Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At Apodytes, we prioritise protecting your privacy. We source products from trusted suppliers, such as Esquire, without maintaining on-site inventory. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your personal information when you use our website and services (collectively, the “Services”). We are committed to compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable South African laws, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002. By using our Services, you agree to this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: When you create an account, make a purchase, or interact with our Services, we may collect your name, email address, postal address, phone number, payment details, and, where applicable, software license information.
• Usage Information: We collect data about your interaction with our website, such as IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages viewed.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies and similar tools to track browsing activities and enhance user experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
• User Content: Content you submit, such as product reviews or comments, may be collected and stored.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• Providing Services: To process orders, manage your account, provide customer support, and improve our website and Services.
• Communication: To respond to inquiries, send order updates, and provide important notifications (e.g., shipping or account changes). These messages cannot be opted out of as they are essential to our Services.
• Marketing: To send promotional offers or product recommendations, where permitted by law. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time via instructions in the message or by contacting us.
• Analytics: To analyse website usage, improve performance, and personalise your experience.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce our Terms and Conditions.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share it with:

• Service Providers: Trusted third parties, such as Esquire (our supplier), payment processors, and courier companies, to fulfil orders and provide Services. These parties are contractually restricted from using your data beyond the specified purpose.
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, such as in response to a court order or government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, with notice to you where required.
• With Consent: With other third parties if you provide explicit consent.

5. Your Choices and Rights

Under POPIA, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access and Correction: Access or update your information via your account or by contacting us.
• Objection: Object to the processing of your data for certain purposes (e.g., marketing).
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Opt-Out of Marketing: Unsubscribe from marketing communications via the link in emails or by contacting us.
• Cookies: Manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
  To exercise these rights, contact us at info@apodytes.co.za.

6. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse, in line with POPIA Section 19. However, no internet-based transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our Services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with their information, contact us at info@apodytes.co.za, and we will promptly delete it.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. For example, we may retain order-related data for tax or legal compliance purposes.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The revised policy will be posted on our website and effective immediately. Your continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your data protection rights, contact us at info@apodytes.co.za. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and addressing your needs promptly. Thank you for trusting Apodytes!