Privacy Policy

1. Scope and Legal Basis (POPIA)

This policy explains how we collect, use, share, and retain Personal Information under the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). By using our website, platform, and related services, you acknowledge this processing as described in this policy and applicable law.

2. Information We Collect

• Identity and account details (name, email, phone, company, role).
• Order, quote, and file data (CAD/uploads, specs, delivery details).
• Payment and billing metadata processed via approved providers.
• Usage, security, and device logs for performance and fraud prevention.
• Communications with support, sales, and operations teams.

3. Why We Process Your Data

• To provide quoting, manufacturing, delivery, and support services.
• To operate accounts, authentication, and security controls.
• To comply with tax, accounting, legal, and audit obligations.
• To improve service quality and platform reliability.
• To manage consent preferences and POPIA rights requests.

4. Sharing and Disclosure

We share data with the processors named below, with approved manufacturing hosts where required to fulfil an order, and with competent authorities where legally required. We require contractual and operational safeguards aligned with confidentiality and data protection obligations.

• Stitch — Checkout payments and host payouts (South Africa).
• PayFast — Listed payment method on the site and legacy payment paths (South Africa).
• The Courier Guy (via ShipLogic) — Domestic courier quotes and waybills (South Africa).
• Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager — Site analytics, only after cookie consent (Outside South Africa).
• Firebase Cloud Messaging (Google) — Push notifications if you enable them in the app (Outside South Africa).
• Google reCAPTCHA — Bot protection on public forms (Outside South Africa).
• Google Gemini — Design Lab image generation when you use that tool (Outside South Africa).
• Tripo3D — Design Lab 3D generation when you use that tool (Outside South Africa).

Quote and manufacture files are stored on our systems in Cape Town, South Africa. We use them to quote and to make the part. We do not put them in a public gallery, use them in marketing, or use them to train a model unless you give explicit permission.

Some processors are outside South Africa: Google (analytics, notifications, reCAPTCHA, Gemini) and Tripo3D (Design Lab). If you only upload a file for a quote, that file stays on our Cape Town systems. Design Lab tools send the content you submit to those vendors.

5. Data Retention

We retain Personal Information only for as long as required for the stated purposes, legal obligations, dispute resolution, and lawful business records. Where deletion is requested, data may be deleted or anonymized subject to legal retention constraints.

6. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use essential cookies for authentication, security, and core platform functionality. With your consent, we may also use analytics and marketing cookies. You can opt out of non-essential cookies via our cookie banner controls (Essential Only/Customize) and through browser settings.

7. Your Data Subject Rights

• Request access to Personal Information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Object to or restrict processing in lawful circumstances.
• Request account deletion/anonymization where applicable.
• Lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator.

8. Data Access and Deletion Requests

Authenticated users can request data export and account deletion through platform privacy settings and privacy API workflows. You may also email our Information Officer to lodge a request.

9. Information Officer Contact

Privacy requests: privacy@3dprintingvillage.co.za
General support: support@3dprintingvillage.co.za
Address: 6-8 Perfecta Road, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa

10. Policy Updates

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.