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Terms of Service

Last updated: 27 March 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between Horizon Labs (Pty) Ltd ("Horizon Labs", "we", "us", or "our") and you ("Client", "you", or "your") for the provision of web development, digital marketing, SEO, social media management, and related services ("Services").

By engaging our Services, signing a service agreement, making payment, or accepting a proposal, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Our Services

Horizon Labs provides the following categories of services:

  • Web Development — Custom website design and development (primarily Next.js/React)
  • Digital Marketing — Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram) campaign management
  • SEO Optimization — Search engine optimization, keyword targeting, and reporting
  • Social Media Management — Content creation, scheduling, and community management
  • Add-On Modules — WhatsApp integration, live chat, booking systems, e-commerce, AI chatbots, POPIA compliance packages
  • Website Maintenance & Hosting — Ongoing updates, backups, and technical support

The specific scope, deliverables, timelines, and pricing for each project will be set out in a separate written proposal, quote, or service agreement ("Project Agreement").

2. Quotations and Proposals

  • All quotations are valid for 14 calendar days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated.
  • A quotation does not constitute a binding agreement. A contract is formed only when you confirm acceptance (in writing) and pay the required deposit.
  • Any changes to scope requested after a quotation is accepted may result in additional charges. We will provide a revised quote before proceeding with out-of-scope work.

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Deposit

A 50% deposit is required before any work commences, unless agreed otherwise in writing.

3.2 Final Payment

The remaining 50% balance is due before the final deliverable is handed over, deployed, or made publicly accessible.

3.3 Retainer Services

Monthly retainer fees (maintenance, SEO, social media management) are invoiced in advance and due within 5 business days of invoice date.

3.4 Add-On Modules

Add-on modules are paid in full before development begins.

3.5 Overdue Payments

Invoices not paid within the agreed timeframe are subject to:

  • A late payment reminder at 7 days overdue
  • Interest of 2% per month on outstanding amounts from the due date
  • Suspension of access to delivered work or hosted services until payment is received

3.6 Currency

All prices are quoted and payable in South African Rand (ZAR). We accept EFT to our South African bank account.

4. Project Delivery and Timelines

  • Standard website projects are delivered within 5–10 business days from the date all content and assets are received from the Client.
  • E-commerce and complex projects are delivered within 2–3 weeks.
  • Timelines are estimates and contingent on timely receipt of content, feedback, and approvals from the Client.
  • We will notify you if we anticipate a delay beyond the estimated delivery date.

5. Client Responsibilities

To enable us to deliver our Services, the Client agrees to:

  • Provide all required content (text, images, logos, brand assets) promptly and in a usable format.
  • Provide timely feedback and approvals within 3 business days of receiving deliverables for review.
  • Ensure that all content supplied does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights.
  • Provide necessary access to third-party platforms where required for project delivery.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Client Owns Final Deliverables

Upon receipt of full and final payment, Horizon Labs assigns all intellectual property rights in the final, delivered website and custom materials to the Client.

6.2 Portfolio Rights

Horizon Labs reserves the right to display completed work in our portfolio, on our website, and in marketing materials, unless the Client expressly requests confidentiality in writing.

6.3 Third-Party Components

The delivered website may incorporate open-source components and third-party libraries. Ownership of those components remains with their respective owners.

6.4 Work Not Yet Paid For

Work in progress that has not been paid for in full remains the property of Horizon Labs until the applicable payment is received.

7. Confidentiality

Each party agrees to keep confidential any proprietary or sensitive information disclosed by the other party. This obligation survives termination for a period of 2 years.

8. Warranties

8.1 Horizon Labs Warranties

We warrant that we will perform the Services with reasonable skill and care, that the Services will conform substantially to the agreed scope, and that we have the right to provide the Services.

8.2 No Guarantee of Results

While we will use our best efforts, Horizon Labs does not guarantee specific business outcomes such as increased sales, leads, rankings, or revenue from the Services.

9. Limitation of Liability

Horizon Labs' total liability to the Client for any claim shall not exceed the total fees paid in the 3 months preceding the event. Neither party shall be liable for any indirect, special, consequential, or incidental loss, including loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunity.

10. Defects and Support

  • If the delivered website contains a defect caused by our work, we will fix it at no charge if reported within 30 days of delivery.
  • After the 30-day warranty period, defect fixes are covered by a maintenance retainer or charged at our standard rate.
  • This warranty does not apply to defects caused by changes made by the Client or third parties, platform changes, or incompatible hosting.

11. Modification of Services

Either party may propose modifications by submitting a written request. Horizon Labs will provide a revised quote within 3 business days. No modification is binding unless confirmed in writing by both parties.

12. Termination

12.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate an ongoing project or retainer by giving 14 days' written notice to hello@horizonlabs.co.za. You will pay for all work completed. The deposit is non-refundable.

12.2 Termination by Horizon Labs

Horizon Labs may terminate immediately if:

  • The Client fails to pay within 15 days of the due date after written notice.
  • The Client commits a material breach not remedied within 10 business days of notice.
  • The Client engages in unlawful or abusive conduct.

12.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, all outstanding invoices become immediately due. Horizon Labs will provide all completed deliverables for which payment has been received. IP rights already transferred remain with the Client.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Good Faith Negotiation

If a dispute arises, the parties must first attempt to resolve it through good-faith negotiation within 15 business days of a written Dispute Notice.

13.2 Mediation

If not resolved by negotiation, either party may refer the dispute to mediation by a mutually agreed independent mediator. Costs are shared equally.

13.3 Arbitration

If not resolved within 30 days, either party may refer the dispute to arbitration under the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) in Johannesburg. The award is final and binding.

13.4 Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. For matters not subject to arbitration, the parties consent to the jurisdiction of the South Gauteng High Court.

14. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for delay or failure caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including: acts of God, power outages (including load shedding), floods, fire, labour disputes, government actions, pandemics, or internet service disruptions.

The affected party must notify the other in writing as soon as practicable. If the event continues for more than 30 days, either party may terminate the affected portion without further liability.

15. Data Protection and POPIA

Both parties shall comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA). In delivering the Services, Horizon Labs may process personal information on behalf of the Client and acts as an Operator under POPIA. The Client, as the Responsible Party, is responsible for ensuring their website has an appropriate privacy policy and lawful basis for processing visitor data.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full details.

16. General Provisions

  • Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with any applicable Project Agreement and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement.
  • Severability: If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions continue in full force.
  • No Waiver: Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver.
  • Assignment: The Client may not assign rights without prior written consent. Horizon Labs may assign in connection with a business sale.
  • Independent Contractors: The parties are independent contractors. Nothing creates an employment or partnership relationship.
  • Amendments: Horizon Labs may amend these Terms with 14 days' written notice to existing Clients.

17. Contact Us

For any questions about these Terms:

  • Horizon Labs (Pty) Ltd
  • Email: hello@horizonlabs.co.za
  • Phone/WhatsApp: +27 68 373 5905
  • Website: horizonlabs.co.za

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.