Grow Easy Systems is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, store, and protect your personal information as an online-only store offering hydroponic solutions and gardening products.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information you provide directly to us when you interact with our website, such as when you:

• Place an order or create an account (e.g., name, email address, phone number, delivery address, payment details).
• Contact us through forms, email, or customer support channels.
• Subscribe to our newsletters or marketing communications.

We may also automatically collect non-personal information, such as:

• Website usage data (e.g., IP address, browser type, pages visited) via cookies and similar technologies.
• Aggregated data to improve our services (e.g., site analytics).

We only collect information necessary for the purposes outlined below, in line with POPIA’s minimality principle.

2. How We Use Your Information

Your personal information is used to:

• Process and fulfill your orders, including delivery and payment processing.
• Communicate with you about your orders, account, or inquiries.
• Send marketing communications (only with your consent, which you may withdraw at any time).
• Improve our website and services through analytics and user feedback.
• Comply with legal obligations or protect our rights.

3. Consent

By using our website or providing your personal information, you consent to its collection and use as described in this policy. Where required, we will seek explicit consent (e.g., for marketing emails). You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us or unsubscribing from communications.

4. Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

• Trusted third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors like Coinbase and PayFast, courier services) who assist in delivering our services, subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal authorities, if required by law or to protect our rights.

We do not sell or share your personal information for purposes unrelated to our services.

5. Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or theft. This includes secure payment processing, encrypted data transmission, and regular security reviews.

6. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction or deletion of your personal information.
• Object to or restrict the processing of your information.
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator.

To exercise these rights, contact us at the details below. We may require a copy of your ID to verify your identity, and a legally allowable fee may apply for access requests.

7. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and provide analytics. These include essential cookies (for site functionality) and non-essential cookies (e.g., for analytics or marketing). You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent popup.

8. Cross-Border Data Transfers

As an online store, some of our service providers (e.g., payment processors) may operate outside South Africa. We ensure that any cross-border data transfers comply with POPIA and that recipients adhere to equivalent data protection standards.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. For example, order-related data may be kept for financial or legal compliance.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact our Information Officer:

Email: info@groweasysystems.co.za

11. Complaints

If you believe we have not handled your personal information appropriately, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator:

Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available on our website, with the date of the last update noted below.

Last updated: May 20, 2025