Terms of Service
Last Updated: 04 November 2026
Welcome to MyStories (Pty) Ltd. These Terms and Conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of our website, mystories.co.za.
Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to MyStories (Pty) Ltd. By accessing or using any part of the site and/or purchasing something from us, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service, including any additional terms, conditions and policies referenced herein or available via hyperlink. These Terms apply to all users of the site.
If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you may not access the website or use any services.
1. Overview of Services
MyStories is a South African business that creates and publishes personalised children’s books. Each MyStories book is uniquely customised based on the name and selected features of the main character.
Our website is powered by WooCommerce, which provides the online e-commerce platform through which we offer and sell our products.
2. Order Processing & Delivery
Orders are processed and sent to our printers within 1–5 business days, typically on Monday and/or Thursday mornings.
- Printing takes an additional 4–7 business days, including a quality check. If any issue is found, the book will be reprinted (allow an additional 3–5 business days).
- Delivery takes 1–5 business days within South Africa, using The Courier Guy or similar.
- International delivery takes 15–30 business days, depending on destination and customs clearance. Please note, international shipping does not include customs duties, taxes or insurance.
You will receive email updates throughout the process, including a follow-up email after delivery. Tracking is provided via BobGo.
Delivery times are estimates and may be affected by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
3. Product Representation
- Colours may vary slightly from screen to printed book.
- Each book is hand-bound, and minor cosmetic variations (e.g. small spine dents) may occur.
Such variations do not automatically constitute defects, provided the product meets applicable quality standards.
4. Returns & Refunds
Due to the customised nature of our products, we do not generally accept returns or offer refunds for change of mind once an order has been processed or printed.
However, this does not affect your rights under applicable South African consumer protection legislation.
Refunds or replacements may be provided where a product is defective, damaged or does not meet applicable quality standards.
If you experience a problem with your order:
- Please notify us as soon as possible, preferably within 7 days of receiving your order, at [email protected].
- Include your order number and clear colour photographs of the issue.
- Retain the packaging materials where possible to assist with our investigation.
The preferred 7-day notification period does not limit any statutory rights that may apply.
Where required by law, customers may request an appropriate repair, replacement or refund.
Refer to our Returns & Refunds Policy for further details.
5. Cancellations
- You may cancel your order before it goes to print for a full refund.
- If printing has begun, only the shipping fee will ordinarily be refunded.
- Once your order has been shipped, cancellations are generally no longer possible, except where required by applicable law.
As our books are personalised and manufactured according to customer specifications, certain statutory cooling-off rights may not apply.
Nothing in this section limits cancellation rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.
6. Promotional Vouchers & Marketing
- Promotional vouchers and discount codes may be subject to specific validity periods and conditions communicated at the time of issue.
- Promotional offers may be amended, withdrawn or cancelled where permitted by law.
- We reserve the right to investigate and prevent fraudulent or unauthorised use of promotional codes.
- Promotional vouchers are separate from purchased gift cards, which are governed by Section 7.
MyStories may request permission to feature customers’ personalised book covers or elements of their orders in marketing materials.
Where marketing materials contain identifiable personal information, including children’s names, images or other personal details, we will obtain any consent required by applicable privacy legislation.
7. Gift Cards
MyStories Gift Cards are digital gift vouchers that can be purchased and redeemed online at www.mystories.co.za.
Validity
- Gift cards issued under our current gift-card terms are valid for 1,350 days (approximately 3 years and 8½ months) from the date of issue.
- Gift cards may be redeemed until their full value has been used or the applicable validity period has expired, whichever occurs first.
- Gift cards issued before the introduction of this validity period remain subject to the terms applicable at the time of issue.
Purchase & Delivery
- Gift cards are purchased online and delivered electronically to the recipient’s email address provided at checkout.
- Customers are responsible for ensuring that the recipient’s email address is entered correctly.
- Each gift card contains a unique redemption code.
Redemption & Remaining Balance
- Gift cards can be redeemed towards eligible purchases through the MyStories online store.
- A gift card may be used across multiple purchases until its balance has been fully redeemed or the card expires.
- Any unused balance remains available during the card’s validity period.
- If an order exceeds the gift card’s remaining balance, the difference must be paid using another accepted payment method.
- Gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash, except where required by applicable law.
Lost or Misused Gift Cards
- Customers should keep their gift-card codes secure.
- MyStories is not responsible for unauthorised use of a gift-card code unless such loss results from our own failure to comply with applicable legal obligations.
- Customers who suspect that a gift card has been lost, stolen or used without permission should contact us at [email protected].
MyStories reserves the right to investigate suspected fraudulent use of gift cards and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable consumer protection laws.
8. Bundle Discounts
- Bundle deals are valid for a set period and cannot be combined with other discounts unless stated.
- We reserve the right to cancel or change bundle deals at any time, subject to applicable law.
- Misuse may result in cancellation of your order.
9. Optional Tools & Third-Party Links
We may offer tools or link to third-party websites. Use of these is at your own risk and subject to their terms. We do not monitor or endorse third-party content.
10. Accuracy of Billing and Account Information
You agree to provide current, accurate information for all purchases. We may cancel or limit orders at our discretion, subject to applicable law.
11. Personal Information
Your submission of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, in accordance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
12. Disclaimer of Warranties; Limitation of Liability
Use of our website and services is subject to these Terms and applicable law.
While MyStories takes reasonable care to provide accurate product information, quality products and reliable services, we cannot guarantee that our website will always operate without interruption or technical errors.
To the extent permitted by law, MyStories will not be liable for indirect or consequential losses arising from the use of our website or services.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts any warranty, remedy, consumer right or liability that cannot legally be excluded under applicable South African law.
13. Indemnification
To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless MyStories, its employees and affiliates from claims or demands arising from your unlawful use of our website, infringement of third-party rights or breach of these Terms.
14. Severability
If any part of these Terms is found unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining sections will remain in effect.
15. Termination
We reserve the right to terminate or suspend access to our services for breach of these Terms, subject to applicable law.
16. Entire Agreement
These Terms, along with our policies, constitute the full agreement between you and MyStories, subject to any rights and obligations imposed by applicable law.
17. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of South Africa.
18. Changes to Terms of Service
We may update these Terms by posting revised versions on our website.
Updated Terms will generally apply from the date of publication and will not automatically alter the conditions of purchases or gift cards issued before the changes took effect.
Continued use of the website after publication of updated Terms constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms to the extent permitted by applicable law.
19. Custom Book Projects
MyStories may occasionally accept requests for custom book design, layout or printing services. These projects are considered individually and are subject to availability, agreed pricing and specific project requirements.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that any text, illustrations or other materials supplied for printing may legally be used and do not infringe third-party intellectual property rights.
Where a digital proof is provided, customers are responsible for reviewing and approving the content, spelling and layout before printing.
Original content supplied by the customer remains their property. Production and layout files created by MyStories remain the property of MyStories unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Custom printing projects are subject to our applicable Returns & Refunds Policy and any additional terms agreed upon before the project begins. Nothing in this section limits customers’ statutory consumer rights.
20. Contact Information
For questions regarding these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
MyStories (Pty) Ltd
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mystories.co.za