Privacy policy

At Hotwater Gallery, we are committed to ensuring the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy is designed to provide you with transparency regarding the collection, use, and protection of your data when you interact with our online platform.

Overview of the Privacy Policy:

This Privacy Policy outlines the practices and policies we have in place to safeguard your privacy and inform you about how we handle the information you provide. It covers the types of information we collect, the purposes for which we use it, and the choices you have regarding the use of your data.

Hotwater Gallery values the trust you place in us when you choose to explore our collection of certified artworks, make a purchase, or engage with our website. We are dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality and security of the information you share with us.

Effective Date and Last Updated Information:

This Privacy Policy is effective as of Jan 1, 2024. It is important to note that we may update or modify this policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected in the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

By continuing to use Hotwater Gallery's website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy practices, please don't hesitate to contact us using the information provided at the end of this document.

Thank you for choosing Hotwater Gallery. We appreciate your trust and are committed to ensuring your privacy is respected and protected throughout your online art experience.

Information Collected

Hotwater Gallery collects various types of information to enhance the online shopping experience for certified artworks. This includes:

  1. Personal Data:

    Name: Used for personalized interactions.

    Address: Utilized for order fulfillment, delivery, and improved customer experience.

    Email: Enables communication of important updates, order confirmations, and promotional materials.

    Phone Number: Contact information for order-related communication and customer support.

  2. Non-Personal Data:

    Cookies: Hotwater Gallery employs cookies to enhance browsing experience, storing data to understand user preferences and navigation patterns. Cookie preferences can be managed through browser settings.

    Usage Data: Information about user interaction with the website, including pages visited, duration of visit, and links clicked. This data aids in the analysis and optimization of site performance.

Hotwater Gallery is committed to handling data responsibly, in compliance with relevant privacy laws. User information is treated with utmost confidentiality and security.

For inquiries regarding the collected information, please refer to the Contact Information section at the end of this Privacy Policy.

How Information is Collected

Hotwater Gallery employs various methods to collect information, ensuring a seamless and personalized user experience for certified artworks. The methods include:

  1. Directly from Users:

    Information is collected directly when users interact with our website, such as during account creation, placing an order, or engaging with interactive features.

  2. Cookies:

    Cookies are utilized to gather data about user preferences and behavior. These small pieces of data are stored on the user's device, enhancing browsing experience and enabling personalized features. Users have the option to manage cookie preferences through their browser settings.

  3. Analytics Tools:

    Hotwater Gallery utilizes analytics tools to collect aggregated data on website usage. This includes information about page views, navigation patterns, and other relevant statistics. These tools help us analyze and optimize the performance of our website.

Purpose of Collection

Hotwater Gallery collects information for specific purposes that contribute to an enriched user experience for certified artworks. The purposes include:

  1. Order Processing:

    Collected information is used to process and fulfill orders, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction process for users purchasing certified artworks from Hotwater Gallery.

  2. Customer Support:

    Information enables effective customer support, allowing us to address inquiries, provide assistance, and communicate essential updates related to users' orders or account interactions.

  3. Marketing:

    With user consent, collected data may be used for marketing purposes, including sending promotional materials, newsletters, and information about new arrivals or special offers related to Hotwater Gallery's certified artworks.

  4. Personalization:

    Information is utilized to personalize user interactions, providing a tailored browsing experience and relevant recommendations based on user preferences and previous interactions with Hotwater Gallery.

  5. Analytics and Optimization:

    Aggregated data is analyzed using analytics tools to optimize the performance of our website, enhance user navigation, and improve the overall functionality of Hotwater Gallery's online platform.

Legal Basis for Processing

Hotwater Gallery processes personal data based on clear legal grounds, ensuring transparency and compliance with privacy regulations. The legal basis for processing personal data includes:

  1. Contractual Necessity:

    When users engage with Hotwater Gallery by creating an account, placing an order, or entering into transactions, the processing of personal data is necessary for the fulfillment of contractual obligations. This includes order processing, delivery, and customer support.

  2. Consent:

    In certain instances, Hotwater Gallery may rely on user consent for the collection and processing of personal data, particularly for marketing purposes. Users have the option to provide or withdraw their consent for such activities.

  3. Legal Obligations:

    Hotwater Gallery may process personal data to comply with legal obligations, such as tax regulations, fraud prevention, and other applicable laws.

  4. Legitimate Interests:

    Processing may occur based on Hotwater Gallery's legitimate interests, provided that such interests are not overridden by users' rights and interests. This includes analytics for website optimization and ensuring the security of our online platform.

Hotwater Gallery is committed to ensuring that personal data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. Users have the right to be informed about the legal basis for processing and can exercise their rights as outlined in the Privacy Policy.

Data Usage

Hotwater Gallery values the trust placed in us by our users and is committed to using collected data responsibly. The details on how the collected data is utilized include:

  1. Marketing and Promotional Activities:

    With user consent, collected data may be used for marketing and promotional purposes. This includes sending information about new arrivals, exclusive offers, and other updates related to Hotwater Gallery's certified artworks.

  2. Order Fulfillment:

    Personal data is employed for order processing, fulfillment, and delivery. This ensures a seamless and efficient experience for users making purchases from Hotwater Gallery.

  3. Customer Support:

    The information collected enables effective customer support. It allows us to address user inquiries, provide assistance, and communicate important updates or resolutions related to orders or account interactions.

  4. Personalization:

    Data is utilized to personalize user interactions on the Hotwater Gallery website. This enhances the overall user experience by providing tailored recommendations and content based on individual preferences and previous interactions.

  5. Analytics and Optimization:

    Aggregated data is analyzed to optimize the performance of our website. This includes understanding user behavior, improving website navigation, and enhancing the overall functionality of Hotwater Gallery's online platform.

Gallery is committed to using collected data for legitimate and transparent purposes, contributing to a secure, personalized, and enjoyable online art shopping experience. Users have the option to manage their preferences related to marketing communications.

Data Retention

Hotwater Gallery carefully manages the retention of data to ensure compliance with privacy principles and applicable laws. The details regarding data retention include:

  1. Duration of Retention:

    The length of time data is retained varies based on the purpose for which it was collected. Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.

  2. Criteria for Determining Retention Periods:

    The determination of retention periods is guided by factors such as the nature of the data, the purpose of processing, and legal or contractual obligations. Hotwater Gallery assesses the need for retaining data and ensures that it is not kept longer than required.

  3. Legal Obligations:

    Compliance with specific legal obligations, such as tax regulations, may impact the duration for which certain data is retained.

  4. User Requests:

    If a user chooses to exercise their rights, such as the right to erasure, Hotwater Gallery will promptly and securely delete the relevant personal data, as permitted by law.

Regular reviews are conducted to assess the need for data retention, and appropriate measures are taken to ensure data is securely disposed of when no longer required.

Data Sharing

Hotwater Gallery is committed to safeguarding your personal information and shares data with third parties only when necessary for the provision of our services. The details about data sharing include:

  1. Types of Third Parties:

    Hotwater Gallery may share data with trusted third parties that contribute to the fulfillment of our services. These may include payment processors, shipping partners, and service providers who assist in aspects such as website hosting and analytics.

  2. Circumstances of Data Sharing:

    Data sharing occurs under specific circumstances, such as:

    • Order Fulfillment: Sharing relevant information with shipping partners to ensure timely delivery of purchased artworks.

    • Payment Processing: Sharing necessary details with payment processors to facilitate secure transactions.

    • Service Providers: Engaging with external service providers for website hosting, analytics, and other support services.

Hotwater Gallery ensures that any third party receiving personal data adheres to the same level of data protection standards as outlined in this Privacy Policy.

User Rights

Hotwater Gallery recognizes and respects the rights users have over their data. The explanation of user rights includes:

  1. Right to Access:

    Users have the right to request access to their personal data collected by Hotwater Gallery. This includes information on the categories of data, purposes of processing, and disclosure to third parties.

  2. Right to Correct:

    Users can request the correction of inaccuracies or incomplete data held by Hotwater Gallery, ensuring the information is accurate and up-to-date.

  3. Right to Delete:

    Users have the right to request the deletion of their personal data under certain circumstances, such as when the data is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.

  4. Right to Restrict Processing:

    Users can request the restriction of processing in specific situations, giving them more control over how their data is handled.

For inquiries or to exercise these rights, please refer to the Contact Information section at the end of this Privacy Policy.

Security Measures

Hotwater Gallery prioritizes the security of user data and employs robust measures to protect against unauthorized access. The description of security measures includes:

  1. SSL Encryption:

    Hotwater Gallery utilizes SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to secure the transmission of data between users and our website. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as personal and payment details, is transmitted securely.

  2. Secure Servers:

    User data is stored on secure Squarespace servers, implementing industry-standard security protocols. These servers are designed to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.

  3. Access Controls:

    Hotwater Gallery employs access controls to restrict access to user data. Only authorized personnel with a legitimate need for access are granted permissions, minimizing the risk of unauthorized data handling.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

  1. Use of Cookies:

    Cookies are employed to improve website functionality, recognize user preferences, and facilitate a personalized experience. These small pieces of data stored on the user's device help optimize the browsing experience.

  2. Managing Cookie Preferences:

    Users have the option to manage cookie preferences through their browser settings. Most web browsers allow users to control the acceptance or rejection of cookies, providing flexibility in managing privacy preferences.

Hotwater Gallery respects user choices regarding cookies and ensures transparency in the use of these technologies. While hosted on Squarespace, users can refer to Squarespace's specifications for further information on their cookie policies.

For additional details on security measures and cookie usage, please refer to the Contact Information section at the end of this Privacy Policy.

Third-Party Links

Hotwater Gallery may include links to third-party websites for additional resources or information. The disclaimer regarding external links includes:

  1. External Links:

    Hotwater Gallery may provide links to third-party websites for users' convenience. These external sites have their own privacy practices and policies that may differ from Hotwater Gallery's.

  2. Disclaimer:

    Hotwater Gallery does not endorse or take responsibility for the content, privacy practices, or security of external websites linked from our platform. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of those third-party sites independently.

  3. Privacy Policy Coverage:

    This Privacy Policy applies solely to information collected by Hotwater Gallery. It does not extend to external websites linked from our platform.

Hotwater Gallery aims to provide valuable external resources while emphasizing user awareness and discretion when navigating third-party sites.

Chapter 13: Children's Privacy

Hotwater Gallery is committed to protecting the privacy of children and complying with relevant laws, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The statement regarding children's privacy includes:

  1. Collection of Information from Children:

    Hotwater Gallery does not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent.

  2. Compliance with COPPA:

    In accordance with COPPA, if we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child without appropriate consent, we will take prompt steps to delete such information.

Hotwater Gallery encourages parents or guardians to be involved in their children's online activities and to monitor and guide their online interactions.

Changes to the Privacy Policy

Hotwater Gallery is committed to transparency, and any changes to this Privacy Policy will be communicated to users. The details include:

  1. Notification of Changes:

    Users will be notified of any material changes to the Privacy Policy. Material changes may include modifications to the types of information collected, purposes of processing, or other significant updates.

  2. Informing Users of Updates:

    Notification of changes may be communicated through prominent notices on the Hotwater Gallery website, via email, or through other appropriate communication channels.

Hotwater Gallery encourages users to review the Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how their data is being handled.

Contact Information

For privacy-related concerns or inquiries, users can contact Hotwater Gallery using the following details:

  1. Contact Email:

    hello@htwtr.com

  2. Mailing Address:

    HOTWATER GALLERY
    6880 Embarcadero Ln
    Carlsbad, CA 92011

Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California, with jurisdiction granted to the state and federal courts located in San Diego, California.

Hotwater Gallery acknowledges and respects the privacy rights of its users and is committed to complying with applicable laws and regulations.

Thank you for choosing Hotwater Gallery for your certified artwork needs. If you have any further questions or concerns, please refer to the contact information provided above.