Privacy Policy

Introduction

At The Custom Tie Shop ("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 and use our custom design services.

By using our website and services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, company/organisation name
• Quote Requests: Design specifications, quantity requirements, delivery dates, special instructions
• Design Data: Custom designs created using our online tools, uploaded logos, text, and images
• Communication: Messages you send us through contact forms or email

Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked
• Cookies and Tracking: Session data, preferences, analytics information

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Providing Services: Process quote requests, communicate about your designs, and fulfill custom orders
• Design Tools: Save and retrieve your custom designs, provide real-time previews
• Communication: Send quote confirmations, respond to enquiries, provide customer support
• Improvement: Analyse website usage to improve our services and user experience
• Marketing: Send promotional emails about our services (with your consent, and you may opt out at any time)
• Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

Data Protection and Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure cloud storage with access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Limited employee access to personal data
• Data backup and recovery procedures

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist in operating our website and providing services (e.g., hosting, email, analytics)
• Manufacturing Partners: Design specifications shared with our manufacturing partners to fulfill your orders
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Save your design progress in our online tools
• Analyse website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website performance and functionality

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our design tools and website features.

Data Retention

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

• Fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records, business records)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain design files for potential reorders

Design data is typically retained for 2 years to facilitate reorders. You may request deletion of your data at any time (subject to legal requirements).

Your Privacy Rights

Under data protection laws (including UK GDPR), you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data we hold
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation on how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for marketing purposes
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@customtieshop.co.uk

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately and we will delete it.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence, including countries that may not have the same data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers, including standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities.

Third-Party Links

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

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.