Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction & Definitions

Welcome to PartsZote (www.partszote.com). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the PartsZote platform, including all associated websites, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Platform"). By creating an account, browsing, or placing an order on the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms in their entirety.

PartsZote is operated by PartsZote Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Kenya, with its principal office in Nairobi. For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• "Marketplace" means the PartsZote online platform through which automotive parts and accessories are offered for sale to Buyers.
• "User" means any individual or entity that accesses, browses, or uses the Platform, whether as a Buyer or otherwise.
• "Buyer" means a User who purchases or intends to purchase Products through the Platform.
• "Products" means the automotive parts, components, accessories, and related goods listed for sale on the Platform.
• "Platform" means the PartsZote website, mobile applications, APIs, and all related technology and services.
• "Order" means a Buyer's request to purchase one or more Products through the Platform, subject to acceptance by PartsZote.
• "KES" means Kenya Shillings, the official currency of the Republic of Kenya, in which all prices on the Platform are denominated.

2. Account Registration & Eligibility

To place an order on the Platform, you must create a PartsZote account. When registering, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information, including your full legal name, a valid email address, a Kenyan mobile phone number, and a delivery address within Kenya.

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to create an account and use the Platform. By registering, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement. PartsZote reserves the right to request proof of age or identity at any time and to suspend or terminate accounts that do not meet eligibility criteria.

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials, including your password and any linked M-Pesa or payment information. You agree to notify PartsZote immediately at support@partszote.com if you suspect any unauthorised access to your account. PartsZote shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to safeguard your account credentials.

PartsZote reserves the right to refuse registration, suspend, or permanently terminate any account at its sole discretion, including but not limited to cases of suspected fraud, misuse, or violation of these Terms.

3. Orders & Payments

3.1 Placing an Order

When you add Products to your cart and proceed to checkout, you are submitting an offer to purchase those Products at the listed price. An Order is not binding on PartsZote until you receive an order confirmation email or SMS. PartsZote reserves the right to decline or cancel any Order for reasons including but not limited to stock unavailability, pricing errors, suspected fraud, or failure to verify payment.

3.2 Pricing

All prices displayed on the Platform are in Kenya Shillings (KES) and include Value Added Tax (VAT) at the applicable rate as prescribed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Where a Product is exempt from VAT, this will be indicated on the Product page. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; however, any price changes will not affect Orders that have already been confirmed.

3.3 Payment Methods

PartsZote accepts the following payment methods:

• M-Pesa: You may pay via Safaricom M-Pesa using the STK push prompt sent to your registered mobile number, or by entering the PartsZote paybill/till number. M-Pesa payments are processed in real time and confirmed instantly.
• Visa / Mastercard: Debit and credit card payments are processed through our secure payment gateway. All card transactions are encrypted using industry-standard SSL/TLS protocols. PartsZote does not store your full card number on its servers.

Payment must be received in full before an Order is dispatched. If payment fails or is reversed, PartsZote reserves the right to cancel the Order and withhold dispatch until payment is successfully completed.

In the event of a disputed M-Pesa transaction, PartsZote will cooperate with Safaricom's dispute resolution process. If an M-Pesa payment is reversed after an Order has been dispatched, PartsZote reserves the right to recover the outstanding amount from the Buyer or to suspend the Buyer's account until the matter is resolved. Fraudulent M-Pesa reversal requests may be reported to the relevant authorities.

3.4 Order Confirmation

Upon successful payment, you will receive an order confirmation via email and/or SMS to the contact details associated with your account. This confirmation will include your Order number, a summary of the Products ordered, the total amount paid, and estimated delivery timelines. Please retain your order confirmation for your records.

4. Product Listings & Accuracy

PartsZote takes reasonable care to ensure that all Product listings on the Platform are accurate and up to date. Product descriptions, specifications, fitment data, and images are compiled from manufacturer catalogues, industry-standard vehicle databases, and direct supplier information.

Fitment and compatibility information is provided based on vehicle make, model, year, and engine variant matching. While PartsZote endeavours to maintain accurate fitment data, variations in vehicle specifications—particularly for vehicles that have been modified, imported from different markets, or produced during model-year transitions—may affect compatibility. Buyers are encouraged to verify part numbers and, where possible, consult their vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to confirm fitment before ordering.

PartsZote curates all Product listings on the Platform. Listings are prepared and managed by the PartsZote catalogue team, and no third-party seller information is displayed to Buyers. Product availability is subject to stock levels and may change without notice.

5. Shipping & Delivery

5.1 Delivery Areas

PartsZote currently delivers to addresses within the Republic of Kenya. Delivery to certain remote or hard-to-access areas may be subject to additional shipping charges or extended delivery timelines, which will be communicated to you at checkout or upon order confirmation.

5.2 Delivery Timelines

Estimated delivery timelines are displayed on the Product page and at checkout. Standard delivery within Nairobi and its environs is typically 1–3 business days from the date of order confirmation. Deliveries to other major towns (Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Thika) are typically 3–5 business days. Deliveries to other locations may take 5–10 business days. These timelines are estimates only and are not guaranteed.

5.3 Shipping Coordination

PartsZote coordinates all shipping and logistics. You will receive tracking information via email and/or SMS once your order has been dispatched. All deliveries are handled by PartsZote's logistics partners; you will not be contacted by or interact with any third-party supplier regarding your shipment.

5.4 Risk of Loss

Risk of loss and title for Products pass to you upon delivery to the address specified in your Order. If a delivery is attempted and you are unavailable, the courier will make reasonable efforts to redeliver or hold the package at a collection point. PartsZote is not liable for delays caused by incorrect addresses provided by the Buyer, failed delivery attempts, or circumstances beyond PartsZote's reasonable control.

5.5 Inspection Upon Delivery

You are advised to inspect your package upon delivery. If the outer packaging appears damaged, you should note this on the delivery receipt and contact PartsZote support within 24 hours. Failure to report visible damage at the time of delivery may affect your ability to claim for transit damage.

6. Returns & Refunds

PartsZote is committed to customer satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return eligible Products in accordance with our Refund & Returns Policy. Please refer to our Refund & Returns Policy page at /refund_returns-2/ for full details on return eligibility, timelines, procedures, and refund methods.

In summary, most Products may be returned within fourteen (14) calendar days of delivery, provided they are in their original condition and packaging. Certain categories of Products are non-returnable as detailed in the Returns Policy. All returns must be initiated by contacting PartsZote support to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) number.

7. Warranties

Products sold on PartsZote may carry manufacturer warranties. Where a manufacturer warranty applies, PartsZote will facilitate the warranty claim process on your behalf. You do not need to contact any third-party supplier or manufacturer directly—all warranty claims are handled exclusively through PartsZote.

To make a warranty claim, contact PartsZote support with your Order number, a description of the defect, and any supporting photographs. PartsZote will assess the claim and, where the warranty applies, arrange for repair, replacement, or refund in accordance with the manufacturer's warranty terms.

Warranties do not cover damage caused by improper installation, misuse, normal wear and tear, modification, or use of the Product in a manner inconsistent with the manufacturer's guidelines. In addition to any manufacturer warranty, all Products sold through the Platform are subject to the statutory implied warranties under the Sale of Goods Act (Cap 31, Laws of Kenya), including the implied conditions as to merchantable quality (Section 15) and fitness for a particular purpose (Section 16), as well as the consumer guarantees provided by the Consumer Protection Act, 2012. PartsZote does not disclaim, exclude, or limit these statutory warranties — they apply to every purchase made on the Platform.

8. User Conduct & Prohibited Activities

By using the Platform, you agree not to:

• Provide false, misleading, or inaccurate information during registration or at any time thereafter.
• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable law or regulation in Kenya.
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to other Users' accounts, PartsZote's systems, or any networks connected to the Platform.
• Use automated scripts, bots, scrapers, or similar tools to access or interact with the Platform without PartsZote's express written consent.
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's infrastructure, servers, or networks.
• Engage in any activity that could damage, disable, or impair the Platform's functionality or appearance.
• Post or transmit any content that is defamatory, abusive, obscene, or otherwise objectionable through any Platform communication channels.
• Attempt to purchase Products for the purpose of resale in a manner that violates PartsZote's policies or applicable law.
• Use another User's account without their express permission.

PartsZote reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts and refuse service to any User who engages in prohibited activities.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform—including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, product descriptions, software, and the compilation thereof—is the property of PartsZote Limited or its content suppliers and is protected by Kenyan and international intellectual property laws, including the Copyright Act (Cap 130, Laws of Kenya) and the Trade Marks Act (Cap 506, Laws of Kenya).

The PartsZote name, logo, and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are trademarks of PartsZote Limited. You may not use such marks without the prior written permission of PartsZote.

You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to access and use the Platform for personal, non-commercial purposes. This licence does not permit you to reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works from, publicly display, or commercially exploit any content from the Platform without PartsZote's express written consent.

9.1 PartsZote Content & Trademarks

The PartsZote name, logo, tagline ("Kenya's #1 Auto Parts Marketplace"), website design, proprietary software, product descriptions written by PartsZote, and all original content on the Platform are the intellectual property of PartsZote Limited and are protected under the Copyright Act (Cap 130) and the Trade Marks Act (Cap 506) of Kenya.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from PartsZote's proprietary content without prior written consent. Limited exceptions apply:

• Sharing product links for personal, non-commercial purposes.
• Citing brief excerpts in reviews or editorial content with proper attribution.
• Using the PartsZote brand name in truthful comparative advertising, subject to the Trade Marks Act.

9.2 Trademark Notice

PartsZote Limited ("PartsZote") is an independent managed marketplace for automotive parts and accessories. PartsZote is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or in any way officially connected with any vehicle manufacturer, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or aftermarket parts brand whose products or trademarks appear on the Platform.

All brand names, trademarks, service marks, trade names, logos, and product designations appearing on the Platform — including but not limited to the following — are the property of their respective owners:

• Vehicle manufacturers: Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Honda, Suzuki, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Peugeot
• OEM parts suppliers: Denso, Aisin, Koyo, NTN, Kayaba (KYB), Tokico
• Aftermarket brands: Mahle, Bosch, NGK, Mann-Filter, Hengst, Sachs, Febi Bilstein, TRW, Brembo, Continental, Gates, Dayco, INA, SKF, Valeo, Delphi, ACDelco, Motorcraft
• Lubricant brands: Castrol, Shell, Mobil, Total, Liqui Moly, Valvoline

9.3 Nominative Fair Use

PartsZote relies on the legal doctrine of nominative fair use when referencing third-party trademarks. Under this doctrine, it is permissible to use a trademark to identify a product or service for purposes of comparison, compatibility, or description, provided that:

1. The product or service cannot be readily identified without using the trademark (e.g., "oil filter compatible with Toyota Corolla 2015–2023" requires naming "Toyota" and "Corolla").
2. Only so much of the trademark is used as is reasonably necessary for identification.
3. The use does not suggest sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation with the trademark owner.

Every use of a third-party brand name on the PartsZote platform is intended to satisfy these conditions. Where we state that a product "fits," "is compatible with," or "replaces" a branded part, this is a statement of mechanical compatibility, not a claim of origin or endorsement.

Under Kenyan law, this use is protected by Section 7(4) of the Trade Marks Act (Cap 506, Laws of Kenya), which permits the bona fide use of indications concerning the kind, quality, intended purpose, or other characteristics of goods, provided such use is in accordance with honest practices.

9.4 OEM Part Number Cross-Referencing

PartsZote frequently displays OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part numbers alongside aftermarket product listings. For example:

The display of OEM part numbers serves the following legitimate purposes:

• Fitment accuracy: OEM numbers are the most reliable way to match replacement parts to specific vehicles.
• Consumer clarity: Buyers can verify compatibility by cross-referencing the OEM number with their vehicle's service manual or existing part.
• Industry standard: Cross-referencing OEM numbers is a universal practice in the automotive aftermarket industry worldwide.

PartsZote does not claim that aftermarket parts bearing cross-referenced OEM numbers are manufactured by or originate from the OEM. Where a product is a genuine OEM part, it is explicitly labelled as such.

9.5 Genuine vs. Aftermarket Parts

PartsZote maintains a clear and honest labelling policy to ensure customers understand exactly what they are purchasing:

Genuine / OEM Parts — Products manufactured by or for the original vehicle manufacturer and sold under their brand name. These carry the OEM's branding, packaging, and warranty. On the Platform, these are identified with a "Genuine" or "OEM" label.

OE-Quality Aftermarket Parts — Products manufactured by reputable aftermarket brands (e.g., Bosch, Mahle, KYB, NGK) that meet or exceed OEM specifications. These are manufactured independently and carry the aftermarket brand's own name. Identified with the brand name and an "Aftermarket" label.

Compatible / Generic Parts — Parts manufactured to fit specific vehicles but not by the OEM or a major aftermarket brand. These are clearly labelled as "Compatible" and are typically offered at lower price points.

9.6 Vehicle Database & Fitment Data

PartsZote uses proprietary and third-party vehicle databases to provide fitment information (make, model, year, engine variant). Vehicle names and model designations (e.g., "Toyota Hilux GD-6 2.8D 2016–2024") are used descriptively to enable accurate part matching.

This vehicle data is used under fair use / descriptive use principles. PartsZote does not claim ownership of vehicle model names or designations, and their use on the Platform is solely functional — enabling buyers to find the correct parts for their specific vehicles.

9.7 Product Images & IP

Product images displayed on the Platform may include:

• Photographs of actual products — taken by PartsZote or provided by authorised distributors. These may show manufacturer branding, logos, or part numbers as they appear on the physical product.
• Manufacturer-provided images — used with permission from the brand or sourced from authorised product catalogues.
• Representative images — generic or illustrative images used where specific product photography is unavailable. These are labelled as "Image for illustration purposes."

The display of branded products in photographs is not an assertion of affiliation with the brand but a truthful depiction of the product being sold.

9.8 IP Complaint & Takedown Process

PartsZote respects the intellectual property rights of all parties. If you are a trademark owner or authorised representative and believe that content on the PartsZote platform infringes your intellectual property rights, you may submit a complaint using the process below.

How to File a Complaint

Send a written notice to ip@partszote.com containing all of the following:

1. Your identity: Full legal name, company name, and position/title of the person filing the complaint.
2. Contact information: Email address, phone number, and physical mailing address.
3. Trademark details: The specific trademark(s) at issue, including registration number(s) and jurisdiction(s) of registration.
4. Infringing content: Direct URLs to the specific PartsZote listings you believe infringe your rights, along with a clear description of the alleged infringement.
5. Basis for the claim: An explanation of why the identified use constitutes infringement (e.g., counterfeit goods, unauthorised use of logo, false endorsement claim).
6. Good-faith statement: A statement that you have a good-faith belief that the use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorised by the trademark owner, its agent, or the law.
7. Accuracy declaration: A statement, made under penalty of perjury under Kenyan law, that the information in the notice is accurate and that you are the trademark owner or authorised to act on their behalf.
8. Signature: A physical or electronic signature of the trademark owner or authorised representative.

Response Timeline

• Acknowledgement: Within 2 business days of receiving a complete complaint.
• Initial review: Within 5 business days. PartsZote will assess the validity of the claim.
• Provisional action: For complaints alleging counterfeit goods or consumer safety concerns, PartsZote will provisionally remove or suspend the listing within 48 hours of receiving a complete complaint, pending full review.
• Action taken: Within 7 business days. If the complaint is valid, the infringing content will be removed or modified. If the complaint is rejected, a written explanation will be provided.

9.9 Counter-Notice Process

If content you submitted or that relates to your products has been removed or restricted as a result of an IP complaint, and you believe the removal was made in error or that you have authorisation to use the material, you may submit a counter-notice.

Send a counter-notice to ip@partszote.com including:

1. Your full legal name and contact information.
2. Identification of the content that was removed and its location on the Platform prior to removal.
3. A statement, under penalty of perjury, that you have a good-faith belief the content was removed as a result of mistake or misidentification.
4. Proof of authorisation to use the trademark (e.g., distribution agreement, authorised reseller certificate, purchase invoices from authorised channels).
5. Your physical or electronic signature.

PartsZote will review counter-notices within ten (10) business days. If the counter-notice appears valid, PartsZote will forward it to the original complainant, who will have ten (10) business days to respond or initiate legal proceedings. If the original complainant does not respond within this period, the content will be reinstated. If legal proceedings are initiated, the content will remain suspended pending the outcome.

9.10 Counterfeit Goods & Enforcement

PartsZote maintains a zero-tolerance policy on counterfeit goods. A counterfeit product is one that bears a trademark (logo, brand name, or trade dress) without authorisation from the trademark owner, with the intent to deceive consumers about the product's origin.

PartsZote's Anti-Counterfeiting Measures

• Supplier vetting: All suppliers in PartsZote's network undergo verification, including documentation of authorised distribution agreements, business licences, and product sourcing records.
• Product inspection: Random sampling and quality checks are conducted on inventory.
• Brand partnership: PartsZote cooperates with brand owners and their authorised representatives to identify and remove counterfeit listings.
• Internal investigation: Any report of a suspected counterfeit product triggers an immediate investigation, product quarantine, and suspension of sales for the affected listing.

Consequences

If counterfeit goods are confirmed in PartsZote's supply chain:

• The supplier responsible is permanently removed from the network.
• All affected products are recalled and destroyed.
• Affected customers receive a full refund and, where applicable, a replacement genuine part at no cost.
• PartsZote will report confirmed instances of counterfeit goods to the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) within fourteen (14) business days of confirmation, in accordance with the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008 (No. 13 of 2008). PartsZote will cooperate fully with any ACA investigation, including providing product samples, supplier documentation, and transaction records.

9.11 Open-Source & Third-Party Software

The PartsZote platform may incorporate open-source software components, each governed by its respective licence (e.g., GPL, MIT, Apache 2.0). A list of open-source components and their licences is available upon request by contacting legal@partszote.com. The use of open-source components does not affect your rights or obligations under these Terms.

9.12 Contact for IP Matters

For all intellectual property inquiries, complaints, or counter-notices:

• Email: ip@partszote.com
• Subject line format: [IP Complaint] or [Counter-Notice] followed by a brief description
• Postal address: PartsZote Limited, Attn: Legal Department, Nairobi, Kenya
• Phone: +254 111 044 400 (ask for the Legal Department)

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by the laws of Kenya, including the Consumer Protection Act 2012:

• PartsZote shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, loss of data, loss of use of a vehicle, costs of substitute goods, or any damages arising from the installation or use of Products purchased through the Platform.
• PartsZote's total aggregate liability for any claims arising out of or related to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for the specific Order giving rise to the claim.
• PartsZote is not liable for any damage to your vehicle, property, or person resulting from the incorrect installation or use of Products. All automotive parts should be installed by a qualified, licensed mechanic or auto technician.

Nothing in these Terms shall exclude or limit liability that cannot be lawfully excluded or limited under Kenyan law, including liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

11. Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya, without regard to its conflict-of-law provisions.

In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform, you agree to first attempt to resolve the matter informally by contacting PartsZote support at support@partszote.com. PartsZote will endeavour to resolve your complaint within fourteen (14) business days.

If the dispute cannot be resolved informally, either party may submit the matter to mediation under the Mediation Act, 2012 (No. 4 of 2012) of Kenya. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute shall be referred to the courts of the Republic of Kenya, and you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Nairobi, Kenya.

Nothing in this clause shall prevent PartsZote from seeking injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect its intellectual property rights or confidential information.

12. Privacy

Your privacy is important to PartsZote. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, available at /privacy/. By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in the Privacy Policy, in compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019 (No. 24 of 2019) of Kenya.

PartsZote operates a strict data segregation model: your personal information (including your name, phone number, and delivery address) is never shared with any third-party supplier. Similarly, supplier and vendor information is never disclosed to Buyers. Full details are set out in Section 4 of our Privacy Policy.

13. Modifications to Terms

PartsZote reserves the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms at any time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when these Terms were most recently revised.

For material changes that adversely affect your rights, PartsZote will provide at least fourteen (14) days' advance notice via email to your registered address before the changes take effect. If you do not agree with the material changes, you may close your account before they take effect. Continued use of the Platform after the notice period constitutes acceptance. Non-material changes (such as typographical corrections or formatting updates) may take effect immediately.

If you do not agree with the revised Terms, you must discontinue use of the Platform and close your account.

14. General Provisions

Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

Entire Agreement: These Terms & Conditions, together with the Privacy Policy, Refund & Returns Policy, and Disclaimer, constitute the entire agreement between you and PartsZote regarding your use of the Platform and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

Waiver: The failure of PartsZote to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by PartsZote.

Assignment: You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without PartsZote's prior written consent. PartsZote may assign its rights and obligations under these Terms to an affiliate or successor entity without your consent, provided that the assignee agrees to be bound by these Terms.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about these Terms or your use of the Platform, please contact us:

• Email: support@partszote.com
• Phone: +254 111 044 400 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EAT; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EAT)
• Address: PartsZote Limited, Nairobi, Kenya

For data protection enquiries, please contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@partszote.com.