Terms of Service
Last updated: 22 August 2026
These terms and conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the LapSMS website (lapsms.co.za), dashboard (app.lapsms.co.za) and API (api.lapsms.co.za), together the "Service". By creating an account, topping up a wallet or sending a message through the Service, you accept these Terms. If you do not agree with them, please do not use the Service.
1. Who we are and what we sell
LapSMS ("LapSMS", "we", "us") is a South African software business that provides an application-to-person (A2P) SMS messaging platform. Customers load a prepaid wallet in South African Rand (ZAR) and use that balance to send SMS messages to South African mobile numbers via our web dashboard or our HTTPS API. We sell a digital service: prepaid messaging credit and the delivery of SMS messages. No physical goods are sold or shipped.
2. Accounts
You must provide accurate registration information and keep your login credentials and API keys confidential. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account, including messages sent with your API keys. Notify us immediately at support@lapsms.co.za if you suspect unauthorised use of your account.
3. Payments and pricing
The Service is prepaid. You top up your wallet by card through our payment processor, Payfast by Network (payfast.io). All transactions are processed in South African Rand (ZAR). LapSMS never receives or stores your card details; card processing happens entirely on Payfast's PCI-DSS-compliant infrastructure.
Messages are charged per SMS segment at the rate displayed in your dashboard at the time of sending. Every charge is itemised in your wallet ledger, which you can inspect at any time. Wallet credit does not expire. Promotional (welcome) credit is non-refundable and has no cash value.
4. Delivery policy
Our products are digital and are delivered electronically - there is no physical shipping and no courier or postal costs.
Wallet top-ups: once Payfast confirms your payment, the corresponding credit is applied to your wallet automatically, normally within seconds and in any event within one hour. Your dashboard balance and ledger confirm the credit. If a confirmed payment has not reflected within one hour, contact support@lapsms.co.za and we will resolve it within one business day.
SMS messages: accepted messages are handed to the mobile networks immediately, typically reaching the handset within seconds. Delivery is confirmed by per-message delivery receipts shown in your dashboard and, if configured, pushed to your webhook. Final delivery depends on the recipient's mobile network and handset being reachable; where a network reports that a message failed, the associated charge is automatically released back to your wallet - you only pay for messages that are delivered.
5. Refunds and cancellations
Our full policy is set out on the Refunds & Cancellations page, which forms part of these Terms. In short: failed sends are never charged, unused paid-for wallet credit is refundable on request to the original payment method, and you may close your account at any time without penalty.
6. Acceptable use
You may only send messages to recipients who have consented to receive them, and you must comply with all applicable South African law, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the Consumer Protection Act, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, and the WASPA Code of Conduct. Spam, phishing, fraudulent, unlawful or deceptive messaging is prohibited and will result in suspension or termination of your account.
7. Availability of the service
The provision of the Service is subject to availability. We work to keep the Service available at all times but do not guarantee uninterrupted operation; mobile network availability is outside our control. In cases where we are unable to provide a service you have paid for, we will refund the affected amount in full within 30 days.
8. Export restriction
The offering on this website is directed at customers sending SMS messages to South African mobile numbers, and payments are accepted in South African Rand (ZAR) only.
9. Responsibility
LapSMS takes responsibility for all aspects relating to the transaction, including the sale of services sold on this website, customer service and support, dispute resolution, and delivery of the services described above.
10. Limitation of liability
To the extent permitted by law, LapSMS's total liability arising out of or related to the Service is limited to the amount you paid to LapSMS in the three months preceding the event giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, or for message content sent by you to your recipients.
11. Privacy
We take reasonable steps to protect the personal information of users in accordance with POPIA. How we collect and use personal information is described in our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms.
12. Merchant outlet country and transaction currency
The merchant outlet country at the time of presenting payment options to the cardholder is South Africa. The transaction currency is South African Rand (ZAR).
13. Country of domicile and governing law
This website is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. LapSMS chooses as its domicilium citandi et executandi its registered address in South Africa for all purposes under these Terms, whether in respect of court process, notices or other documents or communication of whatsoever nature.
14. Changes to these terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The current version is always available at this page, with the "last updated" date shown at the top. Continued use of the Service after a change constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
15. Contact us
Questions about these Terms, support requests, refunds or disputes: email support@lapsms.co.za. We respond within one business day.