Last updated: 12 August 2025
The Paperhound Bookshop ZA (Pty) Ltd (Registration No. 2025/003844/07), trading as The Paperhound Online Bookshop (“we”, “us”, “our”, “I”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information when you visit or shop at https://thepaperhound.co.za/ (the “Site”) or subscribe to our newsletter.
This policy complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable South African laws.
1. Personal Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following information:
(a) Information you provide directly to us:
- When placing an order: your name, billing address, shipping address, contact number, email address, and payment method details (e.g., EFT via Ozow).
- When subscribing to our newsletter: your name (optional) and email address.
(b) Information we collect automatically:
- Device details: browser type, IP address, time zone, operating system, and cookies stored on your device.
- Browsing behaviour: pages or products viewed, referring websites, search terms, and interactions with the Site.
(c) Payment processing:
- Instant EFT via Ozow – If you select Ozow at checkout, you will be redirected to their secure platform to complete your payment. Payment details entered via Ozow are encrypted and processed securely by Ozow in accordance with their privacy policy. We do not store your banking credentials, and we only receive confirmation of your payment from Ozow.
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) – If you choose to pay via manual EFT, you will receive our banking details and complete the payment through your own bank. Your bank may process and store information related to this transaction according to its own privacy policy. We do not have access to your online banking account and only receive the payment confirmation from our bank.
2. How We Use Your Personal Information
We use your information to:
- Process and deliver your orders.
- Communicate with you about orders, deliveries, or customer queries.
- Send you our newsletter (only if you have opted in).
- Detect and prevent fraud or security breaches.
- Improve our website, products, and services.
- Comply with legal obligations.
3. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your shopping experience and improve our Site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not function correctly.
4. Newsletter and Marketing
You will only receive our newsletter or marketing emails if you have explicitly opted in via checkout or our floating sign-up form. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the email or by contacting us directly.
5. Sharing Your Information
We will never sell your personal information. We may share it with:
- Service providers (e.g., couriers, payment processors such as Ozow, and banks for manual EFT payments) for order fulfilment and payment processing.
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to improve the Site.
- Legal authorities if required by law or court order.
Where service providers (including Ozow) are located outside South Africa, your information may be transferred cross-border, but only where equivalent privacy protections are in place.
6. Your Rights Under POPIA
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you.
- Request correction of inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete information.
- Request deletion of your personal information, where legally permissible.
- Withdraw consent for direct marketing at any time.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at support@thepaperhound.co.za
7. Data Retention
We keep your personal information only for as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this policy or as required by law. For example:
- Order records: retained for accounting and tax compliance.
- Newsletter subscriptions: retained until you unsubscribe.
8. Security
We take reasonable, appropriate measures to protect your personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. All payments via Ozow are encrypted and processed securely through their platform.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the revised date.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
Email: support@thepaperhound.co.za
Phone: 066 101 1372