Privacy Policy
Last updated: February 8, 2025
1. Introduction
The Polycarbonate Greenhouse (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, make a purchase, or interact with our services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:
- Name and contact details
- Delivery address
- Billing information
- Email address
- Phone number
- Purchase history
- Account login details (if you create an account)
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Operating system
- Pages visited
- Time and date of visits
- Referring websites
- Click patterns
2.3 Payment Information
- We do not store complete credit card details
- Payments are processed by secure third-party payment providers
- We retain only limited transaction records for order processing
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for:
3.1 Order Processing
- Processing and fulfilling orders
- Communicating about order status
- Arranging delivery
- Processing payments
- Providing customer support
3.2 Service Improvement
- Improving our website functionality
- Developing new products
- Analyzing shopping patterns
- Enhancing customer experience
- Troubleshooting technical issues
3.3 Communications
- Sending order confirmations
- Delivery updates
- Product information
- Customer service responses
- Marketing communications (with consent)
- Important updates about our services
4. Information Sharing
4.1 Third-Party Service Providers
We share information with trusted third parties for:
- Payment processing
- Order delivery
- Customer support
- Website hosting
- Email communications
- Analytics
4.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information:
- To comply with legal obligations
- To protect our rights and property
- To prevent fraud or abuse
- In response to valid legal requests
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure data storage systems
- Regular security assessments
- Limited staff access to personal data
- Employee confidentiality agreements
- Regular security training for staff
6. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to data processing
- Withdraw marketing consent
- Request data portability
- Lodge complaints with supervisory authorities
7. Cookies Policy
7.1 What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better website experience and allow certain features to function properly.
7.2 Types of Cookies We Use
7.2.1 Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off:
- Session cookies for shopping basket functionality
- Security cookies for safe browsing
- Technical cookies required for site operation
- Authentication cookies for user accounts
7.2.2 Performance Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website:
- Google Analytics for visitor statistics
- Page load time tracking
- Error monitoring
- Traffic source tracking
- User journey analysis
7.2.3 Functionality Cookies
These enhance your experience on our site:
- Remember your preferences
- Save your location for delivery options
- Store language preferences
- Remember your last searches
- Keep track of items you’ve viewed
7.2.4 Targeting Cookies
These cookies help make advertising more relevant:
- Record your visits to our website
- Pages you have visited
- Links you have followed
- Help us understand if you’ve reached us through an advertisement
- Allow us to make our marketing more efficient
7.3 Cookie Lifespans
Our cookies last for different durations:
- Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period:
- Short-term (1-7 days)
- Medium-term (30 days)
- Long-term (up to 12 months)
7.4 Third-Party Cookies
We use services from these third parties that may set cookies:
- Google Analytics (analytics)
- Payment processors (transaction security)
- Social media platforms (if you use social login)
- Advertising partners (for targeted advertising)
7.5 Cookie Control
You have several options to control cookies:
7.5.1 Browser Settings
You can manage cookies through your browser settings to:
- Block all cookies
- Allow only first-party cookies
- Delete cookies periodically
- Browse in private/incognito mode
7.5.2 Our Cookie Management Tool
On our website, you can:
- View all cookies in use
- Accept or reject non-essential cookies
- Update preferences at any time
- Get detailed information about each cookie
7.5.3 Individual Control Options
You can:
- Opt-out of Google Analytics
- Manage advertising preferences
- Control social media cookies
- Clear your browsing data
7.6 Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you choose to disable cookies:
- Essential features will still work
- Shopping basket may not function properly
- Preferences won’t be remembered
- Some features may be limited
- Personal recommendations won’t work
- You may need to enter information more frequently
7.7 Updates to Cookie Policy
- We regularly review and update our cookie usage
- New third-party services may require additional cookies
- We will notify you of significant changes
- You can review your preferences at any time
8. Marketing Communications
8.1 Consent
- We only send marketing emails with your explicit consent
- You can opt-out at any time
- Each marketing email contains an unsubscribe link
- Preferences can be updated in your account settings
8.2 Types of Communications
- Product updates
- Special offers
- Gardening tips and advice
- Company news
- Event invitations
9. Children’s Privacy
- Our services are not directed at children under 16
- We do not knowingly collect data from children
- Parents can request deletion of children’s data
- Age verification required for certain features
10. International Data Transfers
- Data may be processed outside the UK/EU
- We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place
- Data transfer agreements comply with GDPR
- Regular review of international data protection standards
11. Data Retention
We retain your information:
- As long as necessary for service provision
- To comply with legal obligations
- For legitimate business purposes
- According to your preferences
- As required by applicable laws
12. Changes to Privacy Policy
- We may update this policy periodically
- Changes will be posted on our website
- Significant changes will be notified by email
- Continued use implies acceptance of changes
13. Contact Us
For privacy-related queries:
Data Protection Officer
44-54 Orsett Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 5ED
Email: privacy@thepolycarbonategreenhouse.co.uk
14. Supervisory Authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Website: www.ico.org.uk