Privacy & Cookie Policy

1. Who We Are

Specials.NA ("we", "us", "our") operates the website specials.na, a platform that aggregates retail catalogues, promotions, and deals from Namibian retailers. We are committed to protecting your personal information in compliance with Namibia's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Information We Collect

We only collect what we need to run Specials.NA and to keep you informed about deals you care about.

• Email address — if you provide it for newsletters, account recovery, or contact.
• Phone / WhatsApp number — used for OTP sign-in, alerts, and subscriber messaging on WhatsApp.
• IP address — processed by our hosting and analytics providers. It may appear in aggregated traffic and security logs (for example when you browse the site or open links from messages).
• Browsing behaviour — pages viewed, searches, and interactions on the site, including via analytics cookies when you consent (see Section 5).
• Device information — browser type, operating system, and screen size (to improve layout and performance).
• Location — only if you explicitly allow it for the store finder (e.g. to sort stores by distance).

WhatsApp as your primary identity

When you sign in or subscribe with WhatsApp, your normalised phone number is the main key we use to recognise you across OTP codes, alerts, and optional shopping-list links. This keeps sign-in simple without passwords. We do not sell your number to third parties.

IP addresses and analytics

Tools such as Google Analytics may receive IP-derived data (for example general location at city/region level). We use this to understand how the site is used. You can decline non-essential analytics via our cookie banner.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To provide and improve our services.
• To send email notifications about new specials (only if you subscribe).
• To analyse usage patterns and improve the platform.
• To show you relevant deals and store locations near you.

4. Your Rights (POPIA & GDPR)

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data we hold.
• Correct inaccurate personal data.
• Delete your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
• Object to processing of your personal data.
• Withdraw consent at any time.
• Data portability — receive your data in a structured format.

To exercise any of these rights, email us at info@specials.na or privacy@specials.na.

5. Cookies & browser storage

Besides cookies, we may use localStorage (for example to remember cookie consent or lightweight UI preferences on your device). Essential session data for signed-in dashboard users is stored in cookies managed by Supabase authentication.

You can manage cookies through our consent banner or your browser settings. Analytics cookies are only loaded after you give consent.

6. Unsubscribing

You can stop WhatsApp messages from us at any time by replying STOP to our WhatsApp number, or by contacting us by email (below) and asking to be removed from alerts and marketing. Email subscribers can use the unsubscribe link in newsletters where provided.

7. Data Retention

We keep account and subscription data while your relationship with us is active or as needed to provide the service. Logs and security records are kept for a limited period for abuse prevention. Anonymised or aggregated analytics may be retained longer. When data is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it in line with this policy and applicable law.