Privacy Policy
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Last Updated: May 31, 2025
1. Introduction and Data Controller
BrowseBuy (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our consignment services.
BrowseBuy is the data controller responsible for your personal data. We are a consignment business operating in the Blaauberg area of Cape Town, South Africa.
This Privacy Policy applies to information we collect:
•On our website
•Through email, text, and other electronic communications
•When you interact with our advertising on third-party websites
•When you use our consignment services
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.
2. Personal Data We Collect
We collect several types of information from and about users of our website and services, including:
2.1 Information You Provide to Us
•Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and password.
•Profile Information: Information you choose to add to your profile, such as profile pictures and biographical information.
•Transaction Information: Details about items you consign or purchase, including descriptions, photographs, pricing, payment information, and shipping addresses.
•Communication Information: Records of your questions, comments, reviews, and communications with us or other users.
•Financial Information: Bank account details for seller payouts and payment card information for purchases (though we do not store complete payment card details).
•Identity Verification: For high-value items, we may collect information to verify your identity, such as copies of identification documents.
2.2 Information We Collect Automatically
•Device Information: Information about your device, including IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
•Usage Information: Details about your interactions with our website, including pages visited, time spent on pages, and click-through patterns.
•Location Information: General location information derived from your IP address.
•Cookies and Similar Technologies: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies as described in our Cookie Policy section.
2.3 Information from Third Parties
•Social Media Integration: If you choose to connect your social media accounts, we may receive information from those platforms.
•Payment Processors: We receive confirmation of payment from our payment processors, but we do not receive your full payment details.
•Shipping Partners: We receive tracking and delivery information from our shipping partners.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:
3.1 To Provide Our Services
•Creating and managing your account
•Processing consignments and purchases
•Facilitating payments and payouts
•Arranging for shipping and delivery
•Authenticating and verifying items
•Providing customer support
3.2 To Improve Our Services
•Analyzing usage patterns to enhance user experience
•Developing new features and services
•Troubleshooting technical issues
•Conducting research and analysis
3.3 For Marketing and Communication
•Sending you updates about your consignments or purchases
•Providing promotional offers and information about our services
•Communicating about your account or transactions
•Responding to your inquiries and requests
3.4 For Legal and Security Purposes
•Protecting against fraudulent, unauthorized, or illegal activity
•Enforcing our terms of service and other policies
•Complying with legal obligations
•Resolving disputes and addressing complaints
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data on the following legal grounds:
•Performance of Contract: Processing necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations to you, including providing our consignment and sales services.
•Legitimate Interests: Processing necessary for our legitimate interests, such as improving our services, preventing fraud, and marketing our services.
•Consent: Processing based on your specific consent, such as for certain types of marketing communications.
•Legal Obligation: Processing necessary to comply with our legal obligations.
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your personal information with:
5.1 Service Providers
We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as:
•Payment processors
•Shipping and logistics companies
•Email and customer service platforms
•Analytics providers
•Marketing and advertising partners
These service providers are contractually obligated to use your information only as directed by us and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
5.2 Buyers and Sellers
To facilitate transactions, we share limited information between buyers and sellers, such as usernames, shipping addresses, and transaction details.
5.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency).
5.4 Business Transfers
If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
5.5 With Your Consent
We may share your information with third parties when you have given us your consent to do so.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. The criteria used to determine our retention periods include:
•The length of time we have an ongoing relationship with you
•Whether there is a legal obligation to which we are subject
•Whether retention is advisable in light of our legal position (such as for statutes of limitations, litigation, or regulatory investigations)
When we no longer need to use your information, we will take steps to securely delete or anonymize it.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:
•Access: The right to request access to your personal information.
•Correction: The right to request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
•Deletion: The right to request that we delete your personal information in certain circumstances.
•Restriction: The right to request that we restrict the processing of your information in certain circumstances.
•Data Portability: The right to receive your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.
•Objection: The right to object to our processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the “Contact Us” section below.
8. Data Security
We have implemented appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the security of your personal information. However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
9. International Data Transfers
BrowseBuy is based in South Africa, and the information we collect is governed by South African law. If you are accessing our services from outside South Africa, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in South Africa or other countries where our service providers are located.
10. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we learn we have collected or received personal information from a child under 18, we will delete that information.
11. Cookies and Similar Technologies
11.1 What Are Cookies
Cookies are small data files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. We use cookies and similar technologies (such as web beacons and pixels) to enhance your experience, gather information about users and visits to our website, and facilitate certain functions.
11.2 Types of Cookies We Use
•Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly.
•Preference Cookies: Enable the website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks.
•Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website.
•Marketing Cookies: Used to track visitors across websites to display relevant advertisements.
11.3 Your Cookie Choices
Most web browsers allow you to manage your cookie preferences. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or delete certain cookies. However, if you disable cookies, you may not be able to use all the features of our website.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated “Last Updated” date, and the updated version will be effective as soon as it is accessible. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy frequently to be informed of how we are protecting your information.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
Email: info@browsebuy.co.za
