Last updated: 23 July 2025
This Privacy Policy describes how Garden Bench (“we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit our website, use our services, or make a purchase (collectively, the “Services”). “You” or “your” refers to users of the Services, including customers, website visitors, and others whose personal information we process.
By using our Services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as set out in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please discontinue use of the Services.
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in our business operations or legal obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA). Updates will be posted on our website with the revised “Last updated” date.
We collect and process personal information that is reasonably necessary for our business functions. The type of information depends on how you interact with us and may include:
Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, physical or delivery address
Order Details: Billing and shipping details, payment confirmation
Account Information: Username, password
Shopping Activity: Items viewed, added to cart or wishlist
Support Interactions: Information you provide when communicating with us
Usage Data: IP address, browser/device type, session information, site interaction
Cookies: Information collected using cookies or similar tracking tools (see section 6)
In terms of POPIA, we only process your personal information for lawful, specific, and explicitly defined purposes, including:
Processing and fulfilling your orders
Managing your account and user experience
Providing customer service and support
Sending service-related or promotional communications
Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
Preventing fraud, abuse, or unlawful activity
We process personal information based on one or more of the following lawful grounds under POPIA:
Your consent
Performance of a contract (e.g., fulfilling a purchase)
Compliance with legal obligations
Legitimate interests in running our business, provided these are not outweighed by your rights
We may disclose your personal information to the following parties:
Service providers and contractors (e.g., payment processors, couriers, IT and analytics providers)
Marketing and advertising partners, to help us personalise and promote our services
Government authorities, regulators, or law enforcement when required by law
Other parties, with your consent or at your direction
We do not sell your personal information.
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality, analyse traffic, and personalise content. You may disable cookies via your browser settings, but this may affect your experience on the site.
We store your personal information securely using appropriate technical and organisational safeguards. We retain information only as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected or as required by law (e.g., tax, accounting, and legal obligations).
As a South African data subject, you have the following rights:
Right of Access – to request what personal information we hold about you
Right to Correction – to request updates or corrections to inaccurate data
Right to Deletion – to request deletion of your personal information when it is no longer needed
Right to Object – to object to processing for direct marketing or on grounds relating to your situation
Right to Withdraw Consent – at any time where consent is the legal basis for processing
Right to Lodge a Complaint – with the Information Regulator (see below)
You can exercise your rights by contacting us at the email addresses below.
Our Services are not intended for children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a child has provided personal information, please contact us to delete it.
Our website may contain links to external websites not operated by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before sharing personal information.
We use reasonable safeguards, including encryption and secure servers, to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential.
For questions, data access requests, or to exercise your rights under POPIA, please contact us:
📧 chris@gardenbench.co.za
📧 charles@gardenbench.co.za
If you are not satisfied with our handling of your request or concern, you may contact the Information Regulator:
Email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za
Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
