Privacy Policy
Your privacy matters to us. Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
Last Updated: December 2024
1. Introduction
The Bloomery ("we," "our," or "us") operates this website as an affiliate marketing platform connecting customers with premium flowers and gifts. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.
We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable data protection laws. By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number
- Communication Data: Messages sent through contact forms or customer service inquiries
- Marketing Preferences: Your preferences for receiving promotional communications
- Order Information: Details you provide when being redirected to our affiliate partners
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, click patterns, referring websites
- Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
- Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following legitimate business purposes:
🌐 Website Operation
Providing, maintaining, and improving our website functionality and user experience
🤝 Affiliate Services
Facilitating connections with our partner Netflorist and other affiliate merchants
📞 Customer Support
Responding to inquiries, providing customer service, and resolving issues
📊 Analytics & Improvement
Analyzing website usage to improve our services and user experience
📢 Marketing Communications
Sending promotional materials and updates (with your consent where required)
⚖️ Legal Compliance
Complying with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
4. Affiliate Business Model & Disclosure
Important Affiliate Disclosure
The Bloomery operates as an affiliate marketing website. We do not directly sell or deliver products. Instead, we partner with established merchants, primarily Netflorist, to provide you with access to premium flowers and gifts.
How Our Affiliate Model Works:
- We display products and redirect you to our partner merchants
- When you make a purchase through our links, we earn a commission
- All transactions, fulfillment, and customer service are handled by the merchant
- We do not process payments or store payment information
- Refunds, returns, and quality issues must be handled directly with the merchant
Our Primary Partner:
Netflorist (Pty) Ltd - South Africa's leading online florist and gift delivery service
When you purchase through our Netflorist links, their separate privacy policy and terms apply.
5. Third-Party Services & Data Sharing
5.1 Affiliate Partners
When you click on product links or are redirected to make purchases, you will be subject to our affiliate partners' privacy policies. We do not control these third-party sites and are not responsible for their privacy practices.
5.2 Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:
- Website hosting and maintenance
- Email marketing services
- Analytics and performance monitoring
- Customer support systems
- Security and fraud prevention
5.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law or to:
- Comply with legal obligations or court orders
- Protect our rights, property, or safety
- Investigate potential violations of our terms
- Respond to claims of illegal activity
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
You can control cookies through your browser settings, but please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and our ability to provide personalized services.
7. Your Privacy Rights (POPIA Compliance)
Under South African data protection law, you have the following rights:
🔍 Right to Access
Request copies of your personal information we hold
✏️ Right to Rectification
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
🗑️ Right to Deletion
Request deletion of your personal information under certain circumstances
⏸️ Right to Restriction
Request limitation of processing under specific conditions
📦 Right to Portability
Request transfer of your data to another service provider
🛑 Right to Object
Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond to your request within the timeframes required by applicable law.
8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Generally:
- Contact Information: Retained while you maintain contact or until you request deletion
- Communication Records: Retained for customer service purposes and legal compliance
- Analytics Data: Typically retained for 2-3 years for business analysis
- Marketing Data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request removal
10. Children's Privacy
Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
11. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of South Africa. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this privacy policy and applicable law.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
- Sending an email notification (if you have provided your email address)
- Providing prominent notice on our website
Your continued use of our website after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated privacy policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us: