Privacy Policy

1) BRIEF OVERVIEW OF DATA PROTECTION AND CONTACT DETAILS

1.1 Thank you for visiting our website. We highly value your trust and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, store, and process your information when you interact with our online platform. Personal data refers to any information that can directly or indirectly identify you as an individual.

1.2 The data controller responsible for all data processing activities on this website under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is Amelia's Ottawa. The data controller is the legal entity that determines why and how your personal data is collected and processed. If you have any questions regarding your data, you can reach us directly at info@amelia-ottawa.com.

1.3 To guarantee maximum security and safeguard the transmission of sensitive details (such as orders, payment details, or general inquiries), our website utilizes SSL/TLS encryption protocols. You can verify an active secure connection by looking for "https://" and the padlock icon within your browser's address bar.

1.4 We do not use any form of automated decision-making or profiling mechanisms that carry legal consequences or significantly impact you as described under Article 22 of the GDPR.

2) DATA EXTRACTION DURING GENERAL WEBSITE VISITS

If you browse our website strictly for informational purposes—meaning you do not register an account, make a purchase, or submit a contact form—we only collect the standard data transmitted by your internet browser to our hosting server. These are stored in what are known as "server log files."

When you access our platform, we log the following technical details necessary to display the website correctly and maintain stability:

  • The specific pages or products visited

  • Exact date and time of your access

  • Total volume of data transferred (in bytes)

  • The previous website from which you arrived (referrer source)

  • Type and version of your web browser

  • Operating system running on your device

  • Your IP address (anonymized where applicable)

This administrative processing is handled in compliance with Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, rooted in our legitimate interest to optimize our website's performance, stability, and security features. This information is never shared with third parties for marketing purposes. However, we maintain the right to inspect these server logs if there are clear indications of fraudulent or unlawful system use.

3) COOKIE USAGE

To create a smooth, user-friendly shopping experience and enable specific platform features, we place small text files known as cookies onto your device.

Categories of Cookies We Use:

  • Session Cookies: These are vital for basic site functions (such as keeping products in your shopping cart while you browse) and are automatically wiped from your device the moment you close your browser.

  • Persistent Cookies: These remain saved on your device for a pre-determined timeframe, allowing our system (or approved third-party services) to recognize your browser on subsequent visits. They help remember your preferences or assist in tailored advertising.

If personal data is processed through our cookies, it is executed either under Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR for fulfilling a contract (e.g., managing a purchase), or under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR to support our business interest in delivering a functional, pleasant online store.

Managing Your Preferences:

When you first enter our site, a cookie banner will appear allowing you to manage your consent. Additionally, you can adjust your internet browser settings at any point to alert you when cookies are being placed, block specific cookies, or reject them entirely. Every browser operates differently; please consult your browser’s built-in help menu for tailored adjustment instructions. Please note that disabling essential cookies may impact your overall shopping experience and restrict access to certain checkout functions.

4) CUSTOMER INQUIRIES & CONTACT CHANNELS

Whenever you get in touch with us—whether through our online contact form or via an email sent to info@amelia-ottawa.com—we collect the personal data you choose to provide (such as your name, email address, and message details).

This data is used solely to address your specific questions, handle customer service issues, and complete the necessary administrative steps. The legal foundation for this processing rests on our legitimate interest to provide responsive customer care under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. If your inquiry relates directly to an order or a potential contract, the processing is further supported by Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. Once your request has been fully resolved and concluded, your personal information is deleted, provided no legal document retention laws require us to store it.

5) USER ACCOUNTS AND PROCESSING SALES CONTRACTS

In accordance with Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR, personal data is gathered, processed, and stored when you voluntarily hand it over to open a permanent customer account or to complete an order. The required details are indicated by the mandatory fields within our registration and checkout forms.

You can request the permanent deletion of your account at any time by sending an email notification to info@amelia-ottawa.com. We utilize your data to fulfill orders, arrange shipments, and process payments. Following the complete execution of a sales contract or the closing of your profile, your information is locked against further active use. It is deleted entirely after the expiration of statutory commercial and tax preservation periods, unless you have formally consented to the continuous use of your data.

6) COMMUNICATIONS & DIRECT MARKETING

6.1 Email Newsletter Registrations

If you register for our official email updates, we will periodically share news regarding our products, promotions, and seasonal offers. The only piece of information required to subscribe is a valid email address.

We utilize a double opt-in mechanism for all newsletter registrations. After signing up on our site, you will receive a verification link via email. Your subscription is only finalized once you click that link, giving us formal consent to process your data under Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR. During this registration, we record your IP address along with the date and time of verification to prevent fraudulent use of your email. You can opt out of these updates at any point by clicking the unsubscribe link embedded in the footer of any marketing email, or by writing to info@amelia-ottawa.com.

6.2 Promotional Updates for Existing Buyers

If you buy an item from our shop and provide your email address during checkout, Amelia's Ottawa reserves the right to send you updates regarding similar goods or services from our collections. Separate consent is not mandatory for this, as the processing is based on our legitimate interest in direct marketing under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

If you do not wish to receive these tailored suggestions, you can object during checkout or opt out at any time via the unsubscribe option in our emails. No additional fees apply beyond standard connection costs.

7) THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS & ORDER FULFILLMENT

7.1 Fulfillment and Deliveries

To successfully deliver your purchased goods, Amelia's Ottawa shares required transactional data (such as your name, delivery address, and phone number) with our appointed logistics and shipping partners, solely to complete the delivery under Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR.

7.2 Electronic Payment Platforms

Depending on the payment method selected during checkout, relevant financial details are transferred to authorized payment processors to finalize the transaction.

  • PayPal: If you complete your purchase using PayPal, your payment data is shared with PayPal (Europe) S.à r.l. et Cie, S.C.A. as allowed under Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. To prevent fraud and confirm payment capabilities, PayPal may run independent credit assessments through credit bureaus based on their legitimate commercial interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR). You can find more details in PayPal's privacy policy.

  • SOFORT / Klarna: If you opt for SOFORT or Klarna payment channels, your order information and banking details are forwarded to SOFORT GmbH or Klarna Bank AB to handle secure authentication and transfer funds (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR).

8) AUTOMATED FEEDBACK & REVIEW REMINDERS

With your formal consent provided during or after placing an order (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR), we may send you a one-time email reminder to rate your experience or review your purchased items. This feedback helps us maintain quality standards. You can withdraw your consent for these reminders at any moment by contacting us at info@amelia-ottawa.com.

9) SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS & CONNECTIONS

Our platform features basic text links or buttons connecting to prominent social networks (such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google+). To guarantee absolute data protection while browsing our store, these links do not transmit data automatically. A connection to external servers is only established if you explicitly click a social media button, which opens the chosen platform in a brand-new browser tab. The data collection on those external platforms is governed exclusively by the respective privacy frameworks of Facebook, Instagram, or Google.

10) PERFORMANCE TRACKING & WEB ANALYTICS

10.1 DoubleClick & Targeted Marketing

Our store utilizes DoubleClick by Google to display ads that align with your interests, compile campaign reports, and avoid repeating the same ads to the same visitor. This tracking operates under our legitimate marketing interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR). You can permanently opt out of this behavior by adjusting your personal browser settings or visiting the Google Ads settings portal.

10.2 Google AdWords Conversion Tracking

We use Google AdWords to advertise our brand across external websites. Through conversion cookies, we analyze the success of our ad campaigns without gathering information that personally identifies individual users. This data processing is handled under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

10.3 Google Analytics

To understand visitor flows and optimize our catalog layout, we use Google Analytics. To safeguard your privacy, our website is configured to automatically truncate your IP address via anonymization protocols before it is processed by Google servers. This ensures your identity remains protected while providing us with valuable statistics under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.

11) RE-TARGETING & AUDIENCE PIXELS

With your explicit consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR), our website incorporates tracking pixels, such as the Facebook Pixel. This tool tracks visitor behavior after you view or click a Facebook advertisement, helping us optimize our marketing. The information collected remains entirely anonymous to us. You can revoke your tracking consent at any time via your browser settings or your social media account preference panels.

12) YOUR RIGHTS AS A DATA SUBJECT

Under current data protection regulations, you possess the following rights regarding how your personal data is handled by Amelia's Ottawa:

  • Right of Access (Art. 15 GDPR): You can request complete transparency regarding the specific personal data we hold about you, the reasons for processing, and who receives it.

  • Right to Rectification (Art. 16 GDPR): You have the right to demand the immediate correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information stored in our databases.

  • Right to Erasure (Art. 17 GDPR): You can request the complete deletion of your data, provided it is no longer required for legal obligations, public interest, or defending legal claims.

  • Right to Restriction of Processing (Art. 18 GDPR): You can request that we freeze active processing of your data under specific conditions (e.g., while verifying data accuracy).

  • Right to Data Portability (Art. 20 GDPR): You have the right to request your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format to transfer it to another business.

  • Right to Withdraw Consent (Art. 7(3) GDPR): You can withdraw any previously granted consent at any point. This will halt all future processing based on that consent.

  • Right to Lodge a Complaint (Art. 77 GDPR): If you believe our handling of your data infringes upon legal frameworks, you have the right to file a complaint with an official data protection supervisory authority.

13) THE RIGHT TO OBJECT

If your personal data is processed based on our legitimate business interests under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, you maintain an absolute right to object to this processing at any time for reasons relating to your unique personal situation.

If you formally submit an objection, Amelia's Ottawa will immediately cease processing your data, unless we can demonstrate compelling, legally binding grounds for the processing that override your individual freedoms, or if the processing is required to establish, execute, or defend legal claims.