Data Usage Policy

 

Explore Gears Data Usage Policy

Effective Date: July 2024

At Explore Gears, we are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you shop with us through our WordPress and WooCommerce platform. If you have any questions or requests, please contact us at [email protected].

1. Data Protection Principles

We follow the principles set out by data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable US privacy regulations:

  • Lawful, Fair, and Transparent: Your data will be processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

  • Purpose Limitation: We only collect your data for specific and legitimate purposes.

  • Data Minimization: We collect only what is necessary to fulfill your orders and improve your experience.

  • Accuracy: We do our best to keep your information accurate and up to date.

  • Storage Limitation: We retain your personal data only as long as necessary.

  • Security: We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to keep your data safe.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all personal data processed by Explore Gears through our online store (WordPress + WooCommerce).

Our data protection officer is responsible for ongoing compliance and reviewing this policy at least once a year.

3. Lawful, Fair & Transparent Processing

We maintain a record of all systems and processes where your data is stored or processed. You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data at any time. Please email us at [email protected] for any data requests.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process your data based on one or more of the following reasons:

  • Your consent (for marketing emails, etc.)

  • Fulfilling a contract (processing your order)

  • Legal obligations (tax, accounting, etc.)

  • Legitimate interests (improving our services, fraud prevention, analytics)

You can withdraw your consent at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in our emails or contacting us directly.

5. What Data We Collect & How We Use It

We may collect the following information:

  • Name: To process your order and provide customer support.

  • Email Address: For order updates, customer support, and marketing (if you opt-in). 

  • Phone Number: For order confirmation and shipping purposes.

  • Shipping Address: To deliver your products, shared only with our trusted shipping partners.

  • Payment Information: We do not store your credit/debit card details. All payments are processed securely by trusted payment gateways (such as Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.).

  • IP Address & Cookies: For fraud prevention, currency conversion, website analytics, and to improve your shopping experience.

  • Birthday (optional): For birthday rewards or promotions, if provided.

6. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We may share necessary data with trusted partners to fulfill your order or improve your experience:

  • Payment Providers: Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.

  • Shipping Companies: FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.

  • Email Marketing Platforms: Mailchimp, etc.

  • Analytics and Advertising Partners: Google Analytics, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

  • WooCommerce Plugins: For enhanced store functionality.

All third parties are required to comply with data protection standards and may only use your data for agreed purposes. Please refer to their respective privacy policies for details.

7. Data Accuracy & Updates

We strive to keep your data accurate and up to date. You can access, update, or request deletion of your data by contacting us at [email protected].

8. Data Retention & Deletion

We only retain your personal data as long as needed to fulfill orders, comply with legal obligations, or for the purposes you consented to. You can request deletion of your data or unsubscribe from marketing at any time.

9. Data Security

We use encryption, secure servers, limited access controls, and regular backups to keep your data safe. Only authorized personnel can access your personal information.

10. Data Breach Response

If there is a security breach affecting your personal data, we will promptly assess the risk and notify you and relevant authorities if required by law.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy, your data, or your rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We take your privacy seriously and are here to help.