Returns Policy
At Smart Lifestyle CC, we are committed to supplying quality products and providing professional after-sales support. If you experience an issue with a product purchased from us, we will work with you to resolve it fairly and in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008 (“CPA”).
1. Faulty or Defective Products
If you believe a product is faulty or defective, please notify Smart Lifestyle as soon as reasonably possible.
To assist in diagnosing the reported issue, we may request photographs, videos, serial numbers, software versions or other relevant technical information before determining the appropriate course of action.
Where appropriate, products may be referred to the manufacturer, authorised distributor or an approved service provider for technical assessment. This assessment helps determine whether the reported issue is the result of:
- A manufacturing defect;
- Incorrect installation or configuration;
- Compatibility with third-party equipment;
- Environmental conditions;
- Software or firmware configuration; or
- Normal product operation.
Following the assessment, where a manufacturing defect is confirmed, Smart Lifestyle will provide the remedies available under the Consumer Protection Act and any applicable manufacturer’s warranty.
2. Specialist Technology Products
Many of the products supplied by Smart Lifestyle , including projectors, interactive displays, conferencing systems, audio equipment, networking products and home theatre systems, are specialist technology products.
Performance may vary depending on factors including installation, room acoustics, lighting, network performance, compatibility with third-party equipment, calibration, software configuration and intended application.
A customer’s dissatisfaction with image quality, sound characteristics, user interface, operational features or other subjective performance expectations does not, on its own, establish that a product is defective.
Where a product is found, following technical assessment, to be operating within the manufacturer’s published specifications and free from manufacturing defects, dissatisfaction arising solely from subjective preferences, perceived performance or suitability for a particular application does not, on its own, establish that the product is defective or automatically entitle the purchaser to a refund.
3. Installation, Use and Product Care
Many products supplied by Smart Lifestyle require installation, configuration or commissioning in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and accepted industry practices.
Unless installation services have been expressly contracted with Smart Lifestyle , customers are responsible for ensuring that products are installed, configured and operated correctly.
Damage, malfunction or performance issues arising from any of the following are generally not considered manufacturing defects:
- Incorrect installation or commissioning;
- Failure to follow the manufacturer’s installation, operating or maintenance instructions;
- Incompatible or unsupported third-party equipment;
- Electrical faults, power surges or inadequate power protection;
- Accidental damage, misuse, neglect or abuse;
- Unauthorised repairs, modifications or alterations;
- Environmental conditions outside the manufacturer’s published operating specifications; or
- Normal wear and tear.
Where a reported fault is determined, following technical assessment, to have resulted from any of the above causes rather than a manufacturing defect, the matter may fall outside the scope of the applicable manufacturer’s warranty. Where possible, Smart Lifestyle will provide reasonable assistance in identifying an appropriate solution or repair option.
Nothing in this section limits or excludes any rights afforded to consumers under the Consumer Protection Act.
4. Product Selection and Suitability
Any recommendations provided by Smart Lifestyle are based solely on the information supplied by the customer at the time of enquiry.
Customers are responsible for providing all relevant technical specifications, compatibility requirements, project information, tender requirements and intended application before placing an order.
Where products are supplied in accordance with the customer’s requested model, specification or purchase order, Smart Lifestyle cannot reasonably assess compliance with technical or project requirements that were not disclosed before the order was placed.
If you are uncertain whether a product is suitable for your intended application, please contact us before placing your order so that we can assist in selecting an appropriate solution.
5. Returns of Correctly Supplied Products
Where no statutory right of return exists under the Consumer Protection Act, requests to return correctly supplied, non-defective goods will be considered at Smart Lifestyle’s discretion.
Any such request may be subject to:
- Supplier approval;
- The condition of the goods;
- Inspection upon return;
- Applicable restocking charges;
- Recovery of courier or handling costs; and
- Whether the products remain suitable for resale as new.
Approval of one discretionary return does not create an obligation to approve future requests.
6. Special Order and Non-Stock Products
Products specially ordered, customised, configured or procured specifically for a customer’s requirements may not be eligible for return except where the Consumer Protection Act provides otherwise.
7. Before Returning a Product
Please contact Smart Lifestyle before returning any product.
Products returned without prior authorisation may experience delays while ownership, warranty status and the reason for return are verified.
Where appropriate, our technical team may work with you to identify whether the reported issue can be resolved through configuration, firmware updates, compatibility checks or manufacturer-recommended settings before a return is authorised.
8. Handling Fees
Where a return or exchange is requested for reasons other than a defective product or any right afforded to the consumer under the Consumer Protection Act, Smart Lifestyle may charge a handling or restocking fee of 15% of the purchase price, taking into account the condition of the returned goods and any reasonable costs incurred.
Returned items must be complete and, where applicable, in their original packaging and in a condition suitable for resale.
Unless otherwise required by the Consumer Protection Act, delivery charges and the cost of returning goods are non-refundable and remain the responsibility of the customer.
Nothing in this policy limits or excludes any rights afforded to consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, including rights relating to defective, damaged or incorrectly supplied goods.
9. Software, Firmware and Compatibility
Certain products rely on third-party software, cloud services, operating systems or firmware updates supplied by their respective manufacturers.
Smart Lifestyle cannot be held responsible for changes made by third-party manufacturers that alter functionality, compatibility or supported features after the date of purchase.
Where reasonably possible, we will assist customers in obtaining available updates or manufacturer support.
10. No Fault Found Assessments
Where a product returned for assessment is found to be operating within the manufacturer’s published specifications and no manufacturing defect is identified, Smart Lifestyle reserves the right to recover reasonable inspection, testing, shipping or handling costs where permitted by applicable law.
11. Warranty Claims
Any manufacturer’s warranty applies in addition to, and does not replace or limit, any rights afforded to consumers under the Consumer Protection Act.
Where necessary, products may be inspected, tested or assessed before a warranty claim can be approved.
Warranty assessments are typically completed within 7–14 business days, subject to the turnaround times of the manufacturer, authorised distributor or approved service provider.
12. Our Commitment
Smart Lifestyle is committed to resolving customer concerns professionally, fairly and efficiently.
Nothing contained in this policy limits, excludes or restricts any rights afforded to consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008.