Privacy Policy

🔒 Privacy Policy for

THE DROP Operated by Vertical Drops Trading (Pty) Ltd

 

Website: www.thedrop.co.za

Last updated: March 13, 2026

 

🧭 1. Introduction

THE DROP (“we”, “us”, “our”), operated by Vertical Drops Trading (Pty) Ltd, is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled lawfully, transparently, and securely.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit www.thedrop.co.za or interact with our services.

By using our website, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

📌 2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal information:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

– Name and surname

– Email address

– Phone number

– Delivery and billing address

– Account login details

– Payment information (processed securely by third‑party payment providers; we do not store card details)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

– IP address

– Device information

– Browser type

– Cookies and tracking data

– Website usage analytics

2.3 Information from Third Parties

– Payment processors (e.g., Peach Payments)

– Courier and logistics partners

– Marketing platforms (if you opt in)

🎯 3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

– Process and deliver orders

– Manage your account

– Provide customer support

– Improve website performance and user experience

– Send order updates and service notifications

– Send marketing communications (only if you opt in)

– Prevent fraud and ensure platform security

– Comply with legal obligations

 

🤝 4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share your information with trusted service providers who assist in operating our business:

– Payment gateways (e.g., Peach Payments)

– Courier and delivery partners

– IT and hosting providers

– Marketing and analytics tools

– Legal or regulatory authorities (only when required)

All third‑party partners are POPIA‑compliant and may only process your data for the purposes required to deliver their service.

🔐 5. Data Security

We implement industry‑standard security measures to protect your personal information, including:

– SSL encryption

– Secure payment processing

– Access controls

– Regular security monitoring

However, no online system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

 

🗂️ 6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to:

– Fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy

– Comply with legal and tax obligations

– Resolve disputes

– Enforce agreements

You may request deletion of your data at any time (subject to legal requirements).

🍪 7. Cookies

We use cookies to:

– Improve website functionality

– Analyse traffic

– Personalise your shopping experience

– Support marketing campaigns

You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not function properly.

 

📧 8. Marketing Communications

You will only receive marketing emails or SMS messages if you opt in.

You may unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in our communications.

 👤 9. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

– Access your personal information

– Correct or update your information

– Request deletion of your information

– Object to processing

– Withdraw consent

– Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

To exercise your rights, contact us at:

📩info@thedp.co.za

 

🌍 10. International Transfers

If your data is transferred outside South Africa, we ensure that the receiving party meets POPIA‑compliant data protection standards.

 

📝 11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.

📬 12. Contact Information

Vertical Drops Trading (Pty) Ltd

Trading as THE DROP

 

Email: info@thedp.co.za

Phone: +27 660 281 328

 

Address: VERTICAL DROPS TRADING (PTY) LTD.

23 Ridge Road, Vorna Valley, Midrand, 1686

REG: 2024/241657/07

VAT: 4550322871

🛡️ POPIA Compliance Statement

THE DROP is committed to full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

We ensure that:

✔️ Lawful Processing

Personal information is collected and processed lawfully and for legitimate business purposes.

✔️ Minimality

We only collect information necessary for order fulfilment, customer service, and operational requirements.

✔️ Consent & Transparency

We inform customers why their data is collected and how it will be used.

Marketing communication is strictly opt‑in.

✔️ Security Safeguards

We use secure systems, encryption, and access controls to protect personal information.

✔️ Data Subject Rights

Customers may request access, correction, deletion, or restriction of their personal information at any time.

✔️ Third‑Party Compliance

All service providers handling personal information are required to comply with POPIA standards.

✔️ Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach, affected individuals and the Information Regulator will be notified as required by law.