In Plain English
- A show publishing licence is non-refundable after the show is live, except where law requires otherwise.
- Host societies decide refunds for entry fees, classes and showground extras under their published rules.
- Disease outbreaks, extreme weather and movement restrictions are handled with the organiser’s rules and applicable law.
- Payment-gateway fees may be non-refundable where they cannot be recovered.
1. Purpose and Framework
This Refund & Cancellation Policy governs refunds, cancellations, scratchings and event rescheduling across the SHOVIQ website, show-entry services and show-management application.
SHOVIQ, operated by Nico Technologies cc, provides entry processing, cataloguing and show-management software. It is not the event organiser, host society, judge or venue operator. Different rules therefore apply to a SHOVIQ platform publishing fee and to an organiser’s entry fees or showground extras.
This Policy is governed by South African law, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002.
2. Refund Framework
| Fee category | Paid by | Refund decision | General rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform publishing licence | Show organiser or society | SHOVIQ | Non-refundable after the show is live and public entries are open, except where law requires otherwise. |
| Exhibitor entry fees | Exhibitor or representative | Host organiser | Governed by the host organiser’s published schedule and rules. |
| Stabling, bedding, fodder and extras | Exhibitor or representative | Host organiser | Subject to venue deadlines and committed supplier costs. |
| Society levies and dues | Exhibitor or representative | Society or federation | Governed by the relevant society’s rules. |
| Payment processing fees | Payer | Payment provider | May be non-refundable when retained by the payment provider. |
3. Platform Publishing Licences
Show organisers may create an account, build classes, configure timetables, assign judges and test workflows in draft without paying a publishing licence.
The displayed platform licence becomes payable when an organiser chooses to publish the show and open public entries.
After a show is live and capable of receiving entries, the licence is earned and non-refundable except where required by law.
If a show cannot open for public entries because of a verified SHOVIQ platform failure that cannot reasonably be remedied, SHOVIQ may provide a refund or platform credit. The organiser should contact billing@shoviq.co.za.
4. Entry Fees, Levies and Extras
Entry fees, stabling, ground levies, bedding, fodder, catalogues and other show charges are determined by the host organiser. The host organiser decides related refunds under its published rules and applicable law.
4.1 Withdrawals
- A withdrawal before the official closing date is handled under the host organiser’s rules and may include a disclosed administration charge.
- A withdrawal after closing, after catalogue preparation or after supplier commitments may be non-refundable.
- A veterinary or medical withdrawal may require a certificate from an appropriately registered professional within the period stated in the show schedule.
4.2 Stabling and Logistics
Stabling and extras may become non-refundable after a venue allocation is made or a supplier has been instructed to provide bedding, fodder, temporary stables or another service.
5. Disease Outbreaks, Weather and Force Majeure
Events outside reasonable control may include:
- Severe weather, flooding, natural disaster or damage to showgrounds.
- A declared disaster, civil disruption or prolonged utility failure.
- State veterinary movement restrictions or quarantine, including African Horse Sickness, Foot-and-Mouth Disease or Avian Influenza controls.
When a show is postponed, the host organiser may move valid entries to the new date. An exhibitor who cannot attend should request a refund or credit under the organiser’s published postponement rules.
If a show is permanently cancelled, the host organiser’s rules determine available refunds after lawful and committed costs. SHOVIQ may facilitate bulk refunds or credits when instructed and funded by the host organiser.
6. Payment Processing Fees
Card, instant EFT and digital-wallet transactions may be processed by independent payment providers. When a refund is approved, a transaction charge retained by the payment provider may be non-refundable where permitted by law.
Refunds are normally made in South African Rand to the original payment method. Where that is not possible, verified bank details may be requested through an approved secure process. Do not email banking passwords, PINs or card security codes.
7. Requesting a Refund
For an entry, class, stabling or show-extra refund, contact the host organiser using the details in the show schedule or entry confirmation.
For a SHOVIQ platform billing query, email billing@shoviq.co.za with:
- Your name and contact number.
- The show name and dates.
- The show reference and invoice number.
- The animal and class details where relevant.
- The reason for the request and required supporting document.
Approved refunds are normally processed within 7 to 14 business days after all required verification has been received. A host organiser may publish a different lawful period in its schedule.
8. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
Please contact the host organiser or SHOVIQ billing desk before starting a chargeback so that an incorrect or duplicate charge can be investigated.
A fraudulent chargeback for a validly supplied service is a breach of the Terms & Conditions and may lead to account restrictions while the dispute is resolved. This does not limit lawful consumer rights.
9. Contact Details
- Billing and finance: billing@shoviq.co.za
- General support: shoviq@nicotechnologies.co.za
- Legal and compliance: shoviq@nicotechnologies.co.za
- Website: www.shoviq.co.za
Questions about this document?
Contact shoviq@nicotechnologies.co.za for legal, privacy and information requests.