Terms and Conditions

1. Overview and acceptance

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the SmartPass Research website and portal. By requesting assistance, opening a secure access link, accepting a quotation, or transferring payment, you (“Client”, “User”, “Student”) agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Academic Use Policy and Privacy and POPIA Policy.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use our services or submit a request.

2. Services offered

SmartPass Research provides research support, consultation, literature synthesis, and academic writing assistance exclusively for Master’s and PhD studies.

Express exclusions

• We do not conduct primary data collection on your behalf unless explicitly agreed in writing.
• We do not liaise with supervisors, university boards, or academic committees.
• We do not submit any academic assignments, proposals, or dissertations on your behalf.
• We do not write exams or complete coursework tests for students.

3. Quotations and service scope

1. Itemised quotations. Every service is custom-scoped. After receiving your request and uploaded materials, SmartPass Research issues a written quotation detailing the included deliverables and exact scope, express exclusions, agreed revision allowance, and estimated completion or delivery date.
2. Acceptance. A quotation becomes a binding contract once accepted by you and accompanied by the required deposit payment.
3. Non-standard or custom work. Requests outside standard scope may require 100% upfront payment before work begins, as stated in the specific quotation.

4. Fees and payment terms

1. Standard payment model. A 50% deposit is payable after accepting the written quotation to initiate work. The remaining 50% is payable when the project is complete, before deliverables can be downloaded.
2. Payment method. All payments must be made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) into our designated bank account, using the exact reference provided on your quotation.
3. Payment verification. Proof of Payment must be uploaded through your portal account. Work begins, or files are released, only after an EFT payment is manually verified against our bank records. SmartPass Research bears no responsibility for delays caused by unverified payments or incorrect payment references.
4. Refund policy. Deposits are non-refundable once work has commenced. If a project is cancelled before work begins, an administrative processing fee may be retained.

5. Revisions and scope changes

1. Included revisions. Revisions are strictly limited to the count and scope stated on your written quotation.
2. Out-of-scope requests. Changes outside the original brief, or new supervisor feedback that contradicts the original quotation, will incur an additional fee and require a new quotation.
3. Timeframes. Revision requests must be submitted through your portal account within 14 calendar days of final file delivery.

6. User account and security

1. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your portal credentials.
2. All uploaded documents and delivered research files remain private to your customer record and secure access session.
3. SmartPass Research reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts suspected of fraudulent activity, abusive behaviour, or non-payment.

7. Limitation of liability and warranties

1. SmartPass Research provides research assistance as an educational guidance tool. We do not guarantee specific academic marks, degree passes, thesis approvals, or supervisor endorsements.
2. SmartPass Research is not liable for direct, indirect, or consequential loss, academic disciplinary action, or university sanction resulting from your reliance on or use of our materials.
3. Total liability under any claim shall not exceed the total fees paid by you for the specific service concerned.

8. Governing law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.