1. Scope

This Refund Policy applies to all website development, WooCommerce builds, hosting, care plans, optimisation services, advertising services, consulting, AI-assisted services, and technical work provided under the Webbuilder brand, operated by Esterhuizen Consulting & Coaching (ECCSA).

This policy forms part of the Webbuilder legal framework and must be read together with the Webbuilder Consolidated Legal Framework.

2. Custom Digital Services

Website development, configuration, migration, optimisation, advertising setup, consulting, automation, AI-assisted services, and technical services are customised digital services rendered to specification.

Once work has commenced, no refunds will be issued.

For purposes of this policy, “work has commenced” includes but is not limited to:

• Issuing access requests

• Creating development environments

• Installing software

• Performing configuration

• Conducting audits or analysis

• Commencing design or setup work

• Booking time or allocating resources

Deposits and milestone payments for custom services are non-refundable once work has commenced.

3. Hosting Services

Hosting services are billed in advance and are non-refundable once the hosting period has commenced.

No refunds will be provided for:

• Partial usage

• Downtime

• Suspension

• Termination due to breach

• Client cancellation

Clients remain responsible for cancellation before renewal dates.

4. Monthly Care Plans & Recurring Services

Monthly care plans and recurring technical services are billed in advance.

• Fees for an active billing cycle are non-refundable.

• Cancellation must be provided in writing prior to the next billing cycle.

• No pro-rata refunds are issued for partial months unless required by law.

5. Google Ads & Paid Advertising Services

Management fees for Google Ads and paid advertising services are non-refundable once work has commenced.

Advertising spend paid directly to advertising platforms (e.g., Google) is non-refundable and governed by the platform’s own policies.

No refunds are issued for campaign performance, lead volume, or return on ad spend.

6. SEO, Optimisation & AI Services

SEO services, optimisation work, diagnostics, and AI-assisted services are non-refundable once commenced.

Search rankings, traffic outcomes, and AI visibility results are not guaranteed and do not constitute grounds for refund.

7. Third-Party Costs

Fees paid to third-party providers are non-refundable, including but not limited to:

• Premium plugins

• Themes

• Licences

• Hosting providers

• Domain registrations

• Security services

• Software subscriptions

• Advertising platforms

Such fees are governed by the third-party provider’s terms.

8. Cancellations Prior to Commencement

Where services are cancelled before work has commenced, a refund may be considered at Webbuilder’s discretion, less:

• Administrative costs

• Payment processing fees

• Third-party costs already incurred

9. Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

Initiating a chargeback without prior written engagement to resolve a dispute may constitute breach of contract.

Webbuilder reserves the right to:

• Suspend services

• Recover chargeback fees

• Pursue recovery of outstanding amounts

10. Consumer Protection Act

Nothing in this policy limits any rights that may apply under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, where applicable.

Where CPA cooling-off rights apply, they will be honoured in accordance with statutory requirements.

Is This Now Sufficient?

Yes — with this version:

• Deposits are protected

• Milestones are protected

• Hosting disputes are reduced

• Care plan disputes are reduced

• Ads disputes are reduced

• SEO disputes are reduced

• Chargeback exposure is reduced

• CPA compliance is acknowledged

This is now commercially defensible in South Africa, particularly for B2B and SME clients.