Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

1) Who we are

Towntrek is a digital platform that helps people discover local businesses, services and events, and helps business owners manage their online presence through the Towntrek web platform and mobile app.

2) What information we collect

• Account information: name, email address, phone number, password (stored as a secure hash), and account type.
• Business listing information: listing details you submit (business name, description, contact details, hours, categories, location, etc.).
• Uploads: images and documents you upload (for example, business logos, galleries, brochures/menus).
• Subscription and payment information: subscription status, plan selection, and payment events. Card details are not stored by Towntrek; payments are processed by PayFast.
• Usage and technical data: basic logs and diagnostics for security, troubleshooting and performance (e.g., timestamps, pages/actions, device/browser info, IP address).
• Cookies and similar technologies: used for login sessions, security protections, and platform functionality.

3) How we use your information

• Provide and operate the service: create accounts, publish listings, show content to users, and enable uploads.
• Process subscriptions: activate, manage, and verify subscription status and access to subscription features.
• Support and communication: respond to support requests and send service-related messages.
• Security: detect, prevent, and respond to fraud, abuse, and technical issues.
• Improve Towntrek: understand usage patterns to improve features and reliability.
• Marketing (optional): only if you choose to receive marketing emails, we may send tips and platform updates. You can opt out anytime.

4) Who we share information with

We may share information with trusted service providers only as needed to operate Towntrek, such as:

• Payment processing: PayFast (to manage subscription payments and cancellations).
• Hosting and infrastructure: our hosting providers (e.g., for serving the web application and storing uploaded files).
• Email delivery: our email/SMTP provider(s) used to send transactional emails.
• Maps and geocoding: Mapbox (for location features, where enabled).
• Security protections: reCAPTCHA (where enabled) to reduce spam and abuse.

5) Data retention

We keep your data as long as needed to provide the service and comply with legal and operational requirements. If you delete your account (or request deletion), we’ll handle it in line with applicable law and legitimate retention needs (for example, financial records where required).

6) Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect information, including secure authentication, access controls, and monitoring. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, but we work hard to protect your data.

7) Your choices and rights

• Access and correction: request a copy of your information or ask us to correct it.
• Marketing preferences: unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time.
• Account deletion: request deletion of your account and personal information where applicable.

Terms & Conditions

1) Acceptance

By accessing or using Towntrek, you agree to these Terms and this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the platform.

2) Accounts and responsibilities

• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account and for activities under your account.
• You must provide accurate information and keep your details up to date.
• You may not misuse the platform, interfere with normal operation, or attempt unauthorised access.

3) Business listings and user content

• You are responsible for the content you upload, including ensuring it is accurate, lawful, and not misleading.
• You grant Towntrek a limited licence to host, store, display, and distribute your content as required to operate the platform.
• We may remove content that violates these Terms, applicable law, or platform guidelines.

4) Platform role and disclaimers

Towntrek is a directory and discovery platform. We do not guarantee the quality, availability, or conduct of third-party businesses. Any interactions or transactions with businesses are between you and the business.

Billing & Subscriptions

• Subscription billing: paid plans are billed in advance according to the plan and billing cycle you select.
• Payment processing: recurring payments and subscription management are handled via PayFast.
• Access and entitlements: subscription features are available only while your subscription is active and in good standing.

Cancellation Policy

How customers can cancel

Customers can cancel their subscription at any time either:

• inside the Towntrek platform (Cancel Subscription), or
• through their PayFast account/subscription management.

When cancellation takes effect

Cancellation is processed via PayFast and is effective immediately once confirmed. This stops future recurring charges and access to subscription features is removed immediately.

Access after cancellation

Once cancelled, the user no longer has access to subscription-only features and the account is treated as non-subscribed (until they re-subscribe).

Re-subscribing

Customers may re-subscribe at any time by selecting a plan and completing payment via PayFast again.

Refund Policy

General rule

Towntrek does not offer refunds for subscription payments (including partial/pro-rated refunds) because the service is a digital subscription and access/benefits are provided immediately when payment is successful.

Exceptions (handled case-by-case)

A refund may be considered only where required by applicable law, or in limited situations such as:

• a proven duplicate charge,
• a verified billing or technical error on our side, or
• an unauthorised transaction with supporting evidence.

If approved, refunds are processed back through PayFast where possible.

Return Policy

Towntrek is a digital subscription service and does not sell physical goods. As a result, there are no physical “returns”. Subscription payments are handled under the Refund Policy above.

Free Trial (if applicable)

We offer a 30-day free trial for eligible new users. No subscription charges apply during the trial period. To continue after trial expiry, a paid subscription is required.

Contact

If you have questions about these policies, please contact us:

• Support: support@bytecraftdigital.com