Privacy Policy Full - Luxury shop of Art by Charles and Patricia Lester

Privacy Policy of Charles and Patricia Lester

This is about the information we collect, why we collect it, where we keep details stored and what we intend to do with any personal information gathered.
It is also a declaration of respect for your personal information. This means that no-one will not pass on your details to any third party for any reason other than by direction of a court of law in the United Kingdom.
We provide this information to maintain transparency in an effort to give you as much confidence in us as possible. If you have any particular questions then please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do all that we can to clarify anything further.

The Different purposes and intentions with the information we collect

There are different categories of information that are important to ensure that we deliver what is required and expected to your level of interest. This information is treated differently so that we keep the amount of data we collect and store to the minimum necessary. As a general rule, the closer our relationship, the more information that we will have about you.

Normal website usage
Newsletter Subscribers
Registered Online Customers
Customers

Other information we think is important.
Site ownership details
Third Party Privacy Policies
How to check, remove or amend your personal details
More information

Browsing our Websites

Visitors to any of our websites are able to do so anonymously and do not have to submit any personal information just to browse our site.

Website technology

We may use technology to track the patterns of behaviour of visitors to our site to help us improve our websites so that we provide the most relevant information for the people most suited to what we offer.

Cookies

Our websites use cookies which are small text files that are placed on your machine to help the site provide a better user experience. In general, cookies are used to retain user preferences and store information for things like shopping carts, and provide anonymised tracking data to third party applications like Google Analytics. As a rule, cookies will make your browsing experience better. However, you may prefer to disable cookies on this site and on others. The most effective way to do this is to disable cookies in your browser. We suggest consulting the Help section of your browser or taking a look at the About Cookies website which offers guidance for all modern browsers.

WooCommerce Cookies
We use the WooCommerce WordPress plugin to power our online shop to keep track of cart (basket) data. WooCommerce makes use of 3 cookies:

woocommerce_cart_hash
woocommerce_items_in_cart
wp_woocommerce_session_

The first two cookies contain information about the cart as a whole and helps WooCommerce know when the cart data changes. The final cookie (wp_woocommerce_session_) contains a unique code for each customer so that it knows where to find the cart data in the database for each customer. No personal information is stored within these cookies.

Site Statistics

We collect general information about the site users and visitors this will include fairly standard site statistics used by most web designers. We use two sets of statistics – Google Analytics, Awstats and Facebook Pixel.

We are more interested in general patterns rather than personally identifiable behaviours. We do this to make sure that the web pages are working in the way that they should and to ensure we offer the right information for your interests. We do this by looking at things like the numbers of visitors, how long groups of visitors stay on the site, popular pages and so on.

The following data is collected on an aggregate basis and is NOT personally identifiable:

This data is used to monitor the way people use the site and will include the following sort of information:

Daily usage of the site including the number of visitors, which pages they view and how long they stay on the site.
Most popular pages and how often they have been opened.
Entry and exit pages
Referring sites – such as search engines and links from other sites – will include how many people have been referred by those links
Search phrases used to find the site and how often those search phrases have been used.
Browsers used whilst viewing the site.
Countries of origin where traceable.
Types of devices used e.g. mobile or computer.

Future Changes

We do reserve the right to change the type of statistics we collect but will post relevant information on the appropriate web page(s) as and when the changes take place. It is recommended that you check our Privacy Policy regularly for information about these changes.

Which of this information can be personally identifiable?

We automatically collect IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, domain name but not email addresses as a means of tracking the origins of visitors. Whilst these details could be used to identify users, this is not necessary for our purposes so no details are used to identify personal details pertinent to the user.

When do we collect this information?

The information is collected constantly and is downloaded to the office computers and/or our web administrator periodically.

How is this information collected?

The information is collected automatically using standard statistics software available to most website designers and owners. We use Google Analytics as a third party service and Awstats which is hosted on our server. You can see an example page here.

Where do we store this data?

The information is stored on a password protected directory on the server and on our office computers.

Google Analytics information is stored in our dedicated password protected Google Analytics account.

How long do we keep the data?

We keep the data for as long as is necessary and relevant to track and improve the websites.

Who has access to this data?

Employees and designated persons employed in working on the site to make the necessary improvements. General information about site usage may be made available to third parties. No personal information will be passed on to third parties for any reason whatsoever unless deemed appropriate by a court of law in the United Kingdom.

General Contact Information

As with any business we have an address book and contact records which keep a record of general correspondence and enquiries.

Likely reasons to submit personal information:

Subscribing to our online, email or printed newsletters.
Sending us an email
Giving us feedback, reporting problems, applying for more information.
Enquiring about our affiliate and ambassador schemes.
Using the online contact forms to contact us.
Enquiring about sponsorship packages and advertising rates.
Joining our discussion groups and forum.

Newsletter Subscribers

Occasionally we send out news and updates via email. We are very busy so it is rare for us to send out an email more than once a month, more often we only send out an update once every couple of months.

What kind of information do we collect?

In the first instance we only ask for two pieces of information to send you newsletters and email updates.

First name – so that we can address you in a polite and courteous manner
Your email address

What kind of additional information do we collect?

Initially you can also include your last name however we do also give you the option of adding further contact information and interest preferences should you require to only receive specific information about particular aspects of what we do.

When do we collect this information?

This information is collected when you register or when you send a request to us asking us to add you to our mailing list.

How is this information collected?

Subscribers opt-in to our newsletter mailing list by one of the following methods:

Sending an email, telephoning or messaging us on one of the social media platforms requesting to be added to our list
Asking to be included having met with us or visiting our studios
Using the online optin forms on any one of our websites
Clicking on the subscribe link in one of our email newsletters that may have been forwarded to you by a friend
Filling in a paper form

Why do we collect this data?

To be able to communicate with you as and when we need to inform you of announcements, news, sales and changes to the site and/or our policies.

Where do we store this data?

The information is first collected onsite using Mailchimp email services. On a password protected directory which is backed up regularly onto data disks stored at our premises. The back up data is stored on one other computers in our office.

How long do we keep the data?

For as long as is necessary for maintaining good user service. This will include a period of time after you de-register and/or unsubscribe at which time your details are added to an archive database to ensure that your details are not included on active lists.

Who has access to this data?

Employees and those trusted individuals who are employed to work with us will have access to this data solely for the purpose of helping us to deliver relevant information to you.

The information is not passed onto any third party whatsoever unless deemed appropriate by a court of law in the United Kingdom.

Registered Online Shop Customers

We have access to any details submitted by yourself when using the site facilities including any items purchased. The information supplied will only be used to enhance your user experience when browsing the site. We do rely on you to help us keep that information relevant and up to date so please do check them regularly.

What kind of additional information do we collect?

Personal information including username, email address, and full names as submitted by you when registering. We do not have access to your password unless you specifically request us to reset that password manually.

When do we collect this information?

This information is collected when you register or when you request that we set up an online account for you.

How is this information collected?

The information is collected using the online forms provided on the site. The website has an automated system set up to email us when you first register.

Why do we collect this data?

To be able to assign registered users appropriate permissions for using the site, add them to the newsletter mailing lists as advertised, to communicate with you as and when we need to inform you of announcements, news and changes to the site and/or our policies as well as respond to specific queries and requests.

Where do we store this data?

On a password protected directory which is backed up regularly onto data disks stored at our premises.

How long do we keep the data?

Who has access to this data?

Employees and those employed to work on the site will have access to this data solely for the purpose of providing good service. The information is not passed onto any third party whatsoever unless deemed appropriate by a court of law in the United Kingdom.

Does this site store information or use cookies on your computer?

Cookies, which can be defined by strings of data stored on your computer, are used to allow you to choose settings for automatic log in when you visit the site. [insert domain name] will place a cookie on your computer so that the site will remember you when you next visit the site. If you delete your temporary internet files or cookies then this data will be removed and you will need to re-enter the information needed to log in to the site again.

Online payment processing

Charles and Patricia Lester use PayPal for our credit card processing. We do not store any credit card information on file whatsoever either manually or digitally.

For Our Customers

By the nature of what we do, we do make copious notes about you, your interests and personal preferences. The more that we know, the better we are able to offer suggestions and guide you with making choices as well as enable us to create the very special unique pieces designed especially for you.

What information do we collect?

The amount of information that we collect is very much dependent on your interests and needs. It might only be relevant to have your contact details but in many instances we will collect much more than that. The following applies to both the garments and the interiors textiles.

Contact details including:

Name, address, telephone and email address
Delivery address(s) and delivery requirements
Style preferences including
- Designs and styles that you have tried on, commented on or expressed an interest in either when visiting or when communicating with us.
- Colours that particularly prefer (or dislike!)
- Patterns and print designs
- Fabrics
Social calendar, important dates and details of upcoming events and activities to ensure that we are aware of when you need certain things
Items purchased previously whether they were bought through ourselves, a representative or another retail outlet (when known).
Wherever possible we will also keep a fabric swatch of any pieces that you have so that we can potentially partner items you have already with new things as well as ensure that we are not duplicating anything.
Personal information such as notes about body size and shape, complexion and colouring which will often be collated alongside information about preferred styles which complement your personality and style.
Measurements and making up instructions of garments and pieces that work well for you and your particular requirements
Financial information such as preferred payment methods (but not credit card details)

What kind of additional information do we collect?

We may also make note of anything that you would like to consider as gifts for friends and relatives.

When do we collect this information?

All information is gathered on an ongoing basis whenever possible and tends to happen whenever you contact or visit us or when we get in touch with you.

How is this information collected?

The information is collected in a variety of ways both manually (handwritten notes) and digitally through the online shop, social media platforms and/or emails.

Why do we collect this data?

Our business is unique in that we create one-off items that are as individual as our customers. It is important that we maintain a clear idea of who you are and what you prefer so that we can ensure that we cater to your needs and requirements.
We record as much information as possible about items that you have purchased already so that should you require a similar item in the future, then we can create it with minimal effort from you.

It is not unusual for customers to visit us at the studios and spend time trying many different styles and variations of outfits for future reference. This is particularly useful if you live some distance from us so enables us to produce things remotely for you.

Where do we store this data?

Information is stored securely in a limited number of places and whatever way is appropriate to the information is used. This will include:

Contact information, records of previous purchases etc. will be stored in our database on our office computers. Details of purchases are also added to the online shop as a part of our accounting records.
Details of preferred styles, sizing and make-up instructions are kept in dedicated folders in our office files and workroom files. These will include hand written notes, photographs, diagrams and sketches of style details.

How long do we keep the data?

We keep this information permanently. It is quite common for garments to still be worn some thirty plus years after initially being purchased. It is important that we maintain these details for provenance and to ensure that are able to provide what you need and want. This is also important for museums and individuals who have inherited items bequeathed to them.

Who has access to this data?

Information is made available where required to the relevant person within our very small team of skilled individuals involved in making garments and pieces for you.

Payment processing and financial information

Depending on how you pay for your orders, we process financial information in the most appropriate way.

Online Payments are processed through the online shop using PayPal payment processing services.
Via Paypal using their invoicing system. Paypal process the payments and hold Credit Card details.
Cheques, cash and bank transfers are noted including when payments have been received and processed by the banks. No other information is recorded

We are not able to take payments over the telephone at this time.

Updating, amending or deleting your records

You can check the information that we hold about you by emailing us at contact@charles-patricia-lester.co.uk.

If you find any inaccuracies we really appreciate you letting us know and we will of course delete or correct it promptly.

Your right to be forgotten also applies. If you request that all details about you are removed from our records then we will do so whilst still retaining copies of information relevant for our accounting purposes.

Site Ownership Details

This site is owned and managed by Charles and Patricia Lester
Llanfoist House,
Llanfoist
Abergavenny
Monmouthshire
NP7 9LR
Tel: +44 1873 853559

More information

If you have any questions and or suggestions about this Privacy Policy please contact us using the contact form by following the Contact Us links.

Resources & Further Information – Charles and Patricia Lester

Privacy Policy & data protection
Cookie policy
Copyright Policy
Customer Services
Shipping & Returns Policy
Additional Services & Information

Third Party Privacy Policies

To ensure that we do keep your information safe and to be able to provide the best that we can, we do use third party services to store and manage information, process payments and so on.

Social Media Platforms

Occasionally we use social media platforms to communicate with you if you demonstrate that these are your preferred modes of communication. It is important that you understand the implications of using these services including the difference between private messaging and public communications. We highly recommend that you do not use these public platforms for conveying sensitive personal information as we have no control of these sites and cannot take any responsibility for how these platforms work.

Paypal Privacy Policy

To view the Privacy Policy for Paypal, please go to http://www.paypal.com and follow the links for their legal information or go to https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ua/legalhub-full

If you have questions or concerns regarding their policy, you should contact them by using their form or writing to them at PayPal, Attn: Privacy Department, P.O. Box 45950, Omaha, NE 68145-0950. PayPal maintains offices at 2211 N. First Street, San Jose, CA

PayPal is a TRUSTe licensee. If our response to your privacy concern is unsatisfactory, then you should contact TRUSTe by completing the form located at: http://www.truste.org/consumers/watchdog_complaint.php. TRUSTe will serve as a liaison to PayPal to resolve your concerns regarding our privacy practices. Please note that TRUSTe will not intervene for any other type of issue with your account.