Terms of Service
Effective Date: August 6, 2025
Welcome to Le Clus Art Exchange (“Le Clus”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), a curated peer-to-peer platform for buying and selling fine art in South Africa. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website, services, and platform (collectively, the “Platform”).
By registering for or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Platform Overview
Le Clus Art Exchange connects collectors, artists, and buyers in a trusted, community-driven environment. Users can list artworks for immediate purchase ("Buy Now") or for auction.
2. User Roles
Users may participate as:
- Sellers: Individuals (Collectors or Artists) listing artworks for sale.
- Buyers: Users making purchases via "Buy Now" or placing bids in an auction.
3. Listing an Artwork
Sellers must provide accurate details for each artwork. For auctions, sellers must set a Lower and Upper Estimate, and a Reserve Price. The Estimates are public guides, while the Reserve Price is a hidden minimum required for a sale. A "Buy Now" price can also be set for immediate purchase.
4. Bidding and Auctions
Any registered user can place a bid on an artwork listed for auction.
- Starting an Auction: If a bid meets or exceeds the seller's hidden Reserve Price, a 24-hour public auction automatically begins. The initial bidder becomes the highest bidder.
- During the Auction: Subsequent bids must be higher than the current highest bid.
- "Sniping" Prevention: Any bid placed within the final 5 minutes of an auction will extend the auction's end time by an additional 5 minutes.
- Winning an Auction: The highest bid at the end of the auction period wins. The sale is binding, and the winning buyer will be prompted to complete payment.
5. Payment & Payouts
Buyers must complete payment within 48 hours of winning an auction or using the "Buy Now" feature.
Payments are securely processed via our third-party payment provider.
Sellers will receive payouts (less commission) once the buyer confirms receipt or after a standard holding period (typically 7–14 days).
6. Commission Structure
Le Clus applies commissions on successful transactions. Please refer to our Seller & Artist Terms for detailed commission rates.
7. Disputes and Refunds
Buyers may request a dispute review within 3 days of delivery if the artwork differs materially from the listing.
Le Clus will mediate disputes and may, at its sole discretion, authorize a refund, partial refund, or uphold the transaction.
8. User Conduct
You agree not to:
- Misrepresent artworks, pricing, or ownership.
- Circumvent the platform to avoid commissions.
- Engage in shill bidding or any form of bid manipulation.
Violations may result in suspension or termination of your account.