Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for The Groom
Effective Date: 20 January 2025

The Groom values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable laws. By using our website www.thegroom.co.za, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

1. Introduction

1.1. The Groom (“we,” “us,” “our”) is an online store operating in South Africa, providing grooming products and related services.
1.2. This policy explains how we process personal information, your rights regarding your data, and how you can contact us with any concerns.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information when you use our website, place an order, or contact us:

  • Personal Identification Information: Name, surname, date of birth, and identity/passport number.
  • Contact Information: Email address, phone number, and physical address.
  • Payment Information: Billing address, payment card details, and transaction details.
  • Account Information: Username, password, and preferences if you create an account.
  • Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and browsing behavior on our website.

3. How We Collect Personal Information

We collect your personal information in the following ways:
3.1. Directly from You:

  • When you create an account.
  • When you place an order or contact customer support.
  • When you subscribe to newsletters or promotional materials.

3.2. Automatically:

  • Through cookies and tracking technologies when you browse our website.

3.3. From Third Parties:

  • Payment processors and delivery partners may share data necessary to complete your transaction.

4. How We Use Your Personal Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

4.1. To Fulfill Orders:

  • Process payments, arrange delivery, and communicate order updates.

4.2. To Provide Customer Support:

  • Respond to inquiries, process returns, and address complaints.

4.3. For Marketing:

  • Send promotional emails, special offers, or updates (with your consent).
  • Personalize your shopping experience by suggesting products.

4.4. To Improve Our Website:

  • Analyze website usage to enhance functionality and user experience.

4.5. To Comply with Legal Obligations:

  • Maintain records for tax purposes and comply with POPIA and other South African laws.

5. Sharing Your Personal Information

We do not sell your personal information. However, we may share your data with trusted third parties in the following cases:

5.1. Service Providers:

  • Delivery partners, payment gateways, and IT service providers who assist in operating our website and fulfilling orders.

5.2. Legal Requirements:

  • When required by law or in response to legal processes, such as court orders or subpoenas.

5.3. Business Transfers:

  • In the event of a merger, sale, or acquisition of our business, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), you have the following rights:

6.1. Access to Information:

  • Request details about the personal information we hold about you.

6.2. Correction of Information:

  • Request corrections or updates to your personal information.

6.3. Deletion of Information:

  • Request the deletion of your personal data, subject to legal or contractual obligations.

6.4. Object to Processing:

  • Object to the processing of your personal information for specific purposes, such as direct marketing.

6.5. Data Portability:

  • Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.

6.6. Withdraw Consent:

  • Withdraw your consent for specific data uses where consent was previously provided.

7. How We Protect Your Personal Information

7.1. We implement strict security measures to safeguard your data, including:

  • Encryption of sensitive data during transmission.
  • Secure storage systems and restricted access to personal information.
  • Regular security assessments and updates to prevent unauthorized access.

7.2. While we strive to protect your information, no data transmission or storage system is 100% secure.

8. Retention of Personal Information

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce agreements.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

9.1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small data files stored on your device when you visit our website.

9.2. How We Use Cookies:

  • To remember your preferences and enhance your shopping experience.
  • To track website usage and analyze performance.

9.3. Managing Cookies:
You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being used. However, some website features may not function properly without cookies.

10. Marketing Communications

10.1. You may receive promotional emails if you have opted in.
10.2. You can opt-out of marketing communications at any time by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link in our emails or contacting us at support@thegroom.co.za.

11. International Data Transfers

If your personal information is transferred outside of South Africa, we will ensure that it is protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

12. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these websites.

13. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for use by children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

14. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page, and the updated version will include the “Effective Date.”

15. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding your personal information or this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Email: support@thegroom.co.za
Phone: 087 283 0394
Address: Schoeman Street 59
Polokwane -Limpopo
0700- South Africa

By using The Groom’s website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. Thank you for trusting us with your personal information.