Shipping policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Gentle Cubs ("we", "us", "our") values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 ("POPIA"), the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 25 of 2002 ("ECTA"), and other applicable South African laws.

This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the rights you have regarding your information.

By using our website or placing an order with Gentle Cubs, you acknowledge that your personal information will be processed in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

Gentle Cubs is an online retailer offering baby products and accessories throughout South Africa.

Email: gentlecubs.support@gmail.com

Website: https://www.gentlecubs.co.za (replace with your website once live if different)

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how you use our website, we may collect:

Personal Information

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

  • Delivery address

  • Billing address

  • Order history

  • Customer support communications

Payment Information

Payments are securely processed by trusted third-party payment providers.

Gentle Cubs does not store your complete debit or credit card details.

Technical Information

We may automatically collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Device information

  • Operating system

  • Website usage data

  • Cookies

  • Session information

3. Why We Collect Your Information

We process your personal information to:

  • Process and deliver orders

  • Verify payments

  • Provide customer support

  • Process refunds and returns

  • Prevent fraud

  • Improve our website and services

  • Send order confirmations and shipping updates

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Respond to customer enquiries

  • Send marketing communications where you have consented or where otherwise permitted by law

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal information where:

  • it is necessary to perform a contract with you;

  • you have given your consent;

  • we are required to do so by law; or

  • we have a legitimate business interest that does not override your privacy rights.

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share your information with trusted service providers where necessary, including:

  • Payment processors

  • Courier companies (including Aramex Store-to-Door)

  • Website hosting providers

  • Shopify and related service providers

  • IT and security providers

  • Professional advisers where required

  • Law enforcement or regulatory authorities where legally required

These service providers may only process your information for the purposes for which it was provided and are expected to protect it appropriately.

6. Marketing Communications

If you choose to receive marketing communications, we may send you information about:

  • New products

  • Promotions

  • Sales

  • Special offers

  • News

You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly.

We will not send direct marketing communications where prohibited by law.

7. Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences

  • Keep your shopping cart active

  • Improve website performance

  • Analyse website traffic

  • Personalise your experience

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although some website features may no longer function correctly.

8. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against:

  • unauthorised access;

  • loss;

  • misuse;

  • alteration;

  • destruction; and

  • unlawful disclosure.

While we strive to protect your information, no online transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as:

  • necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy;

  • required by law;

  • necessary to resolve disputes;

  • necessary to enforce our agreements.

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised where reasonably practicable.

10. Your Rights Under POPIA

Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:

  • access your personal information;

  • request correction of inaccurate information;

  • request deletion of information where appropriate;

  • object to certain processing;

  • withdraw consent where processing is based on consent;

  • request information about how your data is processed;

  • lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

Requests may be submitted to:

Email: gentlecubs.support@gmail.com

We may request reasonable proof of identity before processing certain requests.

11. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers, including Shopify and certain technology providers, may process or store personal information outside South Africa.

Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place and that your information receives an adequate level of protection in accordance with POPIA.

12. Children's Privacy

Our website is intended for adults purchasing products for children.

We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children.

If we become aware that personal information belonging to a child has been collected without appropriate authorisation where required, we will take reasonable steps to delete it.

13. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third-party websites.

We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our business, legal requirements or technology.

The latest version will always be published on our website with the updated effective date.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we process your personal information, please contact us:

Gentle Cubs

Email: gentlecubs.support@gmail.com

Website: https://www.gentlecubs.co.za

16. Information Regulator (South Africa)

If you believe we have not handled your personal information in accordance with applicable law, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa).