Effective Date: July 22, 2026

Last Updated: July 22, 2026

Introduction

Cash Trader, trading as CONTIWES GENERAL SALES (CIPC Enterprise Number B2000031518), is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you interact with our business, whether in person at our shop, through our website, via email, or through WhatsApp Business communications.

We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable data protection regulations. By using our services or providing us with your personal information, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

1.1 Contact Information

• Name, surname, and preferred form of address
• Phone numbers (mobile and/or landline)
• Email addresses
• Physical address (when relevant for delivery or pawn transactions)

1.2 Transaction Information

• Details of items pawned, bought, or sold
• Transaction dates, amounts, and terms
• Payment information (cash transaction records; we do not store credit card details)
• Identification documents (as required by pawnbroking regulations)

1.3 Communication Information

• Messages sent via our website contact form
• Emails sent to our business email addresses
• WhatsApp messages and communication history when you contact us via WhatsApp Business
• Phone call records (for business purposes only)

1.4 Website Usage Information

• Basic website analytics (pages visited, time spent, browser type)
• IP address and device information (for security and technical purposes)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Delivery

• To process pawn transactions, purchases, and sales
• To communicate with you about your transactions
• To respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• To fulfill contractual obligations under pawnbroking agreements

2.2 Communication

• To respond to contact form submissions and email inquiries
• To send WhatsApp messages related to your transactions or inquiries
• To notify you about changes to our services or policies
• To provide important business updates (with your consent)

2.3 Legal Compliance

• To comply with pawnbroking regulations under the National Credit Act
• To comply with POPIA and other applicable laws
• To maintain transaction records as required by law
• To cooperate with law enforcement or regulatory authorities when legally required

2.4 Business Operations

• To improve our products, services, and customer experience
• To analyze business performance and customer needs
• To prevent fraud and ensure security

3. How We Protect Your Information

We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement appropriate measures to protect it:

• Physical Security: Records stored at our shop are kept in secure, access-controlled areas
• Digital Security: Our website uses HTTPS encryption; email and WhatsApp communications are transmitted via secure channels
• Access Control: Only authorized personnel have access to customer information, and only for legitimate business purposes
• Data Minimization: We collect only the information necessary for the specific purpose
• Retention Limits: We retain personal information only as long as necessary for business and legal purposes

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government authority
• Service Providers: With trusted service providers who assist in our business operations (e.g., email hosting, website hosting), under strict confidentiality agreements
• Business Transfers: In the event of a business sale or merger, customer information may be transferred to the new owner, subject to this privacy policy

We do not:

• Sell your data to marketers or data brokers
• Use your data for advertising or marketing by third parties
• Share your data with unrelated businesses

5. WhatsApp Business Communications

If you contact us via WhatsApp Business, the following applies:

• WhatsApp messages are encrypted end-to-end by WhatsApp (we do not control this encryption)
• We may use WhatsApp to respond to your inquiries, provide transaction updates, or communicate about our services
• We will not send you marketing messages via WhatsApp without your explicit consent
• Your WhatsApp phone number and message history are stored securely and treated as confidential
• You can opt out of WhatsApp communications at any time by informing us

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Right to Correction: You can request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Deletion: You can request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Right to Object: You can object to certain uses of your information
• Right to Data Portability: You can request your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law:

• Pawn Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years (as required by pawnbroking regulations)
• Sales Records: Retained for 5 years (as required by tax and business regulations)
• General Inquiries: Retained for 2 years or until resolved
• Marketing Communications: Retained until you withdraw consent

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website does not use third-party advertising cookies or tracking technologies. We may use basic, privacy-friendly analytics to understand how visitors use our site, but we do not track individuals or sell data to third parties.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 18 without parental consent.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business operations. When we make significant changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and notify you through our website or other communication channels.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

12. Information Regulator (South Africa)

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator:

This Privacy Policy was last updated on July 22, 2026.