Terms & conditions, privacy policy & cookie policy

STUDIOCHE DIGITAL (PTY) LTD | www.studioche.co.za

Effective date: 22 October 2026
Last updated: 22 October 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to StudioChe.

These Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy govern your use of our website, www.studioche.co.za, and explain the terms applicable to our digital services, how we collect and process personal information, and how cookies and similar technologies may be used.

STUDIOCHE DIGITAL (PTY) LTD, trading as StudioChe (“we”, “us”, “our”), is a South African digital agency specialising in website design and development, search engine optimisation (SEO), Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), AI search optimisation, Google Business Profile management, social media management and related digital services.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to the website-related provisions of these terms. Any paid services will be governed by the quotation, proposal or service agreement accepted by the client, together with any applicable provisions of this document.

We are committed to conducting business transparently, protecting personal information and complying with applicable South African legislation, including:

• Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).
• Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA).
• Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA).
• Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA), where applicable.
• Copyright Act 98 of 1978.

Nothing in these terms limits any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under South African law.

2. Business information

Registered business name: STUDIOCHE DIGITAL (PTY) LTD
Trading name: StudioChe
Website: https://www.studioche.co.za
Email: hello@studioche.co.za
Telephone: 068 601 3751

StudioChe operates in South Africa and provides digital services to businesses and organisations locally and, where agreed, internationally.

Additional statutory business particulars, including any address required for legal notices or electronic transactions, will be made available as required by applicable law.

3. Use of our website

Visitors may use this website for lawful informational and business purposes.

You agree not to:

• Use the website for unlawful, fraudulent or harmful activities.
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the website, its server or associated systems.
• Introduce malware, viruses or malicious code.
• Copy, reproduce, redistribute or commercially exploit website content without permission, except where permitted by law.
• Interfere with the functionality, security or availability of the website.
• Submit false, misleading or malicious information through contact forms.

We reserve the right to restrict access where necessary to protect our website, business or other users, subject to applicable law.

4. Our services

StudioChe offers digital solutions that may include:

Website design & development

Custom WordPress website design, website development, responsive layouts, website redesigns, content integration, functionality enhancements and related technical services.

Search engine optimisation (SEO)

Technical SEO, on-page optimisation, metadata, content recommendations, website structure, search visibility improvements and related services.

Answer engine optimisation (AEO) & AI search optimisation

Website and content optimisation intended to improve discoverability and relevance across search engines, AI-assisted search experiences and answer-based platforms.

Google business profile management

Business profile setup, optimisation, content updates, profile management and related services.

Social media management

Social media content planning, post design, scheduling, platform management, reporting and related digital marketing services.

Website maintenance & support

WordPress updates, plugin management, backups, security monitoring, technical support and website maintenance, where included in an agreed service package.

The precise scope, deliverables, timelines, fees and responsibilities for each project will be detailed in the relevant quotation, proposal or service agreement.

5. Quotations, pricing & payments

All quotations are subject to the following conditions unless otherwise agreed in writing:

1. Quotations are valid for the period stated on the quotation.
2. Prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise specified.
3. VAT treatment will be clearly indicated if and where applicable.
4. Work will commence once the quotation has been accepted and any required deposit or initial payment has been received.
5. Payment schedules, deposits and final balances will be specified in the quotation or invoice.
6. Additional work outside the agreed project scope may incur additional fees, subject to the client’s approval.
7. Third-party expenses, including hosting, domains, premium plugins, software subscriptions, advertising budgets and external service fees, are excluded unless specifically included in the quotation.
8. Outstanding invoices may result in suspension of ongoing services after appropriate notice, subject to the agreement and applicable law.

Final deliverables may be withheld until agreed payments have been received, where permitted by law and the applicable service agreement.

6. Project timelines & client responsibilities

Project timelines are estimates unless expressly agreed as binding deadlines.

StudioChe will make reasonable efforts to complete projects within agreed timeframes. However, delays may arise from circumstances such as:

• Late delivery of client content, images, branding or required information.
• Delayed approvals or feedback.
• Changes to the original project scope.
• Third-party hosting, software or platform issues.
• Circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Clients are responsible for providing accurate information, appropriate approvals and the necessary access credentials or permissions required to complete agreed services.

Clients must ensure that all content, images, trademarks, logos and other materials supplied to StudioChe are owned by them or appropriately licensed for their intended use.

7. Revisions & scope changes

The number of revisions included in a project will be specified in the relevant quotation or proposal.

Revisions must remain within the original agreed scope.

Requests involving additional pages, functionality, design changes, content creation or other services outside the agreed scope may require a revised quotation.

StudioChe will obtain client approval for additional charges before undertaking out-of-scope work.

8. Website launch, hosting & maintenance

Once a website has been completed and approved for launch, responsibility for ongoing hosting, maintenance, software licensing and related costs will be determined by the agreed service package.

Unless a maintenance agreement is in place, ongoing services such as the following are not automatically included:

• WordPress core updates.
• Plugin and theme updates.
• Security monitoring and malware removal.
• Website backups and restoration.
• Content updates.
• Technical troubleshooting.
• Performance monitoring.
• Hosting and domain renewals.

StudioChe strongly recommends regular website maintenance to support security, compatibility and performance.

Websites relying on third-party platforms, plugins, hosting providers or external integrations may be affected by changes or outages beyond our control.

No website or digital system can be guaranteed to operate without interruption or security risks.

9. SEO, AEO & digital marketing disclaimer

StudioChe uses established practices and professional judgement when providing SEO, AEO, AI search optimisation and digital marketing services.

However, we do not guarantee:

• Specific Google search rankings.
• First-page search engine placement.
• Inclusion or citation in AI-generated search responses.
• Particular website traffic volumes.
• A guaranteed number of leads, sales or conversions.
• Specific social media engagement or follower growth.
• Approval, ranking or continued visibility of Google Business Profiles.

Search engine algorithms, AI search systems, social media platforms and advertising environments are controlled by independent third parties and may change without notice.

Results depend on numerous factors, including competition, website quality, content relevance, market conditions, platform policies and user behaviour.

10. Intellectual property & ownership

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

StudioChe intellectual property

All original content, branding, designs, layouts, graphics, text and other materials appearing on the StudioChe website are owned by StudioChe or used under appropriate licence.

Unauthorised reproduction or commercial use is prohibited, except as permitted by law.

Client project ownership

Upon full payment of the agreed project fees, the client receives ownership or the agreed usage rights to the final original deliverables created specifically for that client, as detailed in the relevant agreement.

This does not automatically transfer ownership of:

• Third-party software or plugins.
• Licensed fonts, photography or stock assets.
• WordPress or other open-source software.
• Third-party themes, frameworks or services.
• Pre-existing StudioChe tools, methods, code libraries or proprietary materials.

Third-party components remain subject to their respective licences.

StudioChe may display completed work in its portfolio, website or marketing materials where permitted by the client agreement and applicable confidentiality obligations.

11. Confidentiality

StudioChe respects the confidentiality of client information, business strategies, account access details and project materials.

Confidential information will not be intentionally disclosed to unauthorised parties, except:

• Where necessary to deliver agreed services through authorised service providers.
• Where the client has given permission.
• Where disclosure is required by law.
• Where the information is already lawfully public.

Both StudioChe and its clients are expected to take reasonable precautions when sharing sensitive business information and access credentials.

12. Cancellation, termination & refunds

Clients may request cancellation of a project or ongoing service in writing.

Cancellation terms, notice periods and any applicable charges will be determined by the accepted quotation or service agreement, subject to applicable South African consumer protection legislation.

Where a project has commenced, StudioChe may charge for work reasonably completed and approved non-refundable third-party expenses, to the extent permitted by law.

Any refund due will be calculated according to the circumstances, the applicable agreement and statutory rights.

Ongoing monthly services may require a notice period as specified in the relevant service agreement.

Nothing in this section excludes statutory cooling-off, cancellation or refund rights that may apply under the CPA or ECTA.

13. Third-party services & external links

Our website and services may involve third-party platforms, including WordPress, Google, social media platforms, website hosting providers, analytics services, email marketing platforms and software developers.

These providers operate under their own terms, policies and service conditions.

StudioChe is not responsible for independent third-party decisions, outages, algorithm changes or policy changes beyond its reasonable control.

Our website may contain links to external websites. These links are provided for convenience and do not necessarily constitute endorsement.

Visitors are encouraged to review the terms and privacy policies of external websites.

14. Limitation of liability

StudioChe will exercise reasonable care and skill when delivering its services.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, StudioChe will not be liable for indirect or consequential losses arising from circumstances outside its reasonable control, including third-party outages, search engine changes or unauthorised changes made to a website by the client or other service providers.

Any contractual limitation of liability will be subject to applicable consumer protection legislation and may be further specified in the relevant service agreement.

Nothing in these terms excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded, or limits statutory remedies available to consumers.

15. Privacy policy

15.1 Our commitment to privacy

STUDIOCHE DIGITAL (PTY) LTD respects your privacy and is committed to protecting personal information in accordance with POPIA and other applicable South African legislation.

This Privacy Policy explains how personal information is collected, used, stored, shared and protected when you interact with our website or services.

For information collected directly through our own website and business operations, StudioChe generally acts as the responsible party under POPIA.

Where we process personal information on behalf of a client, such as through website management or marketing services, our role may be that of an operator acting under the client’s instructions.

15.2 Information we may collect

Depending on how you interact with StudioChe, we may collect:

Personal and contact information

• Full name.
• Email address.
• Telephone number.
• Company or organisation name.
• Job title or professional role.
• Information submitted through contact or enquiry forms.

Business and project information

• Project requirements and enquiries.
• Website and domain information.
• Business contact details.
• Billing and invoicing information.
• Communications and project correspondence.

Technical and usage information

• IP address.
• Browser type.
• Device type.
• Operating system.
• Website pages visited.
• Referral sources.
• Approximate location derived from technical information.
• Cookie identifiers and website usage information, where applicable.

Marketing information

Where applicable, we may record newsletter subscriptions, marketing preferences, consent records and interactions with our communications.

15.3 How we collect information

We may collect information when you:

• Visit our website.
• Complete a contact form.
• Request a quotation.
• Contact us by email, telephone or other communication channels.
• Subscribe to a newsletter or marketing communication.
• Engage StudioChe for services.
• Interact with website analytics or cookie-enabled features.

Information may also be received from authorised business representatives, referrals or third-party platforms where lawful and appropriate.

15.4 Why we process personal information

We process personal information for legitimate and specified business purposes, including:

• Responding to enquiries and quotation requests.
• Communicating with prospective and existing clients.
• Delivering contracted services.
• Managing projects and client relationships.
• Issuing invoices and maintaining financial records.
• Providing technical support.
• Improving website performance and user experience.
• Maintaining website and information security.
• Complying with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Sending marketing communications where permitted by law.

Processing will be based on an appropriate legal justification under POPIA, including consent where required, contractual necessity, compliance with legal obligations or other legally recognised grounds.

Providing information is generally voluntary, although certain details may be necessary to respond to an enquiry, issue an invoice or deliver a contracted service.

If required information is not provided, we may be unable to complete the requested activity.

15.5 Marketing communications

StudioChe may offer newsletters, digital insights, business updates and promotional communications.

Where required by POPIA, we will obtain appropriate consent before sending unsolicited electronic direct marketing.

Existing customer communications will be handled in accordance with the applicable statutory requirements.

You may unsubscribe from marketing emails using the unsubscribe link provided or by contacting StudioChe directly.

We will respect valid requests to stop receiving direct marketing communications.

15.6 Sharing personal information

StudioChe does not sell personal information to third parties.

We may share information with authorised service providers where reasonably necessary to operate our business or deliver services.

These may include:

• Website hosting providers.
• Email and communication platforms.
• Website analytics providers.
• Accounting and invoicing services.
• Cloud storage providers.
• Website maintenance and technical support providers.
• Marketing and social media platforms.

Service providers processing personal information on our behalf must be subject to appropriate contractual and security arrangements as required by law.

We may also disclose information where legally required or necessary to establish, exercise or defend legal rights.

15.7 International data transfers

Certain technology providers used by StudioChe may store or process information outside South Africa.

Where personal information is transferred internationally, StudioChe will take reasonable steps to ensure the transfer complies with POPIA, including the requirements governing cross-border transfers.

Appropriate safeguards may include contractual protections, applicable legal protections or consent where required.

15.8 Data security

StudioChe takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, unauthorised access, misuse, alteration and unlawful disclosure.

These measures may include access controls, secure hosting, software updates, password protection, encrypted connections and appropriate backup procedures.

While we take reasonable precautions, no internet-based system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Where a security compromise occurs, we will take appropriate action and provide legally required notifications.

15.9 Data retention

Personal information will be retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required or permitted by law.

Retention periods may vary according to the nature of the information, contractual obligations, tax requirements, accounting records and legitimate business needs.

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted, destroyed or de-identified, where appropriate and legally permissible.

15.10 Your rights under POPIA

Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Request confirmation of whether StudioChe holds personal information about you.
• Request access to personal information held about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate, incomplete or outdated information.
• Request deletion or destruction of information where legally appropriate.
• Object to certain processing activities.
• Withdraw consent where processing relies on consent.
• Object to direct marketing.
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

Requests may be submitted to our Information Officer using the contact details below.

We may request reasonable identity verification before processing requests involving personal information.

15.11 Information officer

Business: STUDIOCHE DIGITAL (PTY) LTD
Email: hello@studioche.co.za
Telephone: 068 601 3751

Privacy-related enquiries and requests may be submitted using the contact details above.

15.12 Children’s personal information

StudioChe’s website and services are primarily intended for businesses and adult users.

We do not knowingly collect children’s personal information without an appropriate legal basis or authorisation.

Where we become aware that children’s personal information has been collected unlawfully, we will take appropriate steps to address the matter.

16. Cookie policy

16.1 What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your computer, mobile phone or other device when you visit a website.

They help websites remember preferences, support functionality, measure performance and, where applicable, provide analytics and marketing-related features.

Similar technologies may include pixels, tags and local storage.

16.2 How StudioChe uses cookies

Depending on the technologies enabled on our website, StudioChe may use the following categories of cookies:

Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies support essential website functions, such as security, basic navigation and the operation of certain website features.

Functional cookies

These cookies may remember preferences or settings to improve your browsing experience.

Analytics and performance cookies

Where enabled, these cookies help us understand how visitors use our website, including which pages are viewed and how visitors navigate the site.

Marketing cookies

Where enabled, these cookies may be used to understand campaign performance or support relevant advertising through third-party platforms.

16.3 Third-party cookies

Our website may use services that place their own cookies or similar technologies.

Depending on our active website configuration, these could include analytics platforms, embedded content providers, marketing tools or social media integrations.

Third-party cookies are subject to the privacy practices of their respective providers.

16.4 Cookie consent

Where consent is required, StudioChe will request appropriate permission before activating non-essential cookies or tracking technologies.

Visitors should be able to accept or reject optional cookies and manage their preferences through the available cookie controls.

Strictly necessary cookies may remain active where required for essential website functionality and otherwise permitted by law.

16.5 Managing cookies

You may manage or delete cookies through your browser settings.

Most browsers allow you to:

• View stored cookies.
• Delete existing cookies.
• Block cookies from specific websites.
• Restrict or disable cookies.

Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality or user experience.

Where available, you may also update your preferences through the cookie settings control on our website.

16.6 Cookie retention

Cookies may be temporary session cookies, which expire when a browsing session ends, or persistent cookies, which remain on a device for a defined period.

The specific duration depends on the cookie and its purpose.

StudioChe will review the cookies used on its website and maintain appropriate information about their purposes and retention periods.

17. Website content & accuracy

StudioChe aims to provide accurate, useful and up-to-date information on its website.

However, website content is provided for general informational purposes and may be updated without notice.

We do not warrant that all information will be continuously complete, error-free or suitable for every specific business requirement.

Any advice or recommendations provided through website articles or resources should be assessed in relation to your own business circumstances.

18. Availability & technical interruptions

We make reasonable efforts to maintain the availability and functionality of our website.

Temporary interruptions may occur due to maintenance, technical issues, hosting outages, security incidents or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

StudioChe may modify, update or temporarily suspend website functionality where reasonably necessary.

19. Changes to these terms & policies

StudioChe may update these Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our services, business practices, technology or applicable legislation.

The latest version will be published on this website with an updated revision date.

Where changes materially affect how personal information is processed, we will take any additional notification or consent steps required by law.

20. Governing law & disputes

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

Any dispute arising from the use of our website or services will be handled in accordance with applicable South African law and the relevant service agreement.

Where appropriate, parties are encouraged to attempt to resolve disputes through direct communication before pursuing formal proceedings.

Nothing in these terms restricts a consumer’s right to approach an appropriate regulator, ombud, tribunal or court where permitted by law.

21. Contact us

For enquiries relating to these Terms & Conditions, our services, personal information or cookies, please contact:

STUDIOCHE DIGITAL (PTY) LTD
Trading as StudioChe
Website: https://www.studioche.co.za
Email: hello@studioche.co.za
Telephone: 068 601 3751

For complaints concerning personal information, you may also contact the Information Regulator of South Africa through its official website:

https://inforegulator.org.za

© 2026 STUDIOCHE DIGITAL (PTY) LTD. All Rights Reserved.

By using this website, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to read these Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Where a separate agreement or consent is legally required, website use alone does not replace that requirement.