Privacy & Security
We understand that users may have distinct concerns about sharing information
via, or being “registered” with, any type of electronic service
platform.
This e-store has been set up very specifically to address these issues
so that all users can feel confident and comfortable about taking advantage
of the services it offers.
We offer the following points to illustrate exactly how these issues have
been addressed.
Privacy & User Protection
We will NOT share, rent, trade or sell a user’s name, email address
or office location with/to any non-associated organization or individuals
for any reason (unless where requested by law).
All Order records are kept in an encrypted SQL database (with any Credit
Card numbers REMOVED). The e-store’s service provider, keep a single
secured Hard Copy record of each Order for reference. Access to this information
is limited in our Headquarters location to ONLY the personnel that are
directly responsible for e-store operations.
Consent
By using the e-store, you are consenting to the limited sharing of the
above information---but ONLY as is necessary to perform the requested
transaction(s).* Only the user’s name, email address and shipping
address are retained with Order copy records. And, these records are only
reviewed by the e-store service team to establish aggregate statistics
about such overall issues as product preferences, geographical distribution
or traffic patterns.
*(See the Security section below for a further discussion on protection
of payment information)
Surveys
Occasionally, we may conduct either a general or user-specific survey
to better establish content and services desired by the users. It is always
up to the discretion of the individual to participate in these efforts.
However, it should be noted that any information received is always held
in strictest confidence and used solely to advance the e-store and it’s
abilities to meet user’s needs. Similarly, any questions asked would
ONLY reflect directly upon the e-store and it’s operations and would
NOT include any PERSONAL disclosure items.
‘Cookies’
This is a pleasant term for the technical operation of the e-store leaving
a small file of information on your computer. What this allows is the
retention of items in your shopping cart for a period of time without
actually purchasing. When reconnecting to the e-store, it may remember
where you left off as well as helping to assist in the updating of your
cart. Cookies can also be used to view how a user surfs the e-store or
even other sites.
We do NOT use cookies for any purpose OTHER than to supply shopping cart
retention and function to users.
Security
Is there a more important word in today’s society? In a climate where
a gasoline attendant or waiter can take your credit card out of sight
for FIVE minutes and capture enough information to either sell or reproduce
your credit capabilities----it would be normal to hesitate when asked
to type your card number into a faceless, anonymous information box. Users
feel exposed from the moment that they hit “SEND”. Yet, with
the correct process and attention to detail where security is concerned---this
electronic transaction is actually MORE SECURE than the “Five Minute
Scenario” stated above.
The very second that a user hits the “PROCESS” button, the transaction
info is encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology and sent
directly to an industry-leading credit card payment processor who validates
the card number and transaction amount in seconds within their high security
environment. Authorizations or Denials are encrypted back to the user
and the transaction is complete. The “exposure” of the information
is almost non-existent.
Where this information truly becomes vulnerable is AFTER the transaction
when it is stored in a database. To prevent loss, tampering or misuse
of this information we COMPLETELY ERASE all traces of Credit Card numbers
from Order records immediately upon receipt. Combining this procedure
with a fully encrypted, password protected SQL database behind several
firewall layers offers maximum user protection while keeping the e-store
interface quick and “natural” for browsing and purchasing.
Changes to the Privacy & Security Policy
Any future changes to this information will be posted here immediately
for users to see. We may also “publish” major updates in specific
informational e-mails or public postings/links.
Questions, Concerns, Comments or Suggestions
We welcome your feedback on the issues of Privacy or Security. You can
speak to us by logging into the e-Store and clicking on the HELP box in
the right hand side of the title/control area. All emails will be promptly
responded to.
