Privacy Policy
Effective Date: March 2021 | Version 2.0
Updated: 31 July 2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to Dear Diary. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to safeguarding the information you share with us.
2. Audience
This policy applies to all visitors to our website (https://www.dear-diary.co.za) and customers who order or request goods or services from us.
3. Acceptance of This Policy
By visiting our website or placing an order, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the terms of this privacy policy. Only individuals aged 18 and above who have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements may use our website and services.
We may update this policy periodically. If we do, we will notify you via a prominent notice on our website or via email. If you continue to use our website and services after these changes, the updated policy will apply.
4. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of personal data:
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Name and surname
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Email address
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Phone number
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Billing and shipping address
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Username and password (for account creation)
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Payment details (processed via secure third-party gateways)
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IP address, browser type, and location (for analytics and tax calculations)
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Information about your purchases and interactions with our website
5. How We Collect Information
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When you visit our website
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When you create an account
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When you place an order
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When you sign up for our newsletter or download a free resource
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When you engage with us via forms, comments, or surveys
6. Why We Collect Information
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To process and fulfil your orders
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To respond to queries and requests
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To set up and manage your account
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To improve our products and services
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To comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax reporting)
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For marketing and communication purposes (only with your consent)
7. Sharing of Information
We share your information only when necessary, with:
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Payment processors: Payfast, PayFlex, and PayStack
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Courier services: BobGo and Pudo
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Web service providers and technical support partners
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Regulatory authorities, where legally required
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
8. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies to:
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Remember your cart contents and preferences
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Track website usage and improve functionality
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Enable login and wishlist features
You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.
9. Account and Wishlist
When you register or use wishlist features, we collect and store that data to personalize your experience and allow access to saved preferences. You may update or delete your account information at any time.
10. Marketing Communications
When you subscribe to our mailing list, you consent to receive emails related to products, promotions, and helpful content. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in each email.
11. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for our business operations or as required by law. If you delete your account or unsubscribe from communications, we will retain only the minimum required data for legal or accounting purposes.
12. Data Security
Our website is hosted in a secure server environment and uses SSL encryption. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data from unauthorized access or disclosure.
13. Your Rights
You have the right to:
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Access the personal data we hold about you
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Request correction or deletion of your data
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Object to processing or request restriction
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Withdraw consent to marketing communications
To exercise these rights, contact us at karin@dear-diary.co.za.
14. Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.
15. Embedded Content and External Links
Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g., videos or images) from other websites. These sites may collect data and use cookies independently of Dear Diary. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites.
16. International Transfers
If your data is transferred outside of South Africa (e.g., for processing by service providers), we will ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
17. Changes of Ownership
If Dear Diary is sold or merged with another business, we may transfer your information to the new owners. You will be notified if this occurs.
18. Questions and Complaints
If you have questions about this policy or wish to make a complaint, please contact us at karin@dear-diary.co.za.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Information Regulator of South Africa at https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/.
Contact Information
Dear Diary ZA (PTY) Ltd
Email: karin@dear-diary.co.za
Website: https://www.dear-diary.co.za
