Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: [Jan 2025]
Last Updated: [August 2025]

1. Introduction

Welcome to [DEAR GOLF JOURNAL] ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, purchase our golf journal products, or interact with us through our Instagram shop.

By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, shipping address, billing address

  • Payment Information: Credit card details, billing information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)

  • Account Information: Username, password, account preferences

  • Order Information: Purchase history, product preferences, delivery details

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, click patterns, referral sources

  • Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address

  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: As described in our Cookie Policy below

2.3 Social Media Information

When you interact with us through Instagram or other social media platforms:

  • Profile information you choose to share

  • Comments, messages, and interactions with our content

  • Purchase activity through Instagram Shop

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Order Processing and Fulfillment

  • Processing and fulfilling your orders

  • Managing shipping and delivery

  • Handling returns and exchanges

  • Providing customer support

3.2 Communication

  • Sending order confirmations and shipping updates

  • Responding to your inquiries and requests

  • Sending marketing communications (with your consent)

  • Notifying you of important policy changes

3.3 Business Operations

  • Improving our products and services

  • Analyzing website usage and customer behavior

  • Preventing fraud and ensuring security

  • Complying with legal obligations

3.4 Marketing (with consent)

  • Sending promotional emails and newsletters

  • Personalizing your shopping experience

  • Conducting market research and surveys

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area, we process your personal data based on:

  • Contract Performance: To fulfill orders and provide customer service

  • Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, prevent fraud, and conduct business operations

  • Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies

  • Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us with:

  • Payment processing (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)

  • Shipping and logistics (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx)

  • Email marketing services (e.g., Mailchimp, Klaviyo)

  • Website hosting and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics)

  • Customer support tools

5.2 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or to:

  • Protect our rights and property

  • Prevent fraud or illegal activities

  • Ensure the safety of our users and the public

5.4 Social Media Platforms

When you make purchases through our Instagram shop, your information is also subject to Instagram's/Meta's privacy policies.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

  • Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission

  • Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers

  • Regular security audits and updates

  • Access controls and employee training

  • Secure data storage with reputable cloud providers

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy

  • Comply with legal obligations (typically 7 years for financial records)

  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

Account information is retained until you request deletion or close your account. Marketing communications data is retained until you unsubscribe.

8. Your Rights and Choices

8.1 General Rights

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal information

  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)

  • Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time

8.2 GDPR Rights (EU Residents)

In addition to the above, you have the right to:

  • Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format

  • Restriction: Request restriction of processing

  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

  • Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where applicable)

8.3 CCPA Rights (California Residents)

  • Right to know what personal information is collected

  • Right to delete personal information

  • Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information

  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

8.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at [support@deargolfjournal.com]. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law (typically 30 days).

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

9.1 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality

  • Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site

  • Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

  • Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements

9.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

9.3 Third-Party Analytics

We use Google Analytics and other analytics services. These services may collect information about your use of our website and other websites.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)

  • Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities

  • Other legally recognized transfer mechanisms

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our website

  • Sending an email notification (for significant changes)

  • Providing notice through our services or social media

Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website and social media may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

[Dear Golf Journal]
Email: [support@deargolfjournal.com]

For GDPR-related inquiries, you may also contact your local supervisory authority.

15. State-Specific Provisions

15.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

Categories of Personal Information: We collect identifiers, commercial information, internet activity, and geolocation data.

Sources: Directly from you, automatically through our website, and from social media platforms.

Business Purposes: As described in Section 3 of this policy.

Do Not Sell: We do not sell personal information and have not sold personal information in the past 12 months.

15.2 Other States

We comply with applicable state privacy laws, including Virginia's Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA) and Connecticut's Data Privacy Act (CTDPA).

Last Updated: [IAug 2025]

This privacy policy complies with applicable laws including GDPR, CCPA, CPRA, and other relevant privacy regulations. Please consult with a legal professional to ensure compliance with your specific business needs and jurisdictions.