Flowers Hitchin GDPR Privacy Policy

Name: FRESH SCENT
Brand: Flowers Hitchin
Price: 49.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Privacy Policy Overview

This Privacy Policy describes how Flowers Hitchin collects, uses, and safeguards the personal data of its customers placing orders in Hitchin and surrounding districts. We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected and that all personal information is handled in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other privacy laws. This policy outlines what information we collect, our lawful basis for processing that information, how long we retain data, who processes your data, and your rights as a data subject.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy is applicable to all customers who place orders with Flowers Hitchin, including those located in Hitchin and the surrounding districts. By placing an order with us, you agree to the terms described within this Privacy Policy.

What Personal Data We Collect

We collect and process personal data necessary to fulfil your order and provide our services. The categories of data we collect include:

Identity Data: Full name, and where appropriate, the names of recipients for deliveries.
Contact Data: Delivery address, billing address, and occasionally phone numbers (for order and delivery coordination).
Order Details: Product selections, personalised messages, delivery instructions, and purchase history.
Payment Data: Payment method details (e.g. card type, last four digits). Please note all electronic payments are processed through secure third-party payment processors; we do not store full card details.
Communications Data: Records of emails, notes from phone conversations, and messages regarding your order and customer service requests.
Technical Data: Your IP address, browser type, time zone, and similar details collected through our website for security and functionality purposes.

The Lawful Basis for Processing Your Data

We process the above personal data using the following lawful grounds under GDPR:

Performance of Contract: Most of your data is processed to fulfil your flower order and deliver our services as per your instruction.
Legal Obligations: In some cases, we may be required to retain and process your data for tax, accounting, or regulatory compliance reasons.
Legitimate Interests: We process data to ensure high levels of customer service, improve our business operations, and protect against fraud. Where we rely on legitimate interests, we balance those interests with your privacy rights.
Consent: For optional activities such as marketing communications, we only process your data if you have actively provided consent. You may withdraw your consent at any time.

How We Use Your Personal Data

Your information is used strictly for the following purposes:

To receive and process flower orders;
To arrange and fulfil deliveries;
To contact you regarding your order or in case of delivery issues;
To process refunds, replacements, or customer service enquiries;
To maintain financial and transaction records for legal compliance;
To make improvements to our products and business based on anonymised patterns;
If you have opted in, to send you news about special offers, promotions, or updates from Flowers Hitchin.

How Long We Retain Your Data

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, including satisfying legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. In general:

Order data and associated records are kept for up to seven years from your transaction date, in line with legal and tax requirements.
Communications data is stored for up to two years to provide customer service and address any follow-up questions.
Marketing consent records and preferences are maintained until you withdraw consent or request erasure.

After these periods, data is securely deleted or anonymised so it can no longer be associated with you.

Third-Party Processors

Flowers Hitchin engages the following categories of trusted third-party processors to facilitate our business:

Payment Service Providers: Companies that securely process card and other electronic payments on our behalf.
Delivery Partners: Organisations and individuals who deliver your orders within Hitchin and surrounding areas.
IT and Website Service Providers: Firms who support, maintain, and host our website, email communications, and transaction systems.

We require all third-party processors to respect the security of your personal data and to act in accordance with applicable laws. These third parties are not permitted to use your data for their own purposes and may only process it as instructed by us.

How Your Data Is Protected

We implement a range of security measures to keep your data safe. Access to personal information is limited to relevant staff and processors as necessary. All electronic data is protected by technical safeguards such as encryption and, where applicable, regular security monitoring.

Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data held by Flowers Hitchin:

Right of Access: Obtain confirmation as to whether or not we process your personal data and, if so, access a copy.
Right to Rectification: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information we hold about you.
Right to Erasure: Request the deletion of your data when it is no longer necessary, or if processing is based on consent and you withdraw that consent.
Right to Restrict Processing: In certain circumstances, request that we restrict how we use your data.
Right to Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, commonly-used, and machine-readable format.
Right to Object: Object to specific types of processing, including direct marketing.
Withdraw Consent: Where processing relies on your consent, you may withdraw this at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing prior to withdrawal.

To exercise any of your rights, or if you have questions or concerns about our handling of your data, you may contact us using the methods detailed on our website or through your usual Flowers Hitchin customer service channel.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

Flowers Hitchin may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page, including the date updated. Continued use of our services after policy updates constitutes your agreement to those changes.

Contacting Flowers Hitchin

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please visit our website for contact details, or reach out during business hours using our published contact information. We are committed to protecting your privacy and upholding your rights as a data subject.