VMC CONSULTANCY (PTY) LTD
RETURNS, REFUNDS & CANCELLATION POLICY
1. INTRODUCTION
This Returns, Refunds & Cancellation Policy ("Policy") explains the circumstances in which VMC Consultancy (PTY) LTD ("VMC Consultancy", "we", "us" or "our") accepts returns, processes refunds and handles cancellations relating to our products, courses and professional services. VMC Consultancy operates an ecosystem that includes, among other initiatives:

  • VMC Consultancy; 
  • VMC Learning Hub; 
  • Shaped by Psychology; 
  • PsychEdufied Shop; 
  • Afriwesternism; 
  • books, journals, guides and educational resources; 
  • digital products; 
  • courses and online learning; 
  • consulting and professional services; 
  • training and workshops; and 
  • other products and services introduced from time to time. 
This Policy should be read together with our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Where a specific product, course, programme or professional service has additional cancellation or refund terms, those terms will apply together with this Policy. Nothing in this Policy is intended to exclude, restrict or waive any consumer right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable law.
2. LEGAL INFORMATION
Legal Name: VMC Consultancy (PTY) LTD

Registration Number: 2011/127390/07

Email: info@vmcconsultancy.com

Telephone: +27 71 925 3666

Website: https://www.vmcconsultancy.com/

Returns, Refunds & Cancellation Enquiries: info@vmcconsultancy.com

3. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
VMC Consultancy aims to treat customers fairly and transparently. Our approach is based on the following principles:

  1. 1. customers should receive products and services substantially consistent with what was offered and agreed; 
  2. 2. defective or materially non-conforming products will be dealt with in accordance with applicable consumer law; 
  3. 3. customers will not be deprived of statutory rights through this Policy; 
  4. 4. refund and cancellation conditions will be communicated as clearly as reasonably possible before purchase or engagement; 
  5. 5. cancellation fees, where applicable, will be reasonable in the circumstances; and 
  6. 6. each refund or cancellation request will be considered according to the nature of the transaction, the stage at which cancellation occurs and applicable law. 
South Africa's Consumer Protection Act provides consumers with statutory protections relating to the quality of goods and services and, in specified circumstances, remedies for defective goods.
4. TYPES OF PURCHASES COVERED
This Policy applies, where relevant, to:

  • physical books; 
  • printed educational resources; 
  • journals; 
  • workbooks; 
  • educational guides; 
  • children's educational resources; 
  • Digital Products; 
  • e-books; 
  • downloadable resources; 
  • online courses; 
  • Learning Hub programmes; 
  • Learning Hub memberships where introduced; 
  • workshops; 
  • training programmes; 
  • coaching and mentoring; 
  • consulting Services; 
  • Individualised Educational Plans; 
  • educational support Services; and 
  • other VMC Consultancy products or Services.
5. PHYSICAL PRODUCTS
Physical products may include books, journals, workbooks, educational resources and other products sold through the PsychEdufied Shop or another VMC Consultancy sales channel.
5.1 Products Received in Good Condition
Customers should inspect their products after delivery. Where a product is received in the condition described and is free from a qualifying defect, VMC Consultancy generally does not accept returns simply because the customer has changed their mind. This may include circumstances where:

  • the customer no longer wants the product; 
  • the customer ordered the wrong product; 
  • the customer ordered the wrong quantity; 
  • the customer later found the product elsewhere at a lower price; or 
  • the customer expected the product to be different despite the product having been accurately described. 
This provision is subject to any statutory cancellation or return right that may apply to a particular transaction.
6. DEFECTIVE, DAMAGED OR INCORRECT PRODUCTS
If a physical product:

  • arrives damaged; 
  • contains a material defect; 
  • is materially different from the product description; 
  • is not reasonably suitable for its ordinary intended purpose; or 
  • is otherwise subject to a statutory consumer remedy, the customer should contact VMC Consultancy at info@vmcconsultancy.com. 
Please provide:

  • your name; 
  • order number; 
  • date of purchase; 
  • description of the problem; 
  • photographs where relevant; and 
  • any other information reasonably required to assess the matter. 
VMC Consultancy may request that the product be returned or inspected. Where the customer has a statutory right to a remedy, the applicable remedy will be provided in accordance with the law. Under section 56 of the Consumer Protection Act, qualifying goods carry an implied warranty of quality, and within six months after delivery a consumer may return qualifying defective goods without penalty and at the supplier's risk and expense, with the consumer's statutory remedies applying as provided by the Act.
7. PRODUCTS DAMAGED DURING DELIVERY
If a product appears to have been damaged during delivery, customers should notify VMC Consultancy as soon as reasonably possible. Where possible, customers should:

  • photograph the external packaging; 
  • photograph the damaged product; 
  • retain the packaging until the matter is resolved; and 
  • provide the order or delivery information. 
VMC Consultancy will assess the circumstances and, where appropriate, arrange an applicable remedy. Where a statutory remedy applies, nothing in this section limits that remedy.
8. INCORRECT PRODUCT DELIVERED
If VMC Consultancy sends an incorrect product, please contact us at info@vmcconsultancy.com. Subject to verification, we may arrange:

  • replacement with the correct product; or 
  • another appropriate remedy. 
Where the incorrect product was supplied as a result of VMC Consultancy's error, we will take reasonable steps to resolve the matter without unfairly imposing the associated correction costs on the customer.
9. CHANGE-OF-MIND RETURNS
VMC Consultancy generally does not accept change-of-mind returns for physical products. This means that a customer cannot ordinarily return a correctly supplied, non-defective product simply because they:

  • changed their mind; 
  • no longer need it; 
  • purchased it accidentally; 
  • prefer another product; or 
  • no longer want it. 
However, this general position does not override any statutory cancellation or return right that applies to a particular transaction.
10. DIGITAL PRODUCTS
Digital Products may include:

  • e-books; 
  • PDFs; 
  • downloadable guides; 
  • journals; 
  • worksheets; 
  • templates; 
  • educational resources; 
  • digital learning materials; and 
  • other electronically supplied products.
10.1 General Position
Because Digital Products may be supplied electronically and accessed immediately, VMC Consultancy generally does not provide refunds simply because a customer changes their mind after the Digital Product has been supplied or access has been provided.
10.2 Defective or Incorrect Digital Products
A customer should contact us if a Digital Product:

  • is corrupted; 
  • cannot reasonably be accessed; 
  • is materially different from its description; 
  • contains a material technical defect; or 
  • was not the Digital Product purchased. 
We may, depending on the circumstances:

  • correct the problem; 
  • provide a replacement file; 
  • restore access; 
  • provide an equivalent product; or 
  • provide an appropriate refund where required or justified.
10.3 Unauthorised Distribution
A customer may not obtain a refund by falsely claiming that a Digital Product was defective or inaccessible. VMC Consultancy may investigate suspected fraudulent refund claims. Nothing in this section prevents a customer from exercising a lawful consumer remedy.
11. ONLINE COURSES AND LEARNING HUB PRODUCTS
VMC Learning Hub courses may be free or paid. Paid courses may have specific:

  • enrolment periods; 
  • access periods; 
  • commencement dates; 
  • completion requirements; 
  • certificate requirements; 
  • cancellation periods; and 
  • refund conditions. 
Where specific terms are displayed before purchase, those terms form part of the relevant transaction.
12. COURSE CANCELLATION BEFORE COMMENCEMENT
A learner may request cancellation before the scheduled commencement of a paid course. Depending on the circumstances, VMC Consultancy may retain a reasonable portion of the course fee to cover costs already incurred. Any applicable cancellation fee will be communicated in the course-specific terms or quotation where reasonably possible. The cancellation fee will be considered in light of factors including:

  • how much notice was provided; 
  • whether course materials or access credentials have already been issued; 
  • whether places or resources were reserved; 
  • administrative costs; 
  • whether the place can reasonably be filled by another learner; and 
  • the nature of the course. 
A cancellation fee will not be applied in a manner that unlawfully defeats a statutory consumer right.
13. COURSE CANCELLATION AFTER ACCESS HAS COMMENCED
Where a learner cancels after receiving access to course materials, learning activities or other course resources, VMC Consultancy may retain a greater proportion of the course fee than would ordinarily apply to a cancellation before commencement. The amount retained may depend on:

  • the amount of course content already accessed; 
  • the period of access already provided; 
  • whether assessments have commenced; 
  • whether personalised support has been provided; 
  • administrative and platform costs; and 
  • the specific course terms. 
Where appropriate, the applicable cancellation formula or percentage will be communicated before purchase.
14. COURSE COMPLETION AND NON-ATTENDANCE
A learner's failure to attend, participate in or complete a course does not automatically create a right to a refund. For example, a refund will not ordinarily be available merely because a learner:

  • does not attend scheduled sessions; 
  • stops participating; 
  • does not complete assignments; 
  • does not log into the Learning Hub; or 
  • chooses not to complete the course. 
This does not affect any statutory right that may apply.
15. COURSE CANCELLATION BY VMC CONSULTANCY
VMC Consultancy reserves the right to cancel, postpone or materially change a course or programme where reasonably necessary. Reasons may include:

  • insufficient enrolment; 
  • technical difficulties; 
  • instructor availability; 
  • operational circumstances; 
  • force majeure events; 
  • changes to the programme; 
  • safety considerations; or 
  • circumstances beyond our reasonable control. 
Where VMC Consultancy cancels a paid course and cannot provide an appropriate alternative, we will provide an appropriate remedy in accordance with the applicable agreement and law. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

  • transferring the learner to another course date; 
  • providing alternative access; 
  • providing a credit; or 
  • providing a refund.
16. CERTIFICATES
Where a course includes a certificate of completion, cancellation before completion may mean that the learner does not qualify for the certificate. Certificates are generally issued only where the applicable course completion requirements have been met. Certificates of completion are not automatically accredited qualifications.
17. WORKSHOPS, TRAINING AND EVENTS
Cancellation terms for workshops, training sessions and events may vary depending on:

  • whether the event is online or in person; 
  • the number of participants; 
  • venue commitments; 
  • facilitator commitments; 
  • materials prepared; 
  • notice of cancellation; and 
  • whether the place can reasonably be allocated to another participant. 
Where a specific cancellation deadline and fee apply, these will be communicated before booking. Where no specific cancellation terms are provided, VMC Consultancy will apply this Policy and applicable law.
18. CONSULTING AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Professional Services may include consulting, educational support, programme design, research, training, coaching, mentoring, Individualised Educational Plans and related Services.

Professional engagements may require:

  • 100% payment upfront; 
  • a 50% deposit; 
  • milestone payments; 
  • invoicing; or 
  • another payment arrangement. 
The applicable arrangement will be stated in the quotation, proposal, invoice or service agreement.
19. CANCELLATION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BY THE CLIENT
A client may request cancellation of a professional engagement by contacting VMC Consultancy in writing. The financial consequences of cancellation will depend on:

  • the terms of the service agreement; 
  • the amount of work already completed; 
  • preparation already undertaken; 
  • third-party costs already incurred; 
  • resources or appointments already reserved; 
  • notice provided; and 
  • applicable law. 
Where a reasonable cancellation fee is permitted, VMC Consultancy may retain an amount corresponding to work performed and reasonable costs incurred. VMC Consultancy will not use a cancellation fee as a means of unfairly penalising a client.
20. CANCELLATION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BY VMC CONSULTANCY
VMC Consultancy may cancel or terminate a professional engagement where reasonably necessary, including where:

  • the client materially breaches the agreement; 
  • required information is not provided; 
  • the client fails to make required payments; 
  • continued engagement becomes impractical; 
  • circumstances create a material conflict or ethical concern; 
  • the client engages in abusive or threatening conduct; or 
  • circumstances beyond VMC Consultancy's reasonable control prevent the service from continuing. 
Where VMC Consultancy cancels an engagement for reasons attributable to VMC Consultancy and payment has been received for Services that have not been provided, an appropriate refund or other remedy will be considered in accordance with the applicable agreement and law.
21. DEPOSITS
Where a professional engagement requires a deposit, the deposit may be used to secure:

  • professional time; 
  • consultation appointments; 
  • preparation; 
  • research; 
  • materials; 
  • venue arrangements; 
  • third-party services; or 
  • other resources required for the engagement. 
Whether a deposit is refundable will depend on the applicable service agreement and the circumstances of cancellation. Any amount that represents payment for Services already rendered or reasonable costs already incurred may be retained to the extent permitted by law.
22. INDIVIDUALISED EDUCATIONAL PLANS
Where a client commissions an Individualised Educational Plan or similar personalised educational resource, work may begin before final delivery. Once substantial personalised work has commenced, cancellation may result in VMC Consultancy retaining an amount reasonably corresponding to:

  • consultation time; 
  • assessment of information provided; 
  • research; 
  • planning; 
  • drafting; 
  • meetings; 
  • professional preparation; and 
  • other work already completed. 
Where a client cancels before work begins, the refund position will depend on the applicable quotation or agreement and any reasonable administrative costs incurred.
23. NO REFUND FOR UNAUTHORISED SHARING OR ACCESS
Where a user has:

  • shared login credentials; 
  • distributed paid course access; 
  • shared a paid Digital Product; 
  • uploaded purchased Content publicly; or 
  • otherwise breached the applicable Terms, VMC Consultancy may suspend or terminate access. 
A breach of intellectual-property or access rules does not automatically create a right to a refund. This does not limit any statutory consumer rights.
24. REFUND METHOD
Where a refund is approved, VMC Consultancy will generally process the refund using the original payment method where reasonably possible. For transactions processed through PayPal, refunds may be processed through PayPal or another appropriate method. The time required for a refund to appear in a customer's account may depend on:

  • payment-provider processing times; 
  • banking systems; 
  • international payment systems; and 
  • other circumstances outside VMC Consultancy's direct control. 
VMC Consultancy will provide reasonable confirmation once a refund has been processed.
25. INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS
VMC Consultancy may sell physical and digital products and provide Services to customers internationally. International customers acknowledge that:

  • delivery times may vary; 
  • customs procedures may apply; 
  • import duties may apply; 
  • destination-country taxes may apply; 
  • currency conversion may affect the final amount charged; 
  • international payment providers may impose their own fees; and 
  • certain consumer rights may arise under the customer's local law. 
Nothing in this Policy is intended to unlawfully exclude mandatory consumer rights applicable to an international customer.
26. SHIPPING COSTS ON RETURNS
Where a return is required because:

  • a product is defective; 
  • the wrong product was supplied; or 
  • another circumstance creates a statutory or contractual obligation on VMC Consultancy to bear the return cost, VMC Consultancy will take reasonable steps to handle the applicable return costs in accordance with the law and the circumstances. 
Where a return is permitted solely as a discretionary courtesy and not because of a defect, error or statutory right, the customer may be responsible for return delivery costs.
27. HOW TO REQUEST A RETURN OR REFUND
Requests should be submitted to:

Email: info@vmcconsultancy.com

Please include:

  • full name; 
  • contact details; 
  • order number or invoice number; 
  • product/course/service purchased; 
  • date of purchase; 
  • amount paid; 
  • reason for the request; 
  • photographs or supporting evidence where relevant; and 
  • preferred resolution, where applicable. 
VMC Consultancy may request additional information where reasonably necessary to assess the request.
28. REVIEW OF REFUND REQUESTS
VMC Consultancy may review each refund or cancellation request individually. We may consider:

  • the nature of the purchase; 
  • the date of purchase; 
  • the product or Service involved; 
  • whether access has been provided; 
  • whether the product has been used; 
  • whether the product is defective; 
  • whether Services have already been performed; 
  • whether third-party costs have been incurred; 
  • the reason for cancellation; 
  • the amount of notice provided; 
  • applicable statutory rights; and 
  • any specific agreement governing the transaction. 
We will endeavour to communicate the outcome of a refund request within a reasonable period.
29. FRAUDULENT OR ABUSIVE REFUND REQUESTS
VMC Consultancy reserves the right to investigate suspected fraudulent or abusive refund requests. Examples may include:

  • falsely claiming that a product was never delivered; 
  • falsely claiming that a product was defective; 
  • deliberately damaging a product and claiming that it arrived damaged; 
  • repeatedly requesting refunds after consuming or accessing a service; 
  • providing false information; 
  • using another person's payment details without authorisation; or 
  • exploiting technical or administrative errors. 
Where fraud is suspected, VMC Consultancy may take appropriate steps to protect its business and customers, subject to applicable law.
30. PROMOTIONAL, DISCOUNTED AND BUNDLED PRODUCTS
Promotional offers, discounted products and bundles may have specific terms. Where special terms apply, they will be communicated as part of the relevant offer. A discount does not automatically remove statutory consumer rights. Where a bundle is purchased as a single promotional package, the refund treatment may depend on the nature of the bundle and whether individual components have already been supplied or used.
31. FREE PRODUCTS AND FREE COURSES
Free resources and free courses generally do not qualify for monetary refunds because no purchase price has been paid. VMC Consultancy may nevertheless correct access, technical or administrative problems where reasonably possible. Free resources may be modified, withdrawn or replaced from time to time.
32. GIFT PURCHASES
Where products are purchased as gifts, any refund will generally be processed in accordance with the original transaction and payment method. The person who made the purchase may therefore need to initiate the refund request.
33. THIRD-PARTY PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
Where a product or service is supplied by a third party through a VMC Consultancy platform or marketplace, additional terms may apply. The applicable seller, supplier or service provider may be responsible for fulfilment, warranties or refunds. Where this applies, the relevant product or service page should identify the applicable arrangements.
34. CONSUMER RIGHTS
Nothing in this Policy is intended to:

  • exclude statutory consumer rights; 
  • waive mandatory warranties; 
  • restrict a lawful cancellation right; 
  • prevent a consumer from making a complaint to an appropriate authority; 
  • exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded; or 
  • create a contractual term prohibited by applicable law. 
Where applicable law provides a consumer with a greater right or remedy than this Policy provides, the law will prevail. The South African Government has specifically described the CPA as providing consumers with protections concerning goods and services, including remedies for unsatisfactory goods and statutory warranty protections.
35. DISPUTES AND COMPLAINTS
If you are dissatisfied with a product, Service, cancellation decision or refund decision, please contact:

VMC Consultancy (PTY) LTD

Email: info@vmcconsultancy.com

Telephone: +27 71 925 3666

We encourage customers to give us an opportunity to investigate and resolve complaints directly. Nothing in this Policy prevents a consumer from exercising a statutory right to approach an appropriate regulator, ombud, tribunal, court or other dispute-resolution mechanism.

36. PRIVACY
Information submitted during a return, refund or cancellation request may include personal information. VMC Consultancy will process such information in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable privacy legislation.

The VMC Consultancy Privacy Policy is available at: https://www.vmcconsultancy.com/privacy-policy/

37. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
VMC Consultancy may update this Policy from time to time. The updated Policy will be published on the relevant website and will state the applicable effective date. Changes will not retrospectively remove rights that have already accrued under applicable law or an existing agreement.
38. GOVERNING LAW
This Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, subject to mandatory provisions of applicable law. For international customers, mandatory consumer protections that cannot lawfully be excluded will continue to apply.
39. CONTACT INFORMATION
For all Returns, Refunds and Cancellation enquiries:

VMC Consultancy (PTY) LTD

Registration Number: 2011/127390/07

Email: info@vmcconsultancy.com

Telephone: +27 71 925 3666

Website: https://www.vmcconsultancy.com/

40. EFFECTIVE DATE
Effective Date: 06/09/2026

Last Updated: 06/09/2026

VMC Consultancy (PTY) LTD