Last Updated: July 2026
Welcome to Acorns Collect.
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the relationship between Acorns Collect (Pty) Ltd (“Acorns Collect”, “we”, “our” or “us”) and every individual, company or organisation (“Client”, “you” or “your”) that engages us to provide services.
Our aim is simple: to build long-term relationships through honest communication, quality work and clear expectations. These Terms exist to ensure that both parties understand their responsibilities from the beginning of every project.
Whether we’re building a website, developing your brand, managing your marketing, providing strategic consulting or delivering ongoing support, these Terms form the foundation of our working relationship.
By requesting a quotation, accepting a proposal, signing a Service Level Agreement (“SLA”), approving work, paying an invoice, or otherwise engaging Acorns Collect to provide services, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms and agree to be bound by them.
If a separate written agreement, proposal or SLA has been signed between Acorns Collect and the Client, that document will apply together with these Terms. Where there is a conflict between the two, the signed project-specific agreement will take precedence only for the clauses that specifically differ. In all other respects, these Terms continue to apply.
These Terms apply to all products and services supplied by Acorns Collect unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.
You are deemed to have accepted these Terms when you:
If you are accepting these Terms on behalf of a company, trust, partnership or other legal entity, you warrant that you have the authority to bind that entity to this agreement.
Acorns Collect (Pty) Ltd is a South African creative and digital agency specialising in strategic thinking, creative execution and digital growth.
Services are detailed in the relevant Proposal, Quotation or SLA. Also see section 7.
The availability of any particular service will always be subject to the specific quotation or proposal provided to the Client.
We believe that the best work comes from collaboration.
Successful projects require commitment from both Acorns Collect and our Clients. While we are responsible for delivering professional services with skill, care and diligence, the success of a project also depends on timely communication, clear decision-making and active participation by the Client.
We value transparency over surprises, relationships over transactions and quality over shortcuts.
Think of these Terms as the legal foundation of every engagement with Acorns Collect.
Your working relationship with us may consist of several documents, each serving a different purpose:
Document | Purpose |
Terms of Service | The general legal terms that apply to all clients and engagements. |
Proposal or Quotation | Defines the scope of work, pricing, timelines and deliverables. |
Service Level Agreement (where applicable) | Sets out ongoing services, response times, support levels and any additional contractual terms. |
Approved Change Requests | Records any agreed changes to scope, pricing or timelines after work has commenced. |
Invoices | Confirm fees payable and payment due dates. |
Together, these documents form the complete agreement between Acorns Collect and the Client.
At Acorns Collect, we believe that clear expectations are the foundation of successful partnerships.
Our proposals, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and these Terms of Service are not intended to create unnecessary complexity or favour one party over the other. They exist to ensure that everyone has a shared understanding of the services being provided, the responsibilities of each party and how we work together throughout a project.
We encourage every Client to read these documents carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. We’re always happy to explain any clause or discuss reasonable amendments where appropriate for larger or more complex engagements.
Our goal is transparency, not fine print.
While we generally prefer to work under a signed proposal or Service Level Agreement, there may be occasions where work begins without a formal contract being executed.
In those circumstances, these Terms of Service, together with any accepted quotation, proposal, email correspondence or payment received, will constitute the agreement between Acorns Collect and the Client to the fullest extent permitted by law.
By requesting that work commence, accepting a quotation, approving a proposal or making payment, the Client confirms their acceptance of these Terms.
We recognise that some Clients, particularly larger organisations, government entities or corporate groups, may require amendments to our standard terms or the use of their own procurement agreements.
Acorns Collect is happy to review and negotiate reasonable contractual amendments where appropriate. Any agreed variations must be recorded in writing and signed by both parties. Unless expressly varied in writing, these Terms of Service will continue to apply.
We live and work in a digital environment.
Accordingly, you agree that electronic communications may constitute legally binding acceptance of agreements between us.
Without limitation, acceptance may be evidenced by:
No physical signature is required where electronic acceptance clearly demonstrates the Client’s intention to proceed.
From time to time, we may update these Terms to reflect changes in legislation, technology, our services or the way we conduct business.
Updated Terms will always be published on our website together with the effective date.
Any revised Terms will apply to new projects entered into after the publication date.
Existing signed agreements will continue to be governed by the version of the Terms that applied when that agreement was accepted, unless both parties agree otherwise in writing.
We know that Terms of Service aren’t usually anyone’s favourite read.
We’ve written these Terms in plain English because we believe legal documents should be understandable, not intimidating. Our intention isn’t to hide behind fine print or create unnecessary complexity, it’s to set clear expectations so we can focus on what we do best: creating exceptional work and building lasting partnerships.
If anything in these Terms is unclear, we’d much rather have a conversation before a project begins than a disagreement after it ends.
Welcome to Acorns Collect.
Let’s build something remarkable together.
Acorns Collect provides creative, strategic and digital services to businesses across a range of industries. Every engagement is tailored to the individual needs of each Client.
Our services may include, but are not limited to:
Not every service forms part of every project. The services to be provided will always be detailed in the relevant quotation, proposal, Service Level Agreement (“SLA”) or other written agreement.
All quotations and proposals issued by Acorns Collect are based on the information available at the time they are prepared.
Unless otherwise stated in writing:
If the project requirements change after a quotation has been accepted, Acorns Collect reserves the right to revise pricing, timelines and deliverables accordingly.
Acceptance of a quotation authorises Acorns Collect to allocate resources and schedule work.
Every project begins with an agreed scope of work.
The scope defines what Acorns Collect has been engaged to deliver and is recorded within the proposal, quotation or SLA.
Only the work specifically described in those documents is included in the agreed fee.
Any request that falls outside the agreed scope will be considered additional work and may require:
Where practical, we will always discuss additional costs before carrying out work outside the agreed scope.
Creative projects naturally evolve, and we understand that priorities may change as new ideas emerge.
Where a Client requests changes after work has commenced, Acorns Collect will assess whether the requested changes:
Where changes significantly alter the agreed project, we may issue a revised quotation or Change Request before continuing.
This ensures that expectations remain aligned for both parties.
Examples of work that is generally considered outside the original scope include (unless specifically quoted):
This list is not exhaustive.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, all timelines provided by Acorns Collect are estimates.
Project schedules depend on numerous factors, including:
While we make every reasonable effort to meet agreed delivery dates, we cannot guarantee specific completion dates where delays occur outside our reasonable control.
Many project delays occur because required information is not received when expected.
Where the Client delays a project by failing to provide:
project timelines will automatically be extended by the duration of the delay, together with any reasonable time required for Acorns Collect to reschedule resources.
Repeated or lengthy delays may result in the project being placed back into our production schedule, which could affect the final completion date.
Acorns Collect shall not be liable for losses arising from delays caused by the Client.
If a project becomes inactive because the Client has not responded or supplied the required information for more than 60 consecutive days, Acorns Collect may place the project on hold.
If no communication is received for 90 consecutive days, we reserve the right to archive the project.
Archived projects may incur:
This policy exists because project resources cannot remain indefinitely reserved.
Certain services are billed on an hourly basis rather than a fixed project fee.
Examples include:
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
Current hourly rates are available on request or will be confirmed in the relevant quotation.
Where the Client engages Acorns Collect on a monthly retainer:
Either party may terminate a retainer in accordance with the applicable agreement or SLA.
Meetings are an important part of successful projects.
Where meetings are included within the agreed scope, they will be identified in the proposal.
Additional meetings requested by the Client may be billed at our applicable hourly rate.
Time spent preparing for, attending and following up on meetings may be included as billable time where appropriate.
Advice, recommendations and strategic guidance provided by Acorns Collect are based on our professional experience, industry knowledge and the information available to us at the time.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, consulting services constitute professional advice only.
Final business decisions remain the responsibility of the Client.
Our role extends beyond executing instructions, we provide strategic thinking, creative direction and professional advice based on our experience.
There may be occasions where we recommend against a particular approach because we believe it is unlikely to achieve the Client’s objectives, may negatively affect user experience, brand integrity or technical performance, or may expose the Client to unnecessary risk.
While the final decision always rests with the Client, Acorns Collect reserves the right to decline requests that are unlawful, unethical, technically unsound or likely to compromise the quality, security or reputation of our work.
To deliver certain services, Acorns Collect may recommend or engage reputable third-party suppliers, including but not limited to:
While we carefully select our suppliers, we do not control their operations and cannot guarantee their availability, pricing, timelines or performance.
Acorns Collect is not responsible for delays, interruptions, outages or losses caused by third-party suppliers beyond our reasonable control.
Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, Acorns Collect acts as an independent contractor.
Nothing contained within these Terms creates a partnership, employment relationship, joint venture or agency relationship between Acorns Collect and the Client.
Each party remains responsible for its own business operations, tax obligations and legal compliance.
This chapter establishes one of the core principles of our working relationship:
A quotation defines what is included. Anything outside that agreed scope becomes a conversation, not an assumption.
That protects both Acorns Collect and the Client by ensuring expectations remain clear throughout the life of a project.
At Acorns Collect, we believe the best results come from genuine collaboration.
While we are responsible for providing professional advice, creative thinking and technical expertise, the success of any project also depends on the Client’s participation throughout the process.
We commit to delivering our services with care, professionalism and attention to detail. In return, we ask that our Clients provide clear communication, timely feedback and the information required for us to do our best work.
To enable us to deliver services efficiently, the Client agrees to:
Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in project delays, revised timelines or additional fees where additional work becomes necessary.
Each project should have one primary contact person authorised to communicate with Acorns Collect.
Unless otherwise agreed, we will rely on instructions, approvals and decisions received from that representative.
Acorns Collect is not responsible for delays or misunderstandings arising from conflicting instructions received from multiple people within the Client’s organisation.
Should the Client wish to change their appointed representative, written notice should be provided as soon as reasonably possible.
Unless otherwise agreed, the Client is responsible for supplying all information required to complete the project.
This may include:
Unless copywriting services have been specifically quoted, Acorns Collect is not responsible for creating or rewriting content on behalf of the Client.
The Client warrants that all information supplied to Acorns Collect is accurate, lawful and up to date.
While we may assist with formatting, presentation and general recommendations, we are not responsible for independently verifying the factual accuracy of information supplied by the Client.
This includes, but is not limited to:
The Client accepts responsibility for reviewing all content before publication.
The Client confirms that it owns, or has obtained the necessary licences and permissions to use, all content supplied to Acorns Collect.
This includes:
The Client agrees to indemnify Acorns Collect against any claim arising from unauthorised use of such material.
Where the Client supplies content generated through artificial intelligence tools, the Client remains responsible for ensuring that such content:
Acorns Collect may recommend edits or improvements but does not independently verify the originality or legality of AI-generated content supplied by the Client.
Projects often move through several stages before completion.
The Client agrees to review work carefully at each milestone and provide consolidated feedback wherever reasonably possible.
Approval of any project phase indicates that the work completed to that stage has been accepted.
Once approval has been given, subsequent changes may be treated as additional work and billed accordingly.
Unless otherwise stated in the proposal or quotation, revision rounds are limited to those included within the agreed scope.
A revision means refining or adjusting previously presented work, not requesting an entirely new creative direction.
Examples of revisions include:
Examples of work that is generally considered outside the scope of revisions include:
Additional revisions beyond those included may be charged at our applicable hourly rate.
To keep projects moving efficiently, we ask Clients to provide feedback within five (5) business days, unless another timeframe has been agreed.
Where feedback is delayed, project timelines may be adjusted to reflect resource availability and production scheduling.
Acorns Collect will always endeavour to accommodate delayed feedback where possible but cannot guarantee original delivery dates once a project has fallen behind schedule.
Our standard business hours are:
Monday to Friday
08:30 – 17:00 (South African Standard Time)
excluding South African public holidays.
Communications received outside these hours will generally be treated as received at the start of the next business day.
While our team may occasionally respond outside business hours, this should not be interpreted as an ongoing expectation or availability.
We understand that genuine emergencies occasionally arise.
Requests received outside normal business hours that require immediate attention may be treated as emergency support.
Emergency requests may include:
Where Acorns Collect agrees to provide emergency support outside normal business hours, an emergency or urgency fee may apply in accordance with the applicable rate communicated to the Client or set out in the relevant agreement.
We reserve the right to determine whether a request constitutes an emergency.
Routine requests, content changes, design amendments or general enquiries are not considered emergencies.
To ensure projects remain organised and properly documented, we encourage communication through agreed business channels such as:
While messaging platforms such as WhatsApp may be used for convenience, important approvals, contractual changes, scope amendments and project decisions should be confirmed in writing via email or another agreed written platform.
Acorns Collect is not responsible for misunderstandings arising from fragmented or undocumented conversations across multiple communication channels.
Where access to websites, hosting platforms, social media accounts, advertising platforms or other digital services is required, the Client agrees to provide the necessary credentials in a secure manner.
Acorns Collect will take reasonable steps to safeguard confidential access information but cannot be held responsible for:
Clients remain responsible for maintaining appropriate security practices for their own accounts.
Acorns Collect is committed to maintaining a respectful, professional and inclusive working environment for both our Clients and our team.
We do not tolerate abusive, threatening, discriminatory or intimidating behaviour towards any member of our team or our trusted contractors.
Where such behaviour occurs, we reserve the right to:
Outstanding fees for work completed up to the date of termination will remain payable.
We believe that successful projects are built on transparency, mutual respect and timely collaboration.
When both parties communicate openly and make decisions promptly, projects run more smoothly, creative outcomes improve and long-term partnerships flourish.
Our goal is never simply to deliver a project, it is to become a trusted extension of your team.
We’ll always communicate honestly, explain our recommendations, keep you informed, respect your deadlines where reasonably possible, and treat your business as if it were our own.
In return, we ask for timely feedback, clear communication and mutual respect. That’s how great partnerships are built.
Our fees are based on the scope of work, estimated time, level of expertise required and any third-party costs associated with delivering the agreed services.
Unless otherwise stated:
We reserve the right to review our pricing periodically. Updated pricing will apply only to new quotations, new engagements or renewal agreements unless otherwise agreed in writing.
For project-based work, Acorns Collect may require a deposit before work commences.
The required deposit will be specified in the quotation or proposal.
Work will generally only be scheduled once the required deposit has been received and cleared.
Deposits allow us to allocate resources, reserve production time and commence planning for your project.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, deposits are non-refundable once work has commenced.
Invoices may be issued:
Invoices will be delivered electronically to the Client’s nominated email address unless another arrangement has been agreed.
It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that Acorns Collect has the correct billing information and that invoices are directed to the appropriate contact person or accounts department.
Failure to receive an invoice due to incorrect contact details does not remove the Client’s obligation to make payment.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all invoices are payable within seven (7) calendar days from the invoice date.
Payments should be made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) using the banking details provided on the invoice.
For international Clients, payment may also be made via PayPal or another agreed international payment platform.
Where PayPal or another third-party payment platform is used, Acorns Collect reserves the right to recover any applicable transaction or currency conversion fees unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Payment is regarded as received only once the funds have cleared into Acorns Collect’s nominated bank account or payment platform.
We understand that delays can occasionally happen. If you anticipate difficulty in meeting a payment deadline, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so that we can discuss an appropriate solution.
Where payment remains outstanding after the due date and no alternative arrangement has been agreed, Acorns Collect reserves the right to:
Where recovery through legal or debt collection processes becomes necessary, the Client may be responsible for reasonable legal, tracing and collection costs to the extent permitted by applicable law.
If the Client is dissatisfied with any aspect of our services, we ask that they notify Acorns Collect as soon as reasonably possible.
We are committed to resolving concerns fairly, professionally and in good faith. Before withholding payment, appointing another service provider or commencing legal proceedings (except where immediate legal relief is required), both parties agree to make reasonable efforts to discuss the issue and seek an amicable resolution.
Most concerns can be resolved quickly through open communication, and we value the opportunity to address them before they escalate.
Maintaining a healthy cash flow allows us to continue providing quality service to all our Clients.
Where an account becomes overdue, Acorns Collect may suspend any or all services until the outstanding balance has been paid.
Services that may be suspended include, but are not limited to:
Suspension of services does not constitute termination of the agreement and does not waive the Client’s obligation to pay outstanding amounts.
Acorns Collect will resume services as soon as reasonably practicable after payment has been received and cleared, subject to production scheduling.
Where work has been suspended because of overdue payments or extended inactivity, Acorns Collect will make every reasonable effort to recommence the project promptly.
However, production resources may have been allocated to other Clients during the suspension period.
As a result:
We will always communicate any revised timelines before recommencing work.
Certain services require products or services supplied by independent third parties.
Examples include:
Unless otherwise agreed:
Where Acorns Collect purchases services on behalf of the Client, reimbursement may be required before renewal or purchase.
If the Client believes that an invoice has been issued incorrectly, we ask that they notify us as soon as reasonably possible so that the matter can be investigated and resolved in good faith.
Initiating a payment reversal or chargeback without first attempting to resolve the matter directly may result in the immediate suspension of services while the dispute is investigated.
Where a payment dispute is found to be unfounded and services have already been delivered, the Client may be responsible for any reasonable costs incurred by Acorns Collect in responding to the dispute or recovering the outstanding amount.
Because our services involve the allocation of professional time, expertise and creative resources, refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Unless required by law or otherwise agreed in writing:
If a project is cancelled by the Client after work has commenced, the Client remains responsible for payment of all work completed up to the effective date of cancellation, together with any non-recoverable third-party costs incurred on the Client’s behalf.
Nothing in this clause limits any rights that a Client may have under the South African Consumer Protection Act where applicable.
Where applicable, Value-Added Tax (VAT) will be charged in accordance with South African tax legislation.
Clients remain responsible for any taxes, duties, withholding taxes or similar charges applicable within their own jurisdiction, unless expressly stated otherwise in writing.
We believe that clear pricing builds strong relationships.
If anything about an invoice, quotation or fee is unclear, we encourage our Clients to contact us before payment becomes due. We are always happy to explain our pricing, discuss the scope of work or clarify how charges have been calculated.
Open communication helps us resolve questions quickly and maintain the trusted relationships we value.
Wherever reasonably possible, we will discuss additional costs with the Client before undertaking work outside the agreed scope. While unexpected technical issues or urgent requests may occasionally require immediate attention, we will always endeavour to keep the Client informed of any additional fees before they are incurred.
Creativity, strategy and technical expertise are at the heart of everything we do.
Throughout the course of a project, Acorns Collect may create designs, written content, websites, software, marketing materials, strategies, documentation and other deliverables specifically for the Client.
At the same time, Acorns Collect has developed its own methods, templates, systems, processes and expertise over many years. These remain our intellectual property unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.
These Terms are intended to fairly distinguish between work created specifically for the Client and the tools, knowledge and assets that enable us to create that work.
Subject to full payment of all outstanding invoices, ownership of the final approved deliverables created specifically for the Client will transfer to the Client unless otherwise stated in the relevant proposal or agreement.
Final deliverables may include, where applicable:
Ownership transfers only once all fees relating to the project have been paid in full.
Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, Acorns Collect retains ownership of its existing and independently developed intellectual property, including but not limited to:
These resources may continue to be used by Acorns Collect in future projects.
Unless specifically included in the proposal, Clients purchase the agreed final deliverables rather than Acorns Collect’s internal production files.
Working files may include:
These remain the property of Acorns Collect unless their transfer has been specifically quoted and agreed in writing.
Where a Client requests working files after project completion, Acorns Collect may provide them subject to:
Unless expressly agreed otherwise:
Nothing in these Terms prevents Acorns Collect from reusing its own general development techniques or reusable software components in future projects.
Acorns Collect may use AI-assisted technologies to improve efficiency, research, drafting, ideation and production.
All client-facing deliverables remain subject to human review and professional judgement.
Many projects rely on third-party software, themes, plugins, fonts, images, APIs or other licensed resources.
Ownership of these products remains with their respective owners.
The Client agrees to comply with all applicable third-party licence agreements.
Acorns Collect cannot transfer ownership of software or licences that it does not own.
Where licences are purchased by Acorns Collect on behalf of the Client, ongoing renewal fees remain the Client’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed.
The Client retains ownership of all intellectual property supplied to Acorns Collect, including:
The Client grants Acorns Collect a non-exclusive licence to use these materials solely for the purpose of delivering the agreed services.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Acorns Collect may display completed work within:
We will always endeavour to present our Clients professionally and respectfully.
Where confidentiality obligations prevent public disclosure, we will honour those obligations.
As a general principle, Acorns Collect believes that digital assets should be owned by the Client wherever reasonably possible.
Where practical, we recommend that accounts such as:
be created in the Client’s own name.
Where Acorns Collect creates or administers an account on behalf of the Client, ownership of that account remains with the Client unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Acorns Collect may retain administrative access for the duration of the engagement where necessary to provide agreed services.
Where Acorns Collect provides website hosting:
Unless otherwise agreed, hosting services do not include ongoing website development, design changes or content updates.
We warrant our implementation against defects introduced by Acorns Collect for a period of 30 days after launch.
Not covered:
Websites are developed for current versions of major browsers.
While Acorns Collect follows good security practices, no website or online platform can ever be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Maintenance services are separate from website ownership.
Unless specifically included within a maintenance agreement, Acorns Collect is not responsible for:
Maintenance services are provided only where specifically agreed.
Accessibility compliance is only included where specifically quoted.
When our engagement ends, we want the transition to be as smooth and professional as possible.
Subject to payment of all outstanding fees, Acorns Collect will provide reasonable assistance to transfer assets that belong to the Client.
Depending on the project, this may include:
A project handover often involves significant professional time and technical expertise.
Unless expressly included within the original scope of work, handover services are billable and may include:
Time spent preparing or assisting with a handover will be charged at Acorns Collect’s prevailing hourly rates unless otherwise agreed.
Acorns Collect believes Clients should never feel “locked in.”
Where a Client chooses to move to another service provider, we will act professionally and cooperate reasonably throughout the transition.
Likewise, we expect replacement service providers to communicate respectfully and professionally throughout the process.
Where invoices remain unpaid, Acorns Collect reserves the right, to the extent permitted by law, to postpone or suspend non-essential handover services until the Client’s account has been settled.
This does not affect the Client’s ownership of assets that have transferred under these Terms but recognises that migration, documentation, technical assistance and administrative support are professional services that require time and expertise.
Acorns Collect may retain copies of project files, correspondence and production records for administrative, legal and backup purposes.
While we make reasonable efforts to retain archived materials, we do not guarantee indefinite storage of project files.
Clients are encouraged to maintain their own copies of all final deliverables and important project assets.
We believe that our Clients should own the work they’ve paid for, and we believe agencies should retain ownership of the expertise, systems and tools they’ve developed over years of experience.
This balance allows our Clients to move freely if their needs change, while protecting the intellectual property that enables Acorns Collect to continue delivering exceptional work.
We believe the best work is built on trust, curiosity and collaboration.
Our goal isn’t simply to deliver websites, brands or marketing campaigns. It’s to become a trusted partner in your business journey.
These Terms aren’t here because we expect problems, they’re here because clarity creates confidence. When everyone understands the expectations from the outset, we can spend less time navigating uncertainty and more time creating work that makes a meaningful impact.
Thank you for choosing Acorns Collect. We look forward to building something remarkable together.
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