Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2026

1. Introduction

Artisan Lane ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of everyone who uses our mobile application and website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.

2. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, and the account type you select (buyer or artisan). Artisan applicants also provide a business name, location, delivery capabilities, and turnaround time information.

Transaction Data

When you make a purchase, we collect delivery addresses, order details, and payment references. We do not store full credit card numbers — all payment processing is handled securely by our escrow partner, TradeSafe.

Usage Data

We automatically collect device information, app usage patterns, search queries, and interaction data to improve our service. This data is anonymised wherever possible.

3. How We Use Your Information

  • To create and manage your account
  • To process orders, deliveries, and escrow payments
  • To communicate with you about orders, updates, and promotions
  • To review artisan applications and maintain marketplace quality
  • To improve our app, troubleshoot issues, and develop new features
  • To comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

  • Artisans / Buyers: Order-related details necessary to fulfil and deliver purchases (e.g. delivery address shared with the artisan).
  • Payment Providers: TradeSafe for escrow payment processing.
  • Delivery Partners: Courier Guy, Pargo, and PAXI for shipping and logistics.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by South African law or to protect our legal rights.

We never sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Security

We use industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit (TLS/SSL), secure database hosting via Supabase, and access controls. However, no method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a South African resident, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Object to the processing of your information
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@artisanlane.co.za.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. Transaction records are retained for a minimum of 5 years as required by South African tax and commercial law.

8. Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses essential cookies to ensure functionality. We do not use third-party advertising cookies. Analytics data is collected anonymously to improve the user experience.

9. Children's Privacy

Artisan Lane is not intended for use by children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and app with a revised "Last updated" date.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: privacy@artisanlane.co.za