Privacy Policy
Plain-English privacy policy for Saltwater Creek Studio. We collect as little as we need, use it only to run the studio, and never sell it.
Last updated: 25 April 2026
Saltwater Creek Studio ("we", "us", "our") respects your privacy and is committed to handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy explains what we collect, why, how we protect it, and your rights.
1. Information we collect
We only collect information we actually need to take an order, make a piece and ship it to you. That typically means:
- Your name, delivery address, email and (optionally) phone number
- Order details — product, quantity, personalisation text, artwork you provide
- Billing information handled by third-party payment processors (we don't see or store full card details)
- Messages you send us through the contact form, Etsy, email or social media
- Anonymous website analytics — pages visited, browser type, device type, approximate location (city-level)
2. How we collect it
Directly from you when you place an order, complete the contact form, email us, or message us through Etsy or social platforms. Automatically through standard web analytics when you visit the site.
3. Why we collect it
- To fulfil your order — design, produce, pack and ship
- To communicate with you about your order (proofs, dispatch, delays)
- To respond to questions you send us
- To improve the website and understand how visitors use it
- To comply with Australian tax, consumer and record-keeping laws
We do not use your information for third-party marketing, and we never sell it.
4. Third-party services we use
To run the studio, we rely on a small set of trusted third parties. Each has their own privacy policy and handles your data under their own terms.
- Etsy — for order placement, payment processing and customer messaging on listings purchased through our Etsy shop.
- Australia Post (and occasionally StarTrack or a courier for oversize orders) — to deliver your order. They receive your name and delivery address.
- Formspree or an equivalent form processor — to deliver messages from our contact form to our studio email.
- Google Analytics (if enabled) — anonymous, aggregated site usage data. You can opt out via the Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on.
- Our hosting provider — for storing website files and delivering pages to visitors.
5. Cookies and tracking
We use minimal cookies — essential ones for site function, and optional analytics cookies if you consent. We do not use advertising or cross-site tracking cookies. You can clear or block cookies in your browser settings at any time.
6. How we store and protect your information
We keep your information on reputable, password-protected cloud services (Australia or AU/EU regions where available) and on secure local devices. We use HTTPS across the website. Only people directly involved in fulfilling your order access your details.
7. How long we keep it
We keep order records for 7 years to comply with Australian tax law. Marketing or contact-form messages are retained only as long as useful. You can request earlier deletion at any time (see below).
8. Your rights
You have the right to:
- Ask what personal information we hold about you
- Request a correction if something is inaccurate
- Request deletion (subject to legal record-keeping obligations)
- Opt out of any marketing communications
- Make a complaint if you think we've mishandled your information
To exercise any of these rights, email sales@saltwatercreekstudio.com.au. We'll respond within 30 days.
9. Making a complaint
If you're not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): oaic.gov.au.
10. Overseas disclosure
Some of our third-party services (like Etsy and Google Analytics) are based overseas and may process your data outside Australia. We only use reputable providers with strong privacy standards.
11. Children
Our site and products aren't directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under that age.
12. Changes to this policy
If we update this policy, we'll change the "Last updated" date at the top of the page. Material changes will be announced on the site or by email to active customers.
13. Contact
Saltwater Creek Studio
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Email: sales@saltwatercreekstudio.com.au