Privacy policy

At The Bridal House (TBH Gowns Pty Ltd TA The Bridal House), we are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring compliance with South African data protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website www.lovele.co.za, place an order, or interact with us. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

Who We Are

**The Bridal House** is an online retailer of custom-made dresses, operating in South Africa.

**Contact Information**
Email: hello@thebridalhouse.co.za
Phone: 010 448 4780
WhatsApp: 067 884 5109
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM SAST

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What Personal Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal information:

- **Contact Information**: Name, email address, phone number, delivery address
- **Order Details**: Measurements, style preferences, and payment details (securely processed via third-party gateways)
- **Website Data**: IP address, browser type, device info, pages visited, and time spent
- **Communication Records**: Messages sent via email, WhatsApp, or website forms
- **Marketing Preferences**: Opt-ins for promotional content

We do **not** collect sensitive information (e.g., race or health) unless explicitly required and consented.

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How We Collect Your Information

- **Directly**: When you place orders, create an account, or subscribe to our newsletter
- **Automatically**: Through cookies, web beacons, analytics tools like Google Analytics
- **From Third Parties**: Payment providers (e.g., PayFast, PayPal), couriers (e.g., The Courier Guy)

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Why We Collect Your Information

We use your information for:

- Fulfilling orders and custom production
- Providing customer support and handling returns
- Processing payments securely
- Analyzing website performance
- Sending marketing content (only if you opt in)
- Complying with legal and tax regulations

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## 5️⃣ Legal Basis for Processing

We rely on:

- **Consent**: When you provide measurements or agree to marketing
- **Contractual Necessity**: To fulfill your order
- **Legal Obligations**: SARS, POPIA, CPA compliance
- **Legitimate Interests**: Fraud prevention, service improvement

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How We Share Your Information

We share personal data only when necessary:

| Recipient | Purpose |
|------------------|----------------------------------|
| Dress Suppliers | Custom dress production |
| Courier Partners | Order delivery |
| Payment Providers | Secure transaction processing |
| Analytics Tools | Improving website performance |
| Legal Authorities | Regulatory compliance (e.g., SARS) |

We ensure all partners follow POPIA and use data only for its intended purpose. We never sell or rent your information.

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International Data Transfers

Some data may be shared with international suppliers (e.g., in China). We protect your information by:

- Using data protection clauses in contracts
- Limiting data to only what's necessary
- Vetting recipient compliance with POPIA-equivalent standards

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How We Protect Your Information

We apply strong security practices:

- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Controlled access for authorized personnel
- Secure platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce)
- Partner compliance with POPIA and best practices

If a data breach occurs, we’ll notify you and the Information Regulator promptly.

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Data Retention

We store information for:

- **Order Data**: 5 years (tax/customs compliance)
- **Account Data**: Until deletion or 2 years of inactivity
- **Marketing Data**: Until you unsubscribe
- **Analytics Data**: Up to 2 years

Data is deleted or anonymized once retention ends.

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Your Rights Under POPIA

You can:

- Access or correct your information
- Request deletion (subject to legal retention)
- Object to certain types of processing
- Restrict processing in specific cases
- Request a portable copy of your data
- Withdraw marketing consent at any time

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Cookies and Tracking

We use:

- **Essential Cookies**: Site functionality
- **Analytics Cookies**: Site performance tracking
- **Marketing Cookies**: Personalized advertising

You can manage preferences in your browser or via our cookie banner.

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Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to third-party platforms (e.g., PayFast, courier tracking). Please review their privacy policies separately.

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Children’s Privacy

Our services aren’t intended for individuals under 18. If we inadvertently collect such data, contact us for deletion.

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Complaints

If you believe your data isn’t handled correctly:

Email: hello@thebridalhouse.co.za
WhatsApp: 067 884 5109
Or lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator:
Email: POPIAComplaints@inforegulator.org.za
Website: [www.inforegulator.org.za](https://www.inforegulator.org.za)

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Policy Updates

We may revise this policy over time. Updates will be posted on our website and, if significant, we’ll notify you via email or on-site notices.

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If you have questions about your privacy:

📧 hello@thebridalhouse.co.za
📞 Phone: 010 448 4780
📱 WhatsApp: 067 884 5109
🕘 Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM SAST

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Thank you for trusting The Bridal House with your personal information. We’re committed to protecting your privacy while celebrating your unique journey in style.