Privacy Policy
Overview
At The Lighterhouse, we are committed to protecting your personal data and privacy. As we are based in the European Union (EU), we process your data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website or use our services.
1. Data We Collect
When you use our website or services, we may collect the following personal data:
- Identity Data: Name, email address, phone number, and billing/shipping address.
- Transaction Data: Order details, payment information (handled securely by third-party payment processors).
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and website usage analytics.
- Marketing Preferences: Your opt-in/opt-out choices for receiving promotional materials.
2. Legal Basis for Processing Your Data
We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Contractual Necessity: When we need your data to fulfill an order or provide a service.
- Legitimate Interests: For improving our website, fraud prevention, and internal analytics.
- Consent: When you opt-in for marketing communications.
- Legal Obligation: When required by law (e.g., tax compliance, fraud prevention).
3. How We Use Your Data
We use your data to:
- Process and fulfill your orders.
- Provide customer support.
- Improve website performance and user experience.
- Send promotional offers and updates (only if you opt-in).
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
4. How Long We Keep Your Data
Per Article 5 GDPR we retain your data only for as long as necessary:
- Order & Transaction Data: Retained for 7 years (tax and accounting requirements).
- Marketing Data: Retained until you withdraw consent or after 2 years of inactivity.
- Customer Inquiries: Retained for 6 months unless further action is needed.
5. Your GDPR Rights
Under GDPR (Articles 15-22 GDPR), you have the right to:
- Access your personal data.
- Rectify inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Erase your data (‘Right to be Forgotten’).
- Restrict processing of your data.
- Object to processing (e.g., marketing).
- Data portability (request a copy in a structured format).
- Withdraw consent at any time.
To exercise your rights, contact us at contact@thelighterhouse.com.
6. Third-Party Service Providers
We may share your data with trusted third-party providers as per article 28 & 46 GDPR, including:
- Payment processors (e.g., Mollie, PayPal)
- Shipping partners (e.g., DHL, PostNL)
- Marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp)
- Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
If your data is transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure adequate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) are in place to protect your privacy.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze traffic, and personalize content.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our site. They help us recognize you and improve your browsing experience.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly (e.g., login, shopping cart).
Performance Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our site (e.g., Google Analytics).
Functional Cookies: Remember user preferences and settings.
Marketing Cookies: Used for personalized ads and promotions.
Managing Cookies
You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling some cookies may affect site functionality.
8. Data Security
We take strong security measures to protect your data:
- SSL encryption for secure transactions.
- AES-256 encryption for sensitive data.
- Restricted access to personal data.
- Regular security audits to detect vulnerabilities.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. If significant changes are made, we will notify you via:
Email notification (if you have an account).
10. Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your GDPR rights, contact us at:
Email: contact@thelighterhouse.com
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The Lighterhouse; Protecting your privacy while offering the best experience for selling and buying vintage luxury lighters.