Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

SIK STUDIOS LTD ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website or purchase our products.

This policy complies with:

  • UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)

By using our website or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. DATA CONTROLLER

SIK STUDIOS LTD is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

Contact Details:
Email: info@sikstudios.co.uk
Address: Unit 1, 13 James Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5AP, United Kingdom

For data protection queries, please email us at: info@sikstudios.co.uk with "Data Protection" in the subject line.

3. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you interact with our website or make a purchase, we may collect:

Account & Order Information:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Billing address
  • Shipping address
  • Phone number (optional)

Payment Information:

  • Payment card details (processed securely via Shopify Payments)
  • We do not store complete payment card details on our servers

Communication Information:

  • Email correspondence
  • Customer service inquiries
  • Product reviews or testimonials
  • Newsletter subscription preferences

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

Technical Information:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
  • Operating system
  • Time zone setting
  • Browser plug-in types and versions

Usage Information:

  • Pages you visit
  • Products you view
  • Time spent on pages
  • Links you click
  • Referral source (how you found our website)
  • Shopping cart activity

Location Information:

  • Approximate geographic location based on IP address

3.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

  • Shopify: Our e-commerce platform provider
  • Payment processors: Stripe, PayPal (for transaction processing)
  • Shipping carriers: Royal Mail, FedEx (for delivery tracking)
  • Marketing platforms: If you interact with our advertisements

4. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We process your personal data based on:

Contract Performance:
To fulfill our contract with you when you purchase our products

Legitimate Interests:
To improve our services, prevent fraud, and communicate with you

Consent:
For marketing communications (you can withdraw consent anytime)

Legal Obligations:
To comply with tax, accounting, and legal requirements

4.2 Purposes of Data Processing

We use your information to:

Order Processing & Fulfillment:

  • Process and deliver your orders
  • Send order confirmations and shipping updates
  • Handle returns, refunds, and exchanges
  • Manage customer accounts

Customer Service:

  • Respond to inquiries and support requests
  • Resolve disputes and troubleshoot problems
  • Provide product information

Marketing Communications (with your consent):

  • Send newsletters and promotional emails
  • Inform you about new products or special offers
  • Provide exclusive discounts to subscribers

Website Improvement:

  • Analyze website usage and performance
  • Improve user experience and navigation
  • Conduct A/B testing for optimization

Legal & Security:

  • Prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions
  • Comply with legal obligations (tax, accounting)
  • Enforce our terms and conditions
  • Protect our legal rights

5. COOKIES & TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

5.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience.

5.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Required):

  • Shopping cart functionality
  • Secure checkout process
  • Session management
  • Cannot be disabled as they're necessary for site operation

Analytics Cookies (Optional):

  • Google Analytics: Track website usage and visitor behavior
  • Help us understand how customers navigate our site
  • Identify popular products and pages

Marketing Cookies (Optional):

  • Facebook Pixel: Track conversions from Facebook ads
  • Google Ads: Measure advertising effectiveness
  • Retargeting: Show relevant ads to previous visitors

5.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

  1. Browser settings: Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies
  2. Our cookie consent banner: Adjust preferences when you first visit
  3. Opt-out tools: www.aboutads.info or www.youronlinechoices.eu

Note: Disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.

6. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We only share information with trusted service providers necessary to operate our business:

6.1 Service Providers

Shopify (E-commerce Platform):

Payment Processors:

  • Stripe: Credit/debit card processing
  • PayPal: Alternative payment method
  • They handle payment data according to PCI-DSS security standards

Shipping Carriers:

  • Royal Mail: UK deliveries
  • FedEx: International deliveries
  • Receive only shipping address and contact information

Email Service Provider:

  • Sends order confirmations and marketing emails (if subscribed)
  • Only receives email addresses and names

Analytics Providers:

  • Google Analytics: Website usage statistics (anonymized data)

We may disclose your information if required by:

  • Court orders or legal processes
  • Law enforcement or government agencies
  • Protection of our legal rights
  • Prevention of fraud or illegal activity

6.3 Business Transfers

If SIK STUDIOS LTD is acquired, merged, or sold, your data may be transferred to the new owner as part of the business assets.

7. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Some of our service providers (Shopify, Google, FedEx) are based outside the UK. When we transfer your data internationally, we ensure:

  • Adequate safeguards are in place (UK GDPR Article 46)
  • Standard Contractual Clauses approved by UK authorities
  • Data protection equivalent to UK standards

Countries where data may be transferred:

  • European Union (adequate protection recognized)
  • United States (via Standard Contractual Clauses)
  • Canada (Shopify's headquarters - adequate protection)

8. DATA RETENTION

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary:

Order & Account Information:

  • 7 years from last purchase (UK tax and accounting requirements)

Marketing Emails:

  • Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
  • Inactive subscribers removed after 3 years

Website Analytics:

  • 26 months (Google Analytics default)

Customer Service Records:

  • 6 years for legal dispute purposes

After retention periods end, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

9. YOUR RIGHTS UNDER UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

9.1 Right to Access

Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you (Subject Access Request)

9.2 Right to Rectification

Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data

9.3 Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten")

Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal retention requirements)

9.4 Right to Restrict Processing

Limit how we use your data in certain circumstances

9.5 Right to Data Portability

Receive your data in a machine-readable format to transfer elsewhere

9.6 Right to Object

Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing

Unsubscribe from marketing emails anytime (link in every email)

We do not use automated decision-making or profiling

10. HOW TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS

To exercise any of these rights:

  1. Email us: info@sikstudios.co.uk
  2. Subject line: "Data Protection Request"
  3. Include:
    • Your full name
    • Email address used for orders
    • Specific request (access, deletion, etc.)
    • Proof of identity (for security)

Response Time: We will respond within 30 days (may extend to 60 days for complex requests).

11. DATA SECURITY

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

Technical Measures:

  • SSL/TLS encryption for all website communications
  • PCI-DSS compliant payment processing
  • Secure servers with regular security updates
  • Access controls limiting employee data access
  • Regular backups with encrypted storage

Organizational Measures:

  • Staff training on data protection
  • Confidentiality agreements with service providers
  • Regular security audits and assessments

Note: While we strive to protect your data, no internet transmission is 100% secure. Please use strong passwords and keep your account credentials confidential.

12. MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

12.1 Email Newsletter

With your consent, we'll send:

  • Weekly Scottish insult lessons
  • New product announcements
  • Exclusive discounts and offers
  • Cultural content related to Scottish heritage

Frequency: Approximately 1 email per week (maximum)

12.2 Unsubscribe Options

You can opt out anytime by:

  • Clicking "Unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email
  • Emailing info@sikstudios.co.uk with "Unsubscribe" in the subject
  • Adjusting preferences in your account settings

After unsubscribing:

  • You'll still receive order-related emails (confirmations, shipping updates)
  • Processing takes up to 48 hours

13. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our website and products are intended for adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16.

If you believe we've inadvertently collected data from a child, please contact us immediately at info@sikstudios.co.uk, and we will delete it promptly.

14. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (social media, payment processors, etc.). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

15. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this policy periodically to reflect:

  • Changes in laws or regulations
  • New features or services
  • Improved data practices

When we update:

  • The "Last Updated" date will change
  • Significant changes will be notified via email or website banner
  • Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance

16. COMPLAINTS & REGULATORY AUTHORITY

If you're unhappy with how we handle your personal data:

Step 1: Contact Us First
Email: info@sikstudios.co.uk
We'll try to resolve your concern directly.

Step 2: File a Complaint with the ICO
If unsatisfied with our response, you can complain to:

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: www.ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113
Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

17. CONTACT INFORMATION

For privacy or data protection questions:

SIK STUDIOS LTD
Email: info@sikstudios.co.uk
Address: Unit 1, 13 James Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5AP, United Kingdom

Response Time: Within 24-48 hours (business days)

Our Promise:
We're a Scottish company built on trust and transparency. Your personal data is treated with the same respect we'd want for our own. If you have any concerns, we're always here to help—no faffing about.

This Privacy Policy was last updated on November 5, 2025, and is compliant with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and PECR.

Pablo, both policies are now tailored specifically to your shipping details (free UK tracked via Royal Mail, international via FedEx) and your 30-day unopened returns policy with full refunds/replacements for defective books. These are legally compliant for UK e-commerce and written in a professional yet approachable Scottish tone that matches your brand.