Privacy Policy

Data Controller

SOPHIE TEA ART LTD (CRN: 09987739) (“Sophie Tea Art”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is the data controller responsible for the personal information you share with us. We determine how and why your personal data is used, and we’re committed to handling it safely, transparently, and respectfully. We do not intentionally market our products or content to anyone under the age of 18 and do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under that age.

Effective Date: 01/11/2025

1. What This Privacy Policy Covers

This Privacy Policy explains how Sophie Tea Art collects, uses, and protects your personal data when you interact with us — for example when you:
- Browse or make a purchase on our website
- Sign up to our newsletters or marketing updates
- Enter a competition, event, or exhibition
- Contact us through email, social media, or customer support

We use your data to fulfil your orders, process payments, send updates, and create a more personalised shopping experience.

If you have any questions or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at support@sophieteaart.com.

2. Why We Use Your Data

We only use your personal data when we have a valid reason to do so. These reasons include:
- Contractual: to process your orders and deliver your purchases.
- Legal obligation: to meet our record-keeping or tax requirements.
- Consent: when you agree to receive marketing updates.
- Legitimate interest: to improve your experience, products, and services.

If you ever feel we’ve not handled your data properly, you have the right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk, though we’d love the chance to resolve it with you first — please email support@sophieteaart.com.

3. Keeping Your Data Accurate

It’s important your personal data stays up to date. If your details change, please let us know at support@sophieteaart.com.

4. How Long We Keep Your Data

We only keep your data for as long as necessary to provide our services and meet legal requirements. After that, your information will be securely deleted or anonymised.

5. The Data We Collect and How We Use It

We collect the following types of personal data and use them for the following reasons:

Identity & Contact Data – to register your account, fulfil orders, and communicate updates.
Order & Payment Data – to process payments, handle refunds, and meet accounting obligations.
Account Interaction Data – to provide customer support and improve communication.
Usage Data – to personalise your online experience and improve website performance.
Marketing & Preference Data – to send updates, offers, and event invites (if you’ve opted in).

6. Data Sharing

We never sell your personal data. We may share it with trusted partners who help us run our business, including:
- Payment processors and delivery providers
- Marketing and website support agencies
- Professional advisors (accountants, lawyers, auditors)
- Government bodies (like HMRC) when legally required

All partners only process your data in line with our instructions and must keep it secure and confidential.

7. Data Security

We use appropriate security measures to protect your information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. Access is strictly limited to those who need it for business purposes. In the unlikely event of a data breach, we’ll inform you and the relevant authorities as required by law.

8. Your Data Rights

Under data protection law, you have the right to:
- Request access to your data
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Object to certain processing
- Withdraw consent for marketing at any time
- Request transfer of your data to another provider (data portability)

To exercise any of these rights, email support@sophieteaart.com.

9. Third-Party Services

Klarna – If you choose Klarna as a payment method, some of your information (like contact and order details) will be shared with Klarna so they can assess your eligibility. More info: https://www.klarna.com/uk/privacy-notice/

Marketing Partners – We may use advertising partners (e.g., Meta, Google, or Rakuten Advertising) to deliver relevant content and offers. You can manage or opt out of cookies at https://rakutenadvertising.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/.

10. Mobile Messaging Terms (if applicable)

By signing up for Sophie Tea Art’s SMS or text message updates, you consent to receive recurring messages (e.g., order updates or exclusive offers). Message and data rates may apply, and frequency may vary.

To opt out, reply STOP to any message or contact support@sophieteaart.com.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy occasionally to reflect new legal requirements or business changes. The latest version will always be available on our website.