PRIVACY POLICY
This Privacy Policy explains how Bougee Collective (Pty) Ltd collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) of South Africa. By accessing or using our website and services, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.
1. INTRODUCTION
Bougee Collective (“we”, “our”, or “us”) respects your right to privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy applies to all visitors, customers, and users of our website and services. Personal information is processed lawfully, reasonably, and in a manner that does not infringe on your privacy rights.
2. PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when placing an order, creating an account, subscribing to marketing communications, or contacting us. This may include your full name, email address, contact number, billing and delivery address, and order history.
When you make a purchase, payment details are processed securely through third-party payment service providers. Bougee Collective does not store full card or banking details on its servers.
We may automatically collect certain technical information when you browse our website, including your IP address, browser type, device information, and website usage data. This information is used to improve website functionality, performance, and overall user experience.
3. LAWFUL BASIS FOR PROCESSING
Personal information is processed in accordance with POPIA on one or more of the following lawful grounds:
Processing is necessary to conclude or perform a contract with you, including order fulfilment and delivery.
Processing is required to comply with a legal obligation.
Processing is necessary for legitimate business interests, including fraud prevention, security, and service improvement.
You have provided consent, particularly for marketing communications.
Personal information will not be processed for purposes that are incompatible with the purpose for which it was originally collected.
4. HOW WE USE PERSONAL INFORMATION
Personal information is used to operate and manage our business effectively. This includes processing and fulfilling orders, arranging delivery, managing returns and exchanges, and providing customer support.
We use your information to communicate regarding purchases, service updates, account matters, and responses to enquiries. Information may also be used to analyze purchasing behaviour and website usage trends to improve products, services, and customer experience.
Personal information supports website security, transaction verification, fraud detection, and protection against unlawful activity.
Where consent has been provided, contact details may be used to send promotional offers, product updates, newsletters, or other marketing communications. Consent may be withdrawn at any time by using the unsubscribe option provided in communications.
We may also process personal information where necessary to comply with applicable laws, resolve disputes, or enforce our Terms and Conditions.
5. SHARING AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
Personal information may be shared with trusted third parties where necessary to operate our business. This includes payment service providers, courier and logistics partners, website hosting providers, IT service providers, and marketing platforms.
Where required by law, regulation, or court order, personal information may be disclosed to regulatory authorities or law enforcement agencies.
All third-party service providers are required to implement appropriate security measures and confidentiality safeguards when processing personal information on our behalf.
6. CROSS-BORDER TRANSFERS
Certain service providers, including hosting platforms, payment processors, and marketing tools, may operate outside South Africa. As a result, personal information may be transferred to and processed in other countries.
Reasonable steps are taken to ensure that any cross-border transfers comply with POPIA and that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect personal information.
7. DATA SECURITY
Bougee Collective implements reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Access to personal information is limited to individuals who require it for legitimate business purposes.
While reasonable safeguards are maintained, no method of electronic transmission or storage is entirely secure. Information submitted through online platforms is done at the user’s discretion.
8. DATA RETENTION
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. This includes order processing, record-keeping, accounting requirements, dispute resolution, and compliance with legal obligations. When personal information is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymized.
9. COOKIES AND WEBSITE TECHNOLOGIES
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality, remember user preferences, analyse traffic, and improve performance. Cookies assist in understanding how visitors interact with the website.
You may adjust your browser settings to disable cookies; however, certain website features may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.
10. CHILDREN’S PERSONAL INFORMATION
Bougee Collective does not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18 without appropriate consent from a parent or legal guardian. Our services are intended for individuals legally capable of entering into binding agreements. If personal information from a minor is identified without proper consent, reasonable steps will be taken to delete such information.
11. AMENDMENTS TO THIS POLICY
Bougee Collective reserves the right to amend or update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in legal requirements or business practices. Any updates will be published on our website and will take effect upon publication.