most products offered on the Platform are custom-made.

Before confirming an order, Buyers must ensure that:

  • All inscriptions (names, dates, wording) are correct
  • Material types and colours are correct
  • Dimensions and design choices are approved
  • Cemetery or municipal requirements have been confirmed

Once production begins, cancellations may not be possible, and fees may apply.

6. Payment Processing

All payments are processed securely through approved third-party payment gateways.

RER Global Ventures (Pty) Ltd is the legal payment recipient on behalf of Sellers.

The Platform does not store or have access to full card details.

Funds are received by Stone Connect, relevant commissions and fees are deducted, and remaining amounts are paid to Sellers.

6.1 Fraud Prevention & Verification

Stone Connect reserves the right to:

  • Delay or withhold payments for fraud checks
  • Request identity or order verification
  • Cancel suspicious orders

Failure to comply may result in cancellation or suspension.

7. Production, Delivery & Installation

Production and installation timelines depend on:

  • Supplier workload
  • Material availability
  • Weather conditions
  • Municipality / cemetery approvals
  • Site accessibility

Estimated timelines are provided by Sellers and may be subject to delay. Stone Connect is not liable for delays caused by Sellers or external factors.

8. Seller Responsibilities

Sellers must:

  • Provide accurate product information
  • Deliver workmanship consistent with the approved design
  • Meet agreed-upon timelines where reasonably possible
  • Comply with cemetery and municipal regulations
  • Communicate professionally with Buyers

Sellers assume full responsibility for the manufacturing and installation of products.

9. Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers are responsible for:

  • Providing correct inscription details
  • Confirming cemetery rules before ordering
  • Ensuring the grave or installation site is accessible
  • Providing accurate contact details and responding to communication

Failure to provide necessary information may lead to delays.

10. Marketplace Liability

Stone Connect acts solely as a facilitator.

Therefore:

  • Sellers are fully responsible for manufacturing quality, accuracy, and installation
  • Stone Connect is not liable for workmanship issues, delays, miscommunication, incorrect installations, or quality disputes

Stone Connect will, however, assist by:

  • Mediating disputes
  • Facilitating communication
  • Reviewing evidence
  • Proposing fair resolutions

Final responsibility for product quality lies with the Seller.

11. Cancellation Policy

Cancellations are only permitted before production begins.

If production has started, the order may be partially refundable or non-refundable depending on costs already incurred.

Cancellation fees may apply at the Seller's discretion.

12. Refunds & Disputes

Refunds will be considered when:

  • The Seller fails to deliver the approved design
  • There is substantial deviation from product specifications
  • Sellers fail to complete installation within a reasonable extended timeframe

Refunds may be issued by:

  • Adjusting the Seller's payout
  • Reversing the transaction (subject to gateway rules)

Stone Connect will review all available evidence from both parties before making a decision.

Chargebacks through banks may result in additional fees and extended resolution times.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by South African law:

  • Stone Connect is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Stone Connect is not responsible for Seller negligence, delays, errors, or poor workmanship
  • Stone Connect's total liability is limited to the commission earned on the affected transaction

Buyers acknowledge that all products are manufactured and installed by third-party Sellers.

14. Termination & Account Suspension

Stone Connect may suspend or terminate access to the Platform at its discretion for:

  • Fraud
  • Abuse
  • Policy violations
  • Non-cooperation during dispute investigations

Sellers may also be removed from the Platform for non-compliance.

15. Changes to Terms

Stone Connect may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the latest version.

16. Contact Information

Stone Connect / RER Global Ventures (Pty) Ltd
Email: support@stoneconnect.co.za
Phone: +27 83 574 7160
Pretoria, South Africa