South African Artisan Marketplace

Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 2026

1. Introduction

Craft Connect ("we", "our", "us") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our Platform. We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.

2. Information We Collect

Information you provide:

  • Account registration details: full name, email address, phone number, and password.
  • Profile information: bio, craft specialty, location, and profile images.
  • Artisan application data: address, business contact details, and years of experience.
  • Transaction information: shipping addresses, order details, and payment records.
  • Communications: messages sent through the Platform and correspondence with support.

Information collected automatically:

  • Usage data: pages viewed, time spent, and actions taken on the Platform.
  • Device information: browser type, operating system, and IP address.
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 5).
3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

  • Create and manage your account.
  • Process and facilitate transactions through our escrow system.
  • Verify artisan identities and applications.
  • Communicate order updates, shipping confirmations, and support responses.
  • Improve and personalise the Platform experience.
  • Ensure compliance with our Terms & Conditions and applicable laws.
  • Send service-related notices and (with consent) marketing communications.
4. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA)

We process your personal information on the following grounds:

  • Consent: Where you have given us explicit permission.
  • Contractual necessity: To perform our obligations under the Terms & Conditions.
  • Legal obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Legitimate interest: To operate and improve our Platform, prevent fraud, and ensure security.
5. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyse site traffic, and remember your preferences. You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect certain Platform features.

Types of cookies we use:

  • Essential cookies: Required for the Platform to function (e.g., session management, login status).
  • Analytics cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the Platform.
  • Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences.
6. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:

  • Other users: Artisans see your shipping address and contact details when fulfilling orders; Buyers see the Artisan's business information as listed on their profile.
  • Service providers: Third parties that help us operate the Platform (payment processors, hosting, analytics) under strict data protection agreements.
  • Legal authorities: When required by law or to protect our legal rights.
7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including encryption, secure servers, and access controls. However, no method of electronic storage or transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account closure, we may retain certain information as required by law, for dispute resolution, or for legitimate business purposes.

9. Your Rights (POPIA)

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal obligations.
  • Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
  • Withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at support@craftconnect.net.za. We will respond within the timeframe required by POPIA.

10. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete it.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify users of material changes via email or platform notice. Your continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Information Officer:

Email: support@craftconnect.net.za
Platform: Craft Connect

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.