Swiss Cottage Florist Privacy Policy

Introduction

Swiss Cottage Florist is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all customers placing orders in Swiss Cottage and surrounding districts. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your personal information according to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws. Please read this policy carefully to understand your rights and how we process your personal information.

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all individuals who place orders with Swiss Cottage Florist, whether ordering directly through our shop, via our website, or through third-party platforms serving Swiss Cottage and surrounding districts. It covers all data collected for the purpose of fulfilling flower orders, processing payments, and providing after-sales support.

Personal Data We Collect

In the course of providing our services, we may collect the following categories of personal data:

• Contact Information: Such as your name, address, email address, and telephone number, as well as the recipient’s details if applicable.
• Order Details: Information about the products you purchase, order dates, delivery addresses, custom messages, and any special instructions.
• Payment Information: Although payments may be processed through third-party providers, we may receive transaction confirmation details (never full card numbers or security codes).
• Communications: Records of communications (e.g., telephone conversations, written correspondence, feedback, and complaints).
• Technical Data: Information such as your IP address, browser type, and visit data if you use our website.

Lawful Basis for Processing Data

We only process your personal data where a lawful basis exists. The main legal grounds are:

• Contractual Necessity: Processing is required to fulfill your order and deliver requested products or services.
• Legal Obligation: We may need to retain and process data to comply with accounting, tax, or other legal requirements.
• Legitimate Interests: Where necessary for our legitimate business interests, such as informing you of delays, seeking feedback, or improving our products and services. We always balance our interests with your rights and freedoms.
• Consent: We only send marketing communications with your explicit consent, which you may withdraw at any time.

Data Retention

Swiss Cottage Florist retains your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, including satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Typically, personal data related to orders is retained for up to seven years to comply with tax and contractual obligations. After this period, your information will be securely deleted or anonymised unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data strictly to:

• Process and deliver your orders efficiently and accurately.
• Communicate with you regarding your orders or any issues arising from them.
• Respond to your enquiries, feedback, or complaints.
• Comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations.
• Improve our products and customer service based on feedback and purchasing trends.
• Send marketing or promotional information only if you have provided explicit consent.

Data Processors and Third Parties

To provide our services, we may engage third-party processors, including:

• Payment service providers to handle transactions securely.
• Delivery and courier companies to fulfil orders to your designated address.
• IT service providers for secure management of our website and data storage.
• Professional advisors, such as accountants or legal consultants, as required for compliance.

All processors acting on our behalf are contractually required to protect your data, use it only for specified purposes, and comply with GDPR obligations. We do not sell or share your personal data with unrelated third parties for their own marketing purposes.

Data Security

Swiss Cottage Florist applies appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard your personal information from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Examples include secure payment technologies, restricted access to data, and regular staff training in data protection best practices. While we strive to protect your data, please note that no transmission over the internet is completely secure; therefore, you are advised to use caution when submitting information online.

Your Data Protection Rights

Under GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right of Access: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: You may ask us to correct any inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Erasure: In certain circumstances, you can ask for your data to be deleted ("right to be forgotten").
• Right to Restrict Processing: You may request we restrict how we use your data under specific conditions.
• Right to Data Portability: You have the right to receive your personal data in a readable format and share it with another provider.
• Right to Object: You may object to particular uses of your data, such as direct marketing.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: If our processing is based on your consent, you may withdraw this at any time.

You may exercise these rights by contacting us using the methods described on our website or in-store. We will respond to your request in accordance with GDPR timelines and requirements. If you are dissatisfied, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority.

Policy Changes

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy as necessary to remain compliant with data protection laws and to reflect any changes to our data practices. Updated versions will be posted in-store and on our website. Please review the policy periodically for any updates.

Contact and Further Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal data, or how we handle your information at Swiss Cottage Florist, please contact us using the information available on our website or visit us in-store. Our staff will be happy to address any concerns about your privacy rights or this policy.