Terms of Service

Last updated: 18 May 2026

These terms govern your use of ZimLayby — the layby platform operated by Layby Africa for retailers in Zimbabwe. By creating an account, applying for a layby, or using the platform, you agree to these terms. We've kept the language plain.

1. What we are

ZimLayby is a platform that lets Zimbabwean retailers (the "Shop") offer layby (lay-by) plans to their customers (you), with the technology, accounts, and messaging handled by us. We're not the seller — the Shop is. We provide:

• The application form you fill in
• The customer portal where you track your laybys
• The receipts, agreements, and statements
• The WhatsApp and SMS reminders
• The unified account at zimlayby.com/me across all participating shops

The Shop sets the price, holds the items, takes payment, and delivers the goods. We provide the rails.

2. Who can use ZimLayby

To apply for a layby on our platform, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Zimbabwean resident with a valid National ID
• Have a working WhatsApp-capable phone number
• Provide accurate information about yourself

3. How a layby works

Application

You browse the Shop's catalogue, pick the items you want, and choose a payment plan (typically 4–48 weeks, weekly, biweekly, or monthly). You submit an application with your details. The Shop reviews and either accepts or asks to discuss.

Deposit

To activate the layby, you pay a deposit (typically 20% of the total, or as agreed with the Shop). Once the deposit is received, the Shop reserves your items in their storeroom — they are set aside for you and won't be sold to anyone else.

Instalments

You pay the remaining balance over the agreed period. You can pay any amount, any time toward your balance — the instalment schedule is a suggestion, not a hard requirement, but you must finish paying by the agreed end date.

Collection

Once you've paid the full amount, you collect your items from the Shop. We send you a final receipt and your account marks the layby as complete.

4. No interest, no hidden fees

The price on your agreement is the price you pay. There is no interest. There are no hidden charges. If a small administration fee applies in specific situations (e.g. cancellation), it will be disclosed clearly before you commit.

5. Changing your plan

You can request changes to your layby (different items, longer payment period, change of schedule) through the customer portal or by contacting the Shop directly. The Shop reviews each change request. Changes agreed in advance carry no penalty. Don't disappear — talk to us, and we'll work something out.

6. Cancellation and refunds

You may cancel a layby at any time:

• Before the items are collected: you'll receive a refund of payments made, less a reasonable cancellation fee (typically 10% of payments made, capped at the deposit amount). The Shop will confirm the exact figure when you request cancellation.
• After items are collected: the layby is complete. Standard return / warranty terms of the Shop apply (these vary by Shop and product).

If we cancel your layby (for example, because we can no longer source an item), you receive a full refund of everything paid.

7. Default and forfeiture

If you stop paying and we can't reach you for an extended period (typically 60 days past your final due date), the Shop may declare the layby in default. In that case:

• The Shop releases the reserved items
• You receive a refund of payments made, less the cancellation fee described above
• We will always try to contact you before declaring a default — WhatsApp, SMS, and your next of kin if provided

Talk to us early if you're struggling. We'd much rather restructure a plan than cancel.

8. Your obligations

• Provide accurate information
• Keep your contact details up to date in your portal
• Tell us if you change phone numbers
• Pay on time (or talk to us before you miss a payment)
• Collect your items within a reasonable period after completing payment (typically 30 days)

9. Our obligations

• Hold your items aside once the deposit is paid
• Provide a portal where you can track everything in real time
• Send you reminders before payments are due
• Issue receipts for every payment
• Be reachable on WhatsApp and respond to messages within one business day
• Protect your personal information per our Privacy Policy

10. Item availability

Most layby items are stock items that the Shop has on hand. Occasionally an item may become unavailable between when you apply and when payment is complete (e.g. discontinued model). In that case the Shop will offer you a comparable replacement or a full refund — your choice.

11. Limitation of liability

The Shop is responsible for the items themselves (quality, condition, delivery). ZimLayby is responsible for the platform (account, payments tracking, messaging). Our liability to you is limited to the amount you've paid toward the affected layby. We're not responsible for indirect or consequential losses.

12. Termination of your account

You can close your account any time by emailing us at support@zimlayby.com. We can suspend or close your account if you breach these terms (e.g. fraudulent applications, abusive messages to staff). We'll always try to reach out first.

13. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms. If changes are significant, we'll notify you through your portal or by message at least 14 days before the change takes effect.

14. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of Zimbabwe. Any dispute that we can't resolve directly will be heard in the courts of Zimbabwe.