Privacy Policy - Local Honey

1. Introduction

Local-Honey.co.uk ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

Name (first and last)
Email address
Password (encrypted)
Phone number (for beekeepers - mandatory for customer support)

2.2 Order Information

Shipping address
Billing address
Order history
Payment information (processed securely by payment providers)

2.3 Beekeeper Information

Business name and description
Business address
Contact phone number (shared with customers for support)
Product listings and prices

2.4 Usage Information

Browser type and version
IP address
Pages visited and time spent
Search queries

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Platform Operation: To provide and maintain the marketplace platform

3.2 Order Processing: To facilitate orders between customers and beekeepers

3.3 Communication: To send order confirmations, updates, and customer support

3.4 Improvements: To improve our services and user experience

3.5 Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and prevent fraud

4. Multi-Shop Orders & Data Sharing

4.1 Information Shared with Beekeepers

When you place an order, we share the following information only with the beekeeper(s) from whom you purchased:

Your name
Email address
Shipping address
Phone number (if provided)
Order details (products, quantities, prices)

4.2 Multiple Deliveries - Data Protection

Important: When you order from multiple beekeepers in one checkout:

Each beekeeper receives only their own order information
Beekeepers do NOT see items you ordered from other beekeepers
Your shipping address is shared with ALL beekeepers you purchased from
We do NOT share your info with beekeepers whose products you didn't order

4.3 Beekeeper Contact Information

Beekeepers' phone numbers are provided to customers for order support and customer service purposes. This is mandatory to ensure you can contact them for order issues, delays, or product questions.

5. Data Security

5.1 Encryption: We use SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit

5.2 Passwords: Passwords are hashed and never stored in plain text

5.3 Payment Security: Payment information is processed by PCI-compliant payment providers

5.4 Access Control: Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel only

6. Data Retention

6.1 Account Data: Retained while your account is active

6.2 Order History: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance

6.3 Deletion: You may request account deletion at any time

7. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

Access: Request a copy of your personal data
Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
Restriction: Limit how we use your data
Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
Objection: Object to processing of your data
Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@local-honey.co.uk

8. Cookies

8.1 Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (login, cart)

8.2 Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use the platform

8.3 Cookie Control: You can control cookies through your browser settings

9. Third-Party Services

9.1 Payment Processors: Stripe or other payment gateways process payments securely

9.2 Analytics: We may use analytics services to improve our platform

9.3 Email Services: Email notifications are sent via third-party email providers

We ensure all third-party services comply with UK GDPR requirements.

10. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for 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.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data:

Email: privacy@local-honey.co.uk

Support: support@local-honey.co.uk

Address: Local Honey, UK

13. Data Protection Authority

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Website: ico.org.uk

Phone: 0303 123 1113

Address: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF