Associate Membership Registration

(Sales Professionals)

1. Purpose of the Agreement

This agreement defines the relationship between the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI), the Urban Choices Catalogue, and the Associate Member (Sales Professional). It outlines access, responsibilities, conduct, and operational frameworks for engaging with SAFI platforms and participating manufacturers.

2. Eligibility and Membership Scope

Associate Membership is reserved exclusively for furniture sales professionals, individuals and businesses actively engaged in selling or intending to sell locally manufactured furniture. Members must demonstrate a working knowledge of the industry and a commitment to promoting South African furniture across various markets.

3. Platform Usage and Ordering

Associate Members are granted access to:

• • • The SAFI Industry Catalogue (Urban Choices), including all product listings, specifications, and protected manufacturer information.

    • SAFI’s broader digital ecosystem: Business Directory, Tender Bulletin, Employment Portal, Export Market Finder, Training System and the Industry Catalogue (Urban Choices).

    • Customisable marketing assets, digital catalogues, and authorised product datasets.

    • Forums, communications, networking events, and sales support resources.

4. Manufacturer Engagement and Sales Relationships

While SAFI accredits the Associate Member, all commercial and sales relationships are established directly between the Sales Professional and the participating Manufacturer.

• • • Accounts are opened directly with the Manufacturer, and terms of trade (e.g., pricing, payment, logistics) are determined by the Manufacturer.

    • SAFI does not mediate these arrangements and assumes no responsibility for negotiations or fulfilment of orders.

    • Sales professionals are required to adhere to the brand and service expectations of each Manufacturer they represent.

5. Intellectual Property and Product Data Protection

All product data, including specifications, images, documents, and marketing assets, remain the property of the Manufacturer. SAFI curates and presents this information on behalf of the Manufacturer and their brands.

• • • Product data may only be used by authorised sales professionals with active relationships with the respective Manufacturer.

    • Product information may not be shared, republished, or used outside of authorised sales activities without written consent.

    • Under no circumstances may Associate Members replicate, reverse-engineer, or commission the production of similar products with other manufacturers based on catalogue listings.

    • Only original manufacturers may fulfil listed products under their name to ensure warranty and quality assurance.

    • Any product sold using a SAFI Product ID and listed specifications must be manufactured by the respective accredited manufacturer to ensure warranty and quality assurance.

6. Confidentiality and POPI Compliance

SAFI adheres to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and takes all reasonable measures to:

• • • Protect personal and business data

    • Prevent unauthorised access, distribution, or modification

    • Maintain confidentiality of account and transactional information.

Associate Members agree to uphold the same standards and treat all SAFI and Manufacturer information as confidential.

7. Professional Conduct and Acceptable Use

All Associate Members must:

• • • Act with professionalism, integrity, and honesty

    • Represent Manufacturer products fairly and accurately

    • Engage respectfully with other members, clients, and SAFI staff

    • Not misuse the platform for unauthorised advertising or off-platform transactions

    • Avoid conduct that undermines the objectives or reputation of SAFI or Urban Choices

    • Settle their account with SAFI on a 30 day basis, without deduction or set-off.

SAFI reserves the right to suspend or revoke membership for breaches of this agreement.

8. Manufacturer Responsibility

All South African furniture manufacturers registered as SAFI members are also registered with a relevant furniture bargaining council. While SAFI proudly supports its members, please note that we do not endorse individual products or workmanship and do not accept responsibility for our members’ operations. In the unlikely event of a complaint, we encourage retailers or consumers to contact the manufacturer for assistance and resolution. Although great care has been taken to provide accurate information, the accuracy cannot be guaranteed.