Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how The Iron Patina (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, stores, shares, and safeguards information when you visit https://ironpatina.com (the “Site”). It also outlines your choices and rights regarding your information.

By using the Site, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Site.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to operate a reliable resource focused on cast iron cookware care, seasoning, and maintenance. The information we collect includes:

A. Personal Information
Personal Information is data that identifies you or can be linked to you. We collect it when you voluntarily provide it. This may include:

  • Contact Data: Your name and contact details when you submit our contact form, sign up for updates, or request information.
  • Account Data: If the Site offers accounts, we may collect a username, password, and profile preferences.
  • Communication Data: Records of messages you send us through the Site, including inquiries about product care or maintenance topics.
  • Transaction and Billing Data: If you make a purchase through the Site, we collect details necessary to process the order (such as billing address and limited payment information). Payments are handled by third-party processors; we do not store full payment card numbers on our servers.
  • User Contributions: Content you share on public areas of the Site, such as comments, reviews, or tips related to cast iron seasoning and upkeep.

B. Non-Personal Information
We also collect information that does not directly identify you, including:

  • Usage Data: Details about how you navigate the Site, such as pages viewed, time spent, referral URLs, and generalized location (e.g., city/country).
  • Device Data: Technical information about the device and browser you use to access the Site, including IP address, operating system, browser type, and device identifiers.

C. Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies, pixels, and similar tools to recognize your browser or device and to understand how the Site is used.

  • Cookies: Small files placed on your device that help the Site remember your preferences and improve functionality. You can set your browser to block or alert you about cookies. Some features may not function properly without cookies.
  • How We Use Cookies:
    • To remember preferences (for example, content settings related to cookware care topics).
    • To measure traffic, diagnose performance issues, and improve the Site.
    • To support advertising, affiliate tracking, and retargeting where applicable (see “Advertising” below).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use information for the following purposes:

  • Operate and Maintain the Site: Provide access, display content, and enable interactive features such as comments.
  • Process Transactions: Manage orders, payments, returns, and customer support related to cast iron products and accessories.
  • Communicate with You: Respond to questions, send service notifications, and provide information about your interactions with the Site.
  • Marketing (with your consent where required): Send updates about new content, maintenance guides, product announcements, or promotions. You can opt out at any time.
  • Personalization: Tailor content and recommendations to your interests, such as care and seasoning topics you view most.
  • Improve the Site: Analyze trends and usage to enhance our content, tools, and user experience.
  • Legal and Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and technical issues, and protect our rights, property, users, and the public.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (For EEA and UK Users)

Where applicable law requires a legal basis, we process Personal Information under one or more of the following grounds:

  • Performance of a Contract: To fulfill orders or provide services you request.
  • Legitimate Interests: To operate, secure, and improve the Site, conduct analytics and marketing, and support our business, provided these interests do not override your rights.
  • Consent: For activities such as certain marketing communications or non-essential cookies when required.
  • Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share information as follows:

  • Service Providers: With trusted vendors that host our Site, process payments, send communications, provide analytics, or support customer service. They are bound to use the data only on our instructions and to protect it.
  • Business Transfers: As part of any merger, financing, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our business or assets.
  • Legal Requirements: When necessary to comply with law, enforce our policies, protect our rights, or protect users and the public.
  • With Your Consent: For any other sharing you authorize.

We do not sell, trade, or rent your Personal Information for third parties’ direct marketing purposes.

5. Advertising

We may work with advertising and analytics partners to deliver ads, measure campaign performance, and understand Site usage. These partners may use cookies and similar identifiers to provide interest-based advertising across websites and apps. We may also include affiliate links; if you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Affiliate partners may place or read cookies to track referrals. We do not control third-party cookies or their practices.

  • Analytics: We use analytics tools to help understand how visitors engage with the Site so we can improve content about cast iron care and product guidance.
  • Your Choices: You can manage cookies via your browser settings, limit ad personalization in your device settings, or install commonly available opt-out tools from reputable providers. Disabling certain cookies may affect functionality.

6. Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organizational measures designed to protect Personal Information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. No system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. We encourage you to use unique, strong passwords and to protect your devices and accounts.

7. Data Retention

We retain Personal Information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, including to meet legal, accounting, or reporting obligations. Retention periods consider the type and sensitivity of the data, potential risk of harm from unauthorized use, and whether we can achieve our purposes by other means.

8. Your Data Protection Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access and Portability: Request a copy of your Personal Information.
  • Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal allowances.
  • Restrict Processing: Ask us to limit how we use your data in certain circumstances.
  • Object: Object to processing, including direct marketing.
  • Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.

To exercise your rights or submit a privacy request, please contact us through our contact page at https://ironpatina.com/contact-us/. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe consistent with applicable law.

9. International Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and stored on servers located outside your state, province, or country, where privacy laws may differ. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place so that your data remains protected in accordance with this Policy.

10. “Do Not Track” Signals

The Site does not respond to Do Not Track (DNT) signals. You can manage tracking preferences through your browser settings and device-level privacy controls.

11. Children’s Privacy

The Site is intended for a general audience and is not directed to individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from children under 16. If you believe a child has provided Personal Information to us, please contact us using our contact page, and we will take appropriate steps to remove the information.

12. Third-Party Links

The Site may include links to third-party websites, such as retailers, marketplaces, or suppliers of cast iron accessories and care products. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites. Review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page. Your continued use of the Site after changes become effective means you accept the updated policy.

14. How to Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out through our contact page at https://ironpatina.com/contact-us/.