Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

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General

About InstaBiz

What is InstaBiz?
InstaBiz is a South African digital services company offering websites, domain registration, software solutions, online learning, compliance services, and a growing business community — all under one roof. We are built specifically for small and medium businesses that are serious about establishing a professional, compliant digital presence.
Where is InstaBiz based?
InstaBiz is based in Gillitts, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We are a proudly South African owned and operated business, registered with the CIPC as a private company.
Who are your services designed for?
Our services are designed for small and medium businesses across South Africa — from startups finding their feet to established businesses ready to go properly digital. We focus on business owners who are serious about growth and who want a trusted, professional partner, not the cheapest option on the market.
Is InstaBiz a registered South African company?
Yes. InstaBiz is a registered South African private company (Pty) Ltd, registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Our registration details are displayed in the footer of this website and in our ECTA Disclosure Notice, in compliance with the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002.
Are your legal documents reviewed by a qualified attorney?
Yes. All compliance documents, legal policies, and legal content published by InstaBiz are reviewed by a qualified South African attorney before publication. This ensures that what we produce is accurate, current, and legally defensible — not generic templates sourced from the internet.
Websites & Domains

Web Presence & Domains

Do you build websites on WordPress?
Yes. We specialise in WordPress website development using Bricks Builder as our preferred page builder. WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet and is the most flexible, well-supported platform available. It gives our clients full ownership and control of their website without being locked into a proprietary system.
What types of websites do you build?
We build a wide range of websites including business brochure sites, landing pages, service pages, portfolio sites, blogs, membership sites, online learning platforms, and full e-commerce stores. If you have specific requirements that fall outside a standard brief, contact us and we will assess whether we can assist or refer you to the right specialist.
Do you offer website hosting?
Yes. We offer website hosting for all websites we develop. Our hosting includes domain hosting, email hosting, and SSL certificates. Hosting is billed monthly and is payable in advance. For full details, please refer to our Terms of Service.
Where are your servers located?
Our hosting infrastructure is based in the United Kingdom. The UK operates under UK GDPR, which provides an adequate level of data protection comparable to South African POPIA requirements. This cross-border transfer is disclosed in our POPIA Compliance Manual.
Can I transfer my existing domain to InstaBiz?
Yes. We can manage domain transfers from most registrars. To transfer a domain, you will need to obtain an authorisation code (EPP code) from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked. Contact us to initiate the process. Please note that domains must be at least 60 days old before a transfer can be completed, as per ICANN policy.
What domain extensions do you offer?
We offer a wide range of domain extensions including .co.za, .com, .net, .org, .africa, and many others. South African .co.za domains are the most appropriate choice for local businesses and tend to perform better in South African search results. Contact us for availability and pricing on specific extensions.
What happens if I don't renew my domain?
If a domain is not renewed before its expiry date, it enters a grace period during which it can still be renewed at the standard rate. After the grace period, it enters a redemption period. Recovering a domain from redemption incurs a significant fee charged by the domain registry, which will be passed on to you in full. If the domain is not recovered, it is released for public registration and may be registered by anyone. We strongly recommend keeping your domain renewal up to date.
Do you offer website maintenance after launch?
Yes. We offer ongoing website maintenance services including software updates, security monitoring, content changes, and technical support. Maintenance is available on a monthly retainer basis or on request. Scope and pricing are quoted on a project basis. Contact us for more information.
Can I get a website with an online shop?
Yes. We specialise in e-commerce development using WooCommerce, which integrates natively with WordPress. We can build anything from a simple product catalogue to a full online store with payment processing, inventory management, and order fulfilment workflows. We integrate with South African payment gateways including PayFast and Paystack.
How long does it take to build a website?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project, the availability of content from the client, and our current workload. A standard business website typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks from commencement to delivery. Complex e-commerce or membership sites may take longer. Work commences once the deposit has been received and all required content has been supplied. Delays in content submission will affect the delivery timeline.
Software

Software Solutions

What software do you sell?
We offer a range of software solutions including desktop applications, productivity tools, and invoicing software. We are registered resellers for selected third-party software vendors and can generate licence keys on demand. We also have our own software products in development. Visit our Software page for the current catalogue, or contact us if you are looking for something specific.
Do you offer custom software development?
Yes, on a limited basis. Custom software development is scoped and quoted on a project basis. We focus primarily on web-based applications and tools that integrate with WordPress or existing business systems. Contact us with your requirements and we will assess feasibility and provide a quotation.
Compliance

Compliance Services

What compliance services do you offer?
We assist South African businesses with digital compliance requirements including POPIA compliance assessments and documentation, PAIA manual preparation, ECTA website disclosure requirements, website legal documents (Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Disclaimer, Returns Policy), and B-BBEE status documentation for Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs). All compliance content is reviewed by a qualified South African attorney.
What is POPIA and does my business need to comply?
POPIA stands for the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013. It governs how businesses collect, store, use, and protect the personal information of individuals. If your business collects any personal information — including names, email addresses, phone numbers, or payment details — you are required to comply. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to R10 million or imprisonment. Most South African businesses are subject to POPIA regardless of size.
What is PAIA and do I need a manual?
PAIA stands for the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000. It gives individuals the right to request access to information held by private and public bodies. Private companies with fewer than 50 employees are currently exempt from the mandatory requirement to publish a PAIA manual, but doing so voluntarily is considered best practice and demonstrates transparency. InstaBiz has published a voluntary PAIA manual, which is available on our Legal Documents page.
What is ECTA and how does it affect my website?
ECTA stands for the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002. It requires any South African business that conducts electronic transactions through a website to disclose specific information publicly, including the business's full legal name, registration number, physical address, email address, and contact number. This information must be easily accessible on your website. Failure to comply is an offence under South African law. InstaBiz publishes an ECTA Disclosure Notice on this website and assists clients in meeting their own ECTA obligations.
Do I need a B-BBEE certificate?
Whether you need a B-BBEE certificate depends on your business context. If you supply goods or services to government entities, large corporates, or any organisation that requires B-BBEE compliance from its suppliers, you will need proof of your B-BBEE status. For businesses with an annual turnover of less than R10 million, you qualify as an Exempt Micro Enterprise (EME) and can obtain a sworn affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths instead of a formal verification certificate. InstaBiz can assist with EME affidavit preparation.
Online Learning

Courses & Learning

What courses do you offer?
Our current course catalogue includes practical programmes designed for South African entrepreneurs and small business owners. Topics include digital foundations for business, compliance basics, and online tools for running a business. We also offer a free introductory course specifically designed for aspiring entrepreneurs in South Africa. Visit our Courses page for the full and current list of available programmes.
Are your courses accredited?
Some of our courses are accredited and some are non-accredited. Each course listing clearly indicates its accreditation status. Where accreditation is stated, it applies only to the extent described in the course description. InstaBiz makes no representation regarding recognition by any third-party employer, institution, or regulatory body unless explicitly stated in the course listing.
Billing & Support

Payments & Support

How do I pay for services?
We accept payment through PayFast and Paystack, which support major South African payment methods including credit and debit cards, instant EFT, and SnapScan. For custom project work, a 50% deposit is required before commencement, with the balance due on delivery. Standard catalogue services, hosting, domains, software licences, and courses are payable in full upfront. All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR).
What is your refund policy?
Our refund policy varies by product and service type. In summary: custom project deposits are non-refundable once work has commenced; courses are refundable in full if not yet accessed, or partially refundable within 7 days if less than 10% has been completed; software licences are non-refundable once activated; and hosting and domain fees are non-refundable once provisioned. Full details are set out in our
Returns and Refunds Policy
.
How do I get support?
You can reach our support team by email at
hello@instabiz.co.za
or by phone at +27 65 966 4042 during business hours (Monday to Friday 08:00–18:00, Saturday 08:00–16:00). For confirmed clients, telephonic, email, WhatsApp, and Zoom queries are responded to free of charge. For technical issues, please include as much detail as possible including screenshots where relevant.
One Place. One Team. One Solid Digital Foundation.

Still have questions?

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