Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Metra Market ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services.

We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide:

• Name and surname
• Email address
• Phone number
• Physical/delivery address
• Payment information (processed securely via PayFast)
• Order history and preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website addresses
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Processing and fulfilling your orders
• Communicating about your orders and account
• Sending promotional communications (with your consent)
• Improving our products and services
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security
• Complying with legal obligations
• Analyzing website usage and trends

4. Information Sharing

We do NOT sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share information with:

• Payment Processors: PayFast for secure payment processing
• Shipping Partners: Bobgo for delivery services
• Service Providers: IT hosting, analytics, customer support
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect rights

5. Cookies & Tracking

5.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage
• Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)

5.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure payment processing via PayFast
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Employee training on data protection

7. Your POPIA Rights

Under POPIA, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your information
• Right to Portability: Request transfer of your data
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

Typically, we retain order information for 5 years to comply with tax laws.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information promptly.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than South Africa. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in compliance with POPIA.

11. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact our Information Officer:

Email: privacy@metramarket.co.za
Phone: +27 11 123 4567
Address: 123 Commerce Street, Johannesburg, 2001

We will respond to your request within 30 days as required by POPIA.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date.