Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 15 October 2023

At Fatbuddha Store, we believe that trust is the foundation of creativity. Just as we carefully curate our collection of Design Markers, Camping gear, and Homewares, we approach your personal data with the same integrity, respect, and functional clarity. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit fatbuddhastores.com and make purchases from our global store.

Please read this policy carefully. By using our website, you consent to the practices described herein.

1. Who We Are & Our Philosophy

Fatbuddha Store (“we,” “us,” “our”) is a curated marketplace for creators, adventurers, and thoughtful individuals. Our menu—from Art Supplies and Denims to Gadgets and Knitwear—reflects our commitment to supplying tools that empower your process. This privacy policy is an extension of that commitment: it is designed to be functional, reliable, and built on trust.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only what is necessary to provide you with a seamless, secure, and considered experience.

A. Information You Provide Directly:

• Identity & Contact Data: Name, email address, shipping/billing address, phone number when you create an account or checkout.
• Transaction & Payment Data: Payment method details (e.g., card type, last four digits, PayPal email). Please note: Full payment card details are never stored on our servers. All transactions are processed via our secure, encrypted payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).
• Order & Project Data: Details of purchases from our Bag Shop, Book Shop, Boots, or other categories, including size, colour, and gift notes.
• Communication Data: Messages sent to [email protected], feedback, and support queries.

B. Information Collected Automatically:

• Technical & Browsing Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages viewed, time spent, and referral URLs.
• Cookie Data: See Section 6 for detailed information on cookies and tracking technologies.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your data fuels our operational workflow, just as our tools fuel your creativity. We use it solely for:

• Fulfilling Your Orders: To process payments, ship your Denims, Ink Pens, or IPhone Cases, and provide order confirmations.
• Providing Service & Support: To respond to your inquiries, manage returns, and resolve any payment hiccups.
• Improving Your Experience: To analyse site usage, optimise our menu layout (like the Hat Shop or Belt Shop), and ensure technical functionality.
• Security & Fraud Prevention: To protect your transactions, our website, and our community—a non-negotiable priority.
• Legal & Compliance: To meet our legal obligations and enforce our terms.

We do not use your personal data for automated decision-making or profiling.

4. Sharing & Disclosure of Information

We treat your data with the discretion you’d expect from a curated store. We only share it when essential:

• Trusted Service Providers: With partners who perform functions on our behalf (e.g., payment processors like Visa/MasterCard/PayPal gateways, shipping carriers, IT support). They are contractually bound to protect your data and use it only for the services we request.
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, regulation, or legal process (e.g., a court order).
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or transfer of assets, with notice to you.
• With Your Consent: We will never sell your personal data to third-party marketers.

5. Data Storage, Security & International Transfers

• Storage: Your data is stored on secure servers. We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes collected, including legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.
• Security: We implement robust technical and organisational measures, including encryption (SSL/https – look for the padlock icon), secure payment gateways, and access controls. As stated on our homepage: your full payment details are never stored on our servers.
• International Transfers: As we ship globally (excluding some remote areas), your data may be processed outside the UK/EEA. We ensure such transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our site uses cookies—small data files—to ensure smooth functionality, much like the right tool ensures a smooth creative process.

• Essential Cookies: Required for core functions like shopping cart (for your Gadgets or Art Supplies) and secure checkout.
• Analytical/Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site (e.g., which pages in Camping or Footwear are popular), allowing us to improve. We use tools like Google Analytics configured to respect privacy.
• Control: You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect site functionality.

7. Your Rights & Choices

You have rights over your data, consistent with GDPR and other privacy laws. You may:

• Access & Portability: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Erasure & Restriction: Request deletion or restriction of processing under certain circumstances.
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within one month. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our “Children” category sells products for young creators, but our website is not directed at individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe we have such data, please contact us immediately.

9. Links to Other Websites

Our site may link to third parties (e.g., social media). This Privacy Policy does not cover their practices. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in practice or law. The updated version will be posted here with a revised effective date. We encourage periodic review.

Proceed with confidence.
— The Fatbuddha Store Team
Supplying the tools, protecting your process.