Terms of Service for Suspected Faulty Electronic Devices with Micro Fix
1. Definitions
1.1 “Micro Fix” means Micro Fix, the electronic diagnostics and repair service provider.
1.2 “Customer” means the person or entity submitting a device for assessment, diagnostics, repair, refurbishment, or related services.
1.3 “Device” means any electronic, electrical, or electromechanical equipment submitted to Micro Fix.
1.4 “Services” includes diagnostics, testing, repair, refurbishment, parts replacement, soldering, board-level work, software-related services, and related technical services.
1.5 “CPA” means the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act No. 68 of 2008), as amended.
2. Scope of Services
2.1 Micro Fix provides diagnostic, repair, refurbishment, and related technical services on consumer, commercial, and industrial electronic equipment.
2.2 Services are performed using reasonable care, skill, and generally accepted industry practices, subject to:
- These Terms & Conditions; and
- Applicable South African law, including the CPA.
2.3 Micro Fix does not guarantee that every device or fault will be repairable or economically viable to repair.
3. Acceptance & Application
3.1 By submitting a device for service, the Customer acknowledges and accepts these Terms & Conditions.
3.2 These Terms apply to all assessments, quotations, diagnostics, repairs, and related services unless otherwise agreed in writing.
3.3 Where required by Section 49 of the CPA, any clause that may limit risk, liability, or impose obligations on the Customer is drawn to the Customer’s attention and accepted upon submission of the device.
4. Diagnostic Services
4.1 Preliminary Diagnostic Assessment
A preliminary diagnostic assessment may include:
- Visual inspection
- Basic functional testing
- Limited non-invasive disassembly
This assessment is intended to identify likely faults but may not reveal all underlying issues.
Diagnostic Fee Waiver
Where a preliminary assessment fee is waived, such waiver applies only if:
- The Customer approves the quoted repair; and
- The approved repair successfully resolves the reported fault.
If additional faults are discovered or the issue requires further investigation, advanced diagnostics may be required at additional cost.
4.2 Advanced Diagnostics
Advanced diagnostics may include:
- Board-level testing
- Component-level fault tracing
- Use of schematics, thermal analysis, microscopes, or specialised equipment
- Extended labour-intensive investigation
Conditions:
- Advanced diagnostics are chargeable services;
- Work proceeds only after Customer approval;
- Payment may be required upfront;
- Due to the complexity of electronic faults, no guaranteed outcome is provided.
4.3 High-Risk Diagnostics & Repairs
Certain devices carry elevated repair risk, including devices affected by:
- Liquid damage
- Corrosion
- Prior repair attempts
- Burn damage or electrical shorts
- Severe physical damage
The Customer acknowledges that:
- Diagnostic or repair attempts may result in partial or complete device failure;
- Certain faults may worsen during testing due to pre-existing damage;
- Fees for authorised diagnostic labour remain payable even where repair is unsuccessful, provided services were performed with reasonable care and skill.
Nothing in this clause limits any rights the Customer may have under the CPA.
5. Quotations & Repair Authorisation
5.1 Quotations may be issued as either:
- Fixed-price quotations; or
- Estimated price ranges.
5.2 Where the final repair cost falls within an approved quoted range, no additional approval is required.
5.3 Additional approval will be obtained before exceeding the approved quotation or scope of work.
5.4 Approval may be provided via:
- Signed documentation
- WhatsApp or other electronic communication
- Recorded verbal confirmation
5.5 Quotations are generally valid for 7 (seven) calendar days unless otherwise stated.
6. Repair Outcomes & Technical Limitations
6.1 Micro Fix undertakes to perform authorised services with reasonable care and skill.
6.2 The Customer acknowledges that:
- Electronic repairs involve inherent technical uncertainty;
- Some faults may be intermittent, latent, or economically impractical to repair;
- A successful repair of one fault may reveal unrelated underlying defects;
- Certain repairs may reduce water resistance, adhesive integrity, or manufacturer sealing.
6.3 Where a repair attempt is unsuccessful:
- Diagnostic and authorised labour charges may still apply;
- Additional diagnostics or replacement parts may be recommended at additional cost.
7. Parts & Components
7.1 Replacement parts used may include:
- New parts
- Refurbished parts
- Compatible equivalent parts
7.2 Original manufacturer parts are supplied only where expressly specified and available.
7.3 Micro Fix is not responsible for delays or inability to complete repairs arising from:
- Supplier shortages
- Discontinued parts
- Shipping delays
- Manufacturer restrictions
- Compatibility limitations
8. Data Protection & Backup
8.1 The Customer is solely responsible for backing up and removing sensitive or confidential data before submitting a device.
8.2 While reasonable care will be taken, Micro Fix does not guarantee preservation of data during diagnostics or repair.
8.3 To the extent permitted by law, Micro Fix shall not be liable for data loss, corruption, or software issues unless caused by gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
8.4 The Customer authorises Micro Fix to access the device only as reasonably necessary to perform diagnostics, testing, or repair services.
9. Turnaround Times
9.1 Any turnaround time provided is an estimate only and not a guarantee.
9.2 Delays may occur due to:
- Diagnostic complexity
- Parts procurement
- Supplier delays
- Workload capacity
- Unforeseen technical complications
10. Storage, Collection & Uncollected Devices
10.1 Devices must be collected within 30 (thirty) calendar days after:
- Notification that the device is ready for collection;
- Communication that no further work will proceed; or
- Issuing of a quotation where the Customer does not respond.
10.2 Micro Fix may charge reasonable storage fees for devices not collected within the above period.
10.3 If a device remains uncollected for more than 90 (ninety) calendar days despite reasonable attempts to contact the Customer, the device may be regarded as abandoned, subject to applicable law.
10.4 Micro Fix reserves the right, where legally permitted, to recover outstanding costs through lawful disposal, recycling, or sale of abandoned devices.
10.5 Any action taken under this clause will be subject to applicable provisions of the CPA and any other relevant South African law.
11. Payment Terms
11.1 Payment may be required:
- Upfront for diagnostics, deposits, or special-order parts; or
- Upon completion of repairs.
11.2 Micro Fix reserves the right to retain possession of a device until all outstanding amounts relating to authorised services have been paid.
11.3 Accepted payment methods may include:
- EFT
- Debit or credit card payments
- Other approved electronic payment methods
12. Warranty
12.1 Any warranty provided applies only to:
- The specific repair performed; or
- The specific replacement component supplied.
12.2 Warranty periods may vary depending on the nature of the repair or component used.
12.3 Warranty does not cover:
- Liquid damage
- Physical or accidental damage
- Power surges or electrical instability
- Misuse or negligence
- Software-related issues unless specifically repaired
- New faults unrelated to the original repair
- Tampering or third-party repair attempts
12.4 Any warranty becomes void if the device is opened, modified, or repaired by an unauthorised third party after service by Micro Fix.
12.5 Where applicable under the CPA, warranty remedies may include repair, replacement, or refund, depending on the circumstances and nature of the defect.
13. Limitation of Liability
13.1 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability where such exclusion is prohibited under the CPA or other applicable law.
13.2 Subject to applicable law, Micro Fix shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, incidental, or special damages, including loss of profits, business interruption, or loss of data.
13.3 To the extent permitted by law, Micro Fix’s liability arising from any service shall be limited to the amount actually paid by the Customer for the relevant service giving rise to the claim.
14. Customer Responsibilities
The Customer agrees to:
14.1 Provide accurate information regarding device faults and history;
14.2 Remove passwords, activation locks, or security restrictions where necessary for authorised testing;
14.3 Ensure lawful ownership or authority to submit the device for repair;
14.4 Remove SIM cards, memory cards, and accessories unless required for testing.
15. Communication & Electronic Consent
15.1 The Customer consents to communication from Micro Fix via:
- SMS
- Telephone (for drop off appointments or device collections)
- WhatsApp or other electronic messaging platforms
15.2 Electronic communications and approvals constitute valid records of consent and authorisation.
16. Right of Refusal & Unrepairable Devices
16.1 Right of Refusal
Micro Fix reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or discontinue services where reasonably necessary, including where:
- A device presents safety risks;
- The required repair is not technically feasible;
- Parts or technical information are unavailable;
- The estimated repair cost is economically unreasonable relative to the device value;
- Unlawful ownership or activity is suspected;
- The Customer declines required approvals or payments.
16.2 Unrepairable Devices
A device may be classified as unrepairable where:
- Faults cannot reasonably be diagnosed;
- Required parts are unavailable or discontinued;
- Damage is too extensive for reliable repair;
- Further work is likely to cause additional instability or failure.
Authorised diagnostic and labour charges incurred up to that stage remain payable.
16.3 Partial Repairs
Where only a partial repair is possible:
- The Customer may elect whether to proceed;
- No guarantee is given regarding full restoration of functionality;
- Any warranty applies only to the specific work completed.
16.4 Device Condition After Diagnostics
The Customer acknowledges that certain diagnostic or repair procedures may require significant or delicate disassembly.
Where reasonably necessary:
- Devices may be returned partially disassembled;
- Original waterproofing, seals, adhesives, clips, or cosmetic condition may not always be fully restorable.
Micro Fix will nevertheless exercise reasonable care during handling and reassembly.
17. General Provisions
17.1 If any provision of these Terms is found unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in force.
17.2 These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
17.3 Micro Fix may amend these Terms from time to time, provided any amendments comply with applicable law.
17.4 A current version of these Terms will be made available on request and on the Micro Fix website.