Privacy policy

SMV THREADS AND ACCESSORIES (“SMV THREADS AND ACCESSORIES”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) operates this website and online store (the “Services”) to provide customers with a curated shopping experience. The store is powered by Shopify Inc. (“Shopify”), which enables SMV THREADS AND ACCESSORIES to offer secure e-commerce functionality.

This Privacy Policy explains how SMV THREADS AND ACCESSORIES collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you visit, use, or make a purchase from the Services, or otherwise communicate with us. If there is any conflict between our Terms of Service and this Privacy Policy, this Privacy Policy will prevail with respect to the collection, processing, and disclosure of personal information.

By accessing or using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

1. Personal Information We Collect
For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, “Personal Information” means information that identifies or can reasonably be linked to an identifiable individual, as defined under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).

1.1 Information You Provide Directly
SMV THREADS AND ACCESSORIES may collect:

  • Contact details: Full name, billing and shipping address, email address, and telephone number
  • Account information: Username, password, and preferences
  • Transaction information: Purchases, returns, exchanges, cancellations, and order history
  • Communications: Customer support messages, reviews, and feedback

1.2 Payment Information
Payment details are processed securely by third-party providers (e.g., Shopify Payments, PayFast, Stripe, PayPal). SMV THREADS AND ACCESSORIES does not store full payment card details.

1.3 Automatically Collected Information

  • Device information: IP address, browser type, operating system
  • Usage data: Pages viewed, time spent, navigation behavior
  • Cookies: Used for functionality, preferences, and analytics

1.4 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from:

  • Shopify and integrated apps
  • Payment and fraud prevention services
  • Shipping partners
  • Marketing and analytics providers
  • Social media platforms

2. How We Use Your Personal Information

2.1 To Provide and Manage Services

  • Process and fulfill orders
  • Arrange shipping and delivery
  • Manage accounts
  • Handle returns and exchanges
  • Provide customer support
  • Personalize your shopping experience

2.2 Marketing and Promotions

  • Send newsletters and offers (with consent)
  • Show targeted ads
  • Notify about new products and sales

You can unsubscribe anytime via email or by contacting us.

2.3 Security and Fraud Prevention

  • Verify identity
  • Prevent fraud
  • Maintain system security

2.4 Legal Compliance

  • Comply with laws
  • Respond to authorities
  • Enforce policies

3. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA)
We process personal data based on:

  • Consent
  • Contractual necessity
  • Legal obligations
  • Legitimate interests

4. Sharing of Personal Information
We may share data with:

  • Shopify Inc.
  • Payment processors
  • Shipping providers
  • Marketing partners
  • Legal authorities
  • Business transfers

All partners must protect your data.

5. International Transfers
Your data may be processed outside South Africa. We ensure safeguards are in place to protect your information.

6. Cookies
We use cookies to:

  • Enable functionality
  • Remember preferences
  • Analyze traffic
  • Personalize ads

You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

7. Data Retention
We retain data only as long as necessary for:

  • Order fulfillment
  • Legal compliance
  • Dispute resolution

Data is deleted or anonymized when no longer needed.

8. Your Rights (POPIA)
You have the right to:

  • Access your data
  • Correct information
  • Request deletion
  • Object to marketing
  • Withdraw consent
  • File a complaint

9. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect children’s data.

10. Data Security
We implement security measures to protect your data, but no system is 100% secure.

11. Third-Party Websites
We are not responsible for external websites linked from our store.

12. Shopify Relationship
Our store is hosted by Shopify Inc., which may process your data.
Learn more: https://privacy.shopify.com

13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. Continued use means acceptance of updates.

14. Contact Details
SMV THREADS AND ACCESSORIES
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Email: hello@smv-boutique.com
WhatsApp: +27 82 487 3322
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAST)