Our Policies

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: June 2025

Welcome to The South Coaster (www.thesouthcoaster.co.za), a tourism and local business platform for the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. By accessing or using our website, you agree to comply with the terms outlined below.

1. About Us

The South Coaster is operated by The South Coaster, based on the KZN South Coast. We promote local tourism, businesses, and products through our online travel guide, business directory, events calendar, bulletin board, and online store featuring locally made items.

2. Content & Platform Usage

All content on the website (including listings, products, events, specials, and guides) is uploaded or approved by The South Coaster team.
Visitors may browse all public content freely.
User accounts may be created by business owners to manage and edit their assigned directory listings. No user-generated listings or products can be submitted without admin approval.

3. Directory Listings

Directory listings are created by The South Coaster and assigned to verified business owners who may edit their own listing details and images.
The South Coaster reserves the right to remove or edit listings at its discretion.
While we aim to provide accurate information, we cannot guarantee the correctness or completeness of all listings. Business owners are responsible for maintaining the accuracy of their own listings.

4. Reviews & User Conduct

Registered users may post reviews on business directory listings.
By posting a review, you agree not to submit any content that is defamatory, abusive, offensive, misleading, or unlawful.
The South Coaster reserves the right to remove any content that violates these terms or is deemed inappropriate.
Users are solely responsible for the content they submit.

5. Bulletin Board, Events & Specials

The South Coaster manages and uploads all event listings and bulletin board content (including specials, notices, news, etc.).
Information may be submitted by local businesses but is published only upon approval.
While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, The South Coaster is not liable for any errors, outdated information, or changes made by third-party businesses or event organizers.

6. Online Store

The South Coaster operates an online store featuring products consigned by local vendors.

Product Handling: Vendors supply products directly to The South Coaster. We are responsible for uploading items, managing inventory, processing payments, and fulfilling orders.
Order Fulfilment: All sales are made directly with The South Coaster. Vendors are not responsible for shipping or customer service.
Shipping: We package and ship all orders within South Africa using local couriers. Delivery fees, courier options, and estimated timeframes are outlined in our Refunds & Returns Policy.
Returns & Cancellations: See our Refunds & Returns Policy for full terms.

7. Vendor Agreements

All vendors who sell products through our online store do so under private, written consignment agreements signed offline. This website does not govern or publicly display those contracts.

8. Intellectual Property

All content, design elements, graphics, logos, images, and text on this site are the intellectual property of The South Coaster or its contributors.
You may not copy, reuse, or distribute any content without our prior written consent.
You may link to or share public content from our site for non-commercial purposes with proper credit.

9. Third-Party Links

This website may include links to third-party websites (such as accommodation sites or local attractions). We are not responsible for the content, policies, or practices of those external sites, and use of them is at your own risk.

10. Service Availability

We aim to keep the site running smoothly, but we do not guarantee continuous or uninterrupted access. The South Coaster is not liable for any temporary downtime or technical issues.

11. Privacy & Cookies

We collect limited personal information from users and may use cookies to enhance user experience and analyze traffic (via tools such as Google Analytics).

By using the site, you consent to this use. See our Privacy Policy for more details.

12. Limitation of Liability

The South Coaster is not responsible for any damages arising from use of the website, reliance on content, or interaction with third-party businesses listed here.
We disclaim liability for inaccuracies, delays, or any business disputes unrelated to our store or services.

13. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be resolved under South African jurisdiction.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions at any time. You are encouraged to review them periodically. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of any changes.

15. Contact

For questions or concerns about these terms, please contact us:

📧 admin@thesouthcoaster.co.za

Thank you for supporting local business and tourism on the South Coast!

Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 2025

The South Coaster (www.thesouthcoaster.co.za) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect information when you interact with our website.

1. Who We Are

The South Coaster is a South African-based tourism and local business platform promoting the KZN South Coast. Our site features a travel guide, business directory, events calendar, bulletin board, and an online store for locally made products.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

Account Information: When you register for an account (e.g. to manage a directory listing), we collect your name, business details, and email address.
Contact Submissions: When you contact us or submit business/event info, we collect your name, email, and any message content you provide.
Purchase Data: When you make a purchase, we collect order and shipping details for processing.
Analytics Data: We use Google Analytics to collect anonymized information such as device type, browser, pages visited, and general location.
Newsletter Signup (optional): If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your name and email address.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

Manage directory listings for verified businesses
Respond to enquiries or submissions
Process and deliver orders from our online store
Improve the functionality and content of our website
Send newsletters or marketing communications (only if you’ve opted in)

We will never sell or rent your personal data to third parties.

4. Marketing & Newsletters

If you choose to subscribe to our newsletter, you agree to receive occasional updates and promotions about local events, specials, and businesses on the South Coast.

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the email.
We use a secure, reputable email service provider to manage our subscriber list.

5. Cookies & Analytics

We use cookies to enhance your experience and analyze website traffic through Google Analytics.

Cookies are small text files stored in your browser. You can adjust your cookie settings via your browser or decline non-essential cookies through the cookie banner (where applicable).

We do not use cookies to collect personally identifiable information.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information:

As long as your business listing remains active
As long as your newsletter subscription is active
For a reasonable time period for analytics and support, unless you request deletion

7. How We Share Your Information

Vendors: Product vendors do not access customer data. All orders are handled directly by The South Coaster.
Third-Party Services: We use reputable third-party services (e.g. payment gateways, analytics, email marketing tools) to help operate our website. These providers are bound by their own privacy policies and are used only as necessary.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Request access to the personal data we hold about you
Correct or update your information
Request that we delete your data
Unsubscribe from any marketing emails

To make any of these requests, contact us at admin@thesouthcoaster.co.za

9. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational precautions to safeguard your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 18.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the site after changes implies acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy, or would like to exercise your data rights, please contact us:

📧 admin@thesouthcoaster.co.za

Refunds, Returns & Shipping Policy

1. Returns & Exchanges

We take pride in supporting local makers and ensuring quality, but as a small, community-based store, we do not offer returns or exchanges unless a product is faulty or incorrect due to an error on our side.

If you receive a defective or incorrect item, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order at [your email address]. We’ll do our best to resolve the issue quickly and fairly.

Please note:

Items must be unused and in their original packaging to be eligible for a replacement or refund.
Refunds will be processed using the original payment method.
We reserve the right to decline returns that do not meet these conditions.

2. No Change-of-Mind Returns

Due to the handmade and locally produced nature of our products, we do not offer refunds for change of mind, incorrect sizing, or personal preference.

Please read product descriptions carefully before purchasing. If you have any questions about a product before ordering, feel free to contact us.

3. Product Disclaimer

While we try to represent each item as accurately as possible:

Colours may vary slightly due to lighting, screen differences, or photography.
Sizes and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of certain products.

We appreciate your understanding that each product is unique and often made in small batches by local creators.

4. Shipping & Delivery

All orders are fulfilled and shipped directly by The South Coaster team from the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

Processing Times

Orders are typically processed within 1–3 working days of payment. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your order has been dispatched.

Delivery Areas

We currently ship to addresses within South Africa. Delivery usually takes 7-10 working days, depending on your location.

Shipping Methods

We use trusted couriers and local delivery services.

Shipping Fees

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the delivery address and order size. Occasionally, we offer free or discounted shipping as part of promotions.

Delivery Issues

If your order is delayed, damaged, or lost in transit, please contact us at admin@thesouthcoaster.co.za and we’ll assist promptly. We are not responsible for delays caused by third-party couriers but will help you resolve any issues.

If you need help or have any questions about a product or your order, you’re always welcome to contact us before checking out.

You're all caught up

We know this isn’t beach reading, but we believe in keeping things simple and transparent. If you have any questions or just feel like chatting, we’re always happy to help.