Privacy Policy

1. INTRODUCTION

  • This Privacy Policy explains how Auction Operation (Pty) Ltd (“Auction Operation”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects personal information when you access or use our websites, mobile applications, auction platforms, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”).
  • This Policy applies to all buyers, bidders, and users (“you”) who interact with Auction Operation through online or live auctions or related services.
  • This Privacy Policy must be read together with our Terms of Use and Conditions of Sale, which are incorporated by reference.

2. RESPONSIBLE PARTY (DATA CONTROLLER)

For purposes of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (“POPIA”), Auction Operation is the responsible party and determines how and why your personal information is processed.

3. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect information in the following categories:

3.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you register or use the Platform, we may collect:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Username and password
  • Contact number
  • Physical and postal address
  • Identification or verification information (where required)
  • Communication preferences

This information is referred to as “Personal Information.”

Providing certain Personal Information is mandatory to participate in auctions or complete transactions.

3.2 Transaction and Auction Information

If you participate in an auction or purchase an item, we may collect:

  • Bid history
  • Purchase and payment status
  • Invoices, delivery records, and related documentation
  • Communication relating to transactions or disputes

3.3 Payment Information

Payments are processed through third-party payment service providers. Auction Operation does not store full card or banking details.

We may receive limited payment-related information (such as confirmation of payment, transaction reference numbers, or billing details) strictly for accounting, reconciliation, and compliance purposes.

3.4 Automatically Collected Information

When you use the Platform, we may automatically collect technical and usage data, including:

  • IP address
  • Device type and operating system
  • Browser type
  • Date, time, and duration of visits
  • Pages viewed and actions taken
  • Approximate location (based on IP)

This information is generally aggregated and used for analytics, security, and performance improvement.

4. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We process Personal Information lawfully and for legitimate business purposes, including to:

  • Register and manage user accounts
  • Enable bidding and auction participation
  • Process transactions and payments
  • Communicate auction information and updates
  • Respond to enquiries and support requests
  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
  • Prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorised access
  • Improve platform performance and user experience
  • Conduct analytics and internal reporting
  • Send marketing communications (where permitted)

5. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING

We process Personal Information on one or more of the following lawful grounds:

  • Performance of a contract
  • Compliance with a legal obligation
  • Legitimate business interests
  • Your consent (where required by law)

6. DATA RETENTION

We retain Personal Information:

  • For as long as you maintain an account with us; and
  • Thereafter, for as long as reasonably necessary to:
  • Comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations
  • Resolve disputes
  • Enforce agreements

Aggregated or anonymised information may be retained indefinitely.

7. SHARING OF INFORMATION

We do not sell your Personal Information.

We may share Personal Information with:

7.1 Service Providers

Third parties who assist us with:

  • Payment processing
  • IT hosting and support
  • Analytics and communications
  • Security and fraud prevention

These parties are contractually required to protect your information.

7.2 Legal and Regulatory Authorities

Where required by law, court order, subpoena, or regulatory obligation.

7.3 Business Transfers

If Auction Operation undergoes a merger, restructuring, or sale of assets, Personal Information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to continued protection.

8. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Enable core platform functionality
  • Remember user preferences
  • Analyse usage trends
  • Improve performance

You may control cookie settings through your browser or device. Certain features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

9. DATA SECURITY

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect Personal Information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, or disclosure.

You are responsible for safeguarding your login credentials and must notify us immediately of any suspected unauthorised access.

10. YOUR RIGHTS (POPIA)

Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:

  • Request access to your Personal Information
  • Request correction or deletion
  • Object to processing in certain circumstances
  • Withdraw consent (where processing is consent-based)
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa

Requests may be submitted using the contact details below.

11. INTERNATIONAL USERS (EEA / UK)

If you are located outside South Africa, your Personal Information may be transferred to and processed in South Africa or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate.

Where applicable, such transfers are subject to appropriate safeguards consistent with GDPR and comparable data protection laws.

12. MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

We may send marketing communications where permitted by law. You may opt out at any time by:

  • Updating your account preferences, or
  • Using the unsubscribe option in communications

13. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our Platform.

Material changes will be communicated where required by law.