Terms of service

Backorder & Custom Build Terms & Conditions

BlackBox UAV – Backorders, Deposits, Assembly, Testing & Shipping

Due to the specialised nature of our UAV systems and the number of components sourced from suppliers around the world, certain products may be supplied on a backorder or build-to-order basis.

By placing a backorder or custom UAV order with BlackBox UAV, the customer acknowledges and agrees to the following terms.

1. Lead Times

Estimated lead times for backordered or build-to-order UAVs are generally 5–10 weeks from receipt of the required deposit.

Lead times are estimates and are dependent on the availability and delivery of components required to complete the UAV.

A UAV may consist of components sourced from multiple suppliers and countries, with each supplier having their own manufacturing and shipping lead times. As a result, delays from one or more suppliers may affect the overall completion time of the UAV.

The 5–10 week lead time is therefore an estimated timeframe and does not constitute a guaranteed delivery date.

BlackBox UAV will make reasonable efforts to keep the customer informed of the progress of their order.

Supply Issues

If a significant supply issue, component shortage, discontinued component, shipping delay or other unforeseen circumstance affects the estimated lead time, BlackBox UAV will contact the customer as soon as reasonably possible to discuss the available options.

Depending on the circumstances, these options may include:

  • Waiting for the required component to become available;
  • Substituting a component with an equivalent or suitable alternative, subject to customer approval;
  • Adjusting the configuration or specification of the UAV; or
  • Other mutually agreed arrangements.

2. Deposit & Payment

A 75% deposit is required before any parts are ordered or assembly work commences.

The deposit is non-refundable once parts have been ordered or work has commenced, as components may be specifically procured for the customer's UAV and may not be suitable for resale.

The remaining 25% balance is payable in full before the completed UAV can be shipped or released to the customer.

BlackBox UAV will not ship or release the completed UAV until payment has been received in full and cleared.

3. Assembly & Quality Control

Each UAV is assembled and configured according to the agreed specification.

Before shipment, every completed UAV will undergo Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), including flight testing where appropriate, to verify the aircraft's functionality and ensure that it meets BlackBox UAV's quality-control requirements.

FAT may include, but is not limited to:

  • Flight control and stability checks;
  • VTOL system testing;
  • Motor and propulsion checks;
  • Radio and telemetry checks;
  • Navigation and flight-controller checks;
  • Power system checks;
  • Payload/interface checks where applicable; and
  • General aircraft functionality and operational checks.

The purpose of FAT is to identify and resolve manufacturing, assembly or configuration issues before the UAV leaves BlackBox UAV.

4. Shipping

South Africa

Shipping within South Africa will be handled through local courier services.

Shipping costs will be quoted separately where applicable and are payable by the customer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

BlackBox UAV will take reasonable care to package the UAV appropriately for transportation. Once the shipment has been handed over to the courier, transportation and delivery are subject to the courier's terms, conditions and delivery schedules.

International Orders

International shipping must either:

  • Be arranged through DHL, where available and agreed with the customer; or
  • Be arranged by the customer through their nominated freight or courier provider.

International customers are responsible for any applicable:

  • Import duties;
  • Customs charges;
  • Taxes;
  • Import permits or approvals;
  • Aviation or regulatory requirements; and
  • Other costs associated with importing the UAV into the destination country.

BlackBox UAV is not responsible for delays caused by international customs clearance, import regulations or authorities in the destination country.

5. Customer-Supplied Shipping Arrangements

Where the customer elects to arrange their own shipping, BlackBox UAV will make the completed UAV available for collection or handover once:

  1. The UAV has successfully completed the required FAT;
  2. Full payment has been received; and
  3. The customer's nominated courier or freight provider is ready to collect the shipment.

Responsibility for transportation will transfer to the customer or their nominated carrier once the UAV has been handed over.

6. Changes to the Order

Because UAVs may contain components specifically procured for a customer's order, changes to the configuration after the deposit has been paid may result in additional costs or delays.

Any requested changes will be assessed by BlackBox UAV and, where applicable, additional costs will be communicated to the customer for approval before the changes are implemented.

7. Estimated Delivery Dates

Any delivery or completion date provided by BlackBox UAV is an estimated date only unless a specific guaranteed delivery date has been expressly agreed to in writing.

BlackBox UAV will make reasonable efforts to complete orders within the estimated lead time, but cannot be held responsible for delays caused by circumstances outside of its reasonable control, including supplier delays, component shortages, international shipping delays, customs delays or other supply-chain disruptions.

8. Acceptance of Terms

By placing a backorder, paying the required deposit, or authorising BlackBox UAV to commence procurement or assembly, the customer confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Backorder & Custom Build Terms & Conditions.

These terms should be read together with the BlackBox UAV General Terms & Conditions and any specific quotation, sales agreement or order documentation provided to the customer.

BlackBox UAV reserves the right to update these terms from time to time. The terms applicable to an order will be those accepted by the customer at the time the order is placed.