At G.F. Potgieter Woodworking Machinery (GFP Machines), we have proudly served the woodworking industry across Africa and globally for over two decades. As the largest stockist of woodworking machinery on the continent, the majority of our inventory consists of high-quality, fully serviced pre-owned machines.

We understand that industrial machinery is a major capital investment. To ensure absolute transparency and to protect both your business and ours, please carefully review our comprehensive policies regarding guarantees, returns, order cancellations, and freight liability.

1. The GFP Machines Guarantee

We stand firmly behind the mechanical integrity of the equipment we supply. All guarantees commence strictly from the date of delivery or collection from our Eikenhof, Johannesburg facility.

Our guarantees cover technical or latent mechanical defects that were not identifiable during standard pre-dispatch testing.

Guarantee Periods by Machine Type

Machine Condition / Category	Guarantee Period	Coverage Focus
Pre-Owned Machinery (Standard)	3 Months	Mechanical and latent defects.
New Rhino Sawmills	2 Years	Mechanical and latent defects.

Explicit Guarantee Exclusions

To maintain the integrity of our guarantees, the following scenarios and components are strictly excluded from coverage:

• Electrical Components & Motors: Due to site-specific variables entirely outside of our control—including incorrect phase wiring, power surges, phase imbalances, load shedding, and inadequate workshop power supply—all electrical components, motors, wiring, switchgears, and electronic panels are specifically excluded from the guarantee.
• Wear and Tear: Parts subject to continuous friction or rapid wear and tear (e.g., bearings, V-belts, drive rollers, cutter heads, and brake pads).
• Tooling: Tooling, saw blades, and cutters are not included with machines unless explicitly stated on your invoice and carry no guarantee.
• Unauthorized Tampering: Any defects or breakdowns caused by incorrect maintenance, improper operation, faulty assembly, unauthorized repairs, modifications, or tampering carried out by anyone without the prior written consent of GFP Machines.

2. Standard Return & Refund Policy

Due to the size, weight, and logistical complexities of rigging and transporting heavy woodworking machinery, all returns are tightly regulated.

• 7-Day Return Window: If a machine is fundamentally unsuited for the purpose it was sold, requests for returns must be lodged in writing within 7 days of collection/delivery.
• Condition of Returned Goods: The machine must be entirely unused in production, unmodified, and in the exact condition it left our facility.
• Restocking & Handling Fee: Because every machine undergoes rigorous technical preparation, cleaning, and testing prior to dispatch, all authorized non-defective returns (e.g., buyer’s remorse, miscalculation of workshop space, or incorrect machine selection by the buyer) are subject to a restocking, handling, and re-testing fee.
• Non-Returnable Items: Custom-modified machines, special electrical conversions (e.g., 380V to 220V conversions), and specialized tooling are strictly non-returnable and non-refundable.

3. Transport, Rigging, and Freight Liability

Industrial machinery requires specialized handling. GFP Machines operates strictly on an EX WORKS (Johannesburg) basis.

• Transfer of Risk: Our liability for the machine ceases the moment the equipment is loaded onto the buyer’s vehicle or a third-party transport company's truck at our premises.
• Transit Damage: G.F. Potgieter Woodworking Machinery cannot and will not be held liable for any damages, alignment issues, broken cast-iron components, or losses that occur during transportation, rigging, loading, or offloading.
• Return Freight Costs: Should a return or guarantee claim be authorized, the customer remains 100% responsible for all return shipping, rigging, and transport costs to our Eikenhof facility. Original transport and freight charges are strictly non-refundable.

4. Deposits and Order Cancellations

• Standard Terms: We require a 50% deposit via Cash or Bank Transfer to secure an order and commence machine preparation. The balance is due strictly before collection.
• Subject to Prior Sale: Machines remain on the open market and are subject to prior sale until the 50% deposit officially clears into our Standard Bank account.
• Cancellations: If an order is canceled by the buyer after the deposit has been paid and our technical team has already commenced servicing, cleaning, or electrical preparation, GFP Machines reserves the right to deduct a cancellation fee from the refunded deposit to cover labor and administrative costs.

5. After-Sales Support & Spare Parts

Even outside of your guarantee period, GFP Machines is committed to keeping your production running smoothly. Our dedicated service department provides:

• Access to specialized mechanical and electrical advice.
• Supply of spare parts for all major brands (SCM, Weinig, Wadkin, Felder, Rhino, etc.).
• Access to our extensive engineering workshops in Johannesburg for complex rebuilds or repairs.

6. How to Log a Claim or Return Authorization

If you experience a mechanical defect covered under our guarantee, please halt operation of the machine immediately to prevent further damage and contact our technical team.

Important: Do not dispatch a machine back to our facility without obtaining a prior Return Authorization from GFP Machines. We do not accept shipping-collect packages.

Email info@gfpmachines.com with the following details:

1. Include your original invoice number and the machine's make and model.
2. Provide a detailed written description of the mechanical failure.
3. Attach clear photographs or videos of the issue.

Our technical department will review your claim within 48 hours and advise on the next steps, which may include dispatching a technician (subject to call-out fees depending on location) or authorizing a return for workshop inspection.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Returns, Refunds, and Guarantee Policy, please contact us at:

GFP Machines
Email: info@gfpmachines.com
Phone: +27(0) 11 948 7934
Address: Plot 7, On the R554 to Lenasia, Eikenhof, Johannesburg, South Africa