Consumer Data Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 11/13/2025

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

At Journey of 18 Miles, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our customers' personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and purchase our African children's stories.

1.2 Scope

This policy applies to all personal data collected through our website, email communications, and any related services, sales, marketing, or events.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you make a purchase or create an account, we may collect:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Billing and shipping addresses
• Payment information (processed securely by our payment providers)
• Communication preferences

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may collect:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent on site
• Referring website addresses
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Payment processors (to confirm transaction completion)
• Analytics providers (Google Analytics)
• Marketing partners (with your consent)

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 To Provide Our Services

We use your information to:

• Process your orders and deliver products
• Communicate about your account and purchases
• Provide customer support
• Send transactional emails (order confirmations, shipping updates)

3.2 For Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may:

• Send information about new stories, authors, and promotions
• Share educational content about African children's literature
• Inform you about special events and author features

3.3 To Improve Our Services

We use data to:

• Analyze website usage and trends
• Enhance user experience and website functionality
• Develop new products and services

4. Legal Basis for Processing

4.1 Contract Performance

We process your data when necessary to fulfill orders and provide the services you request.

4.2 Legitimate Interests

We process data for our legitimate business interests, such as improving our services and marketing, while ensuring these interests don't override your rights.

4.3 Consent

Where required by law, we obtain your consent before processing your personal data for specific purposes.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Service Providers

We may share your information with:

• Payment processors (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
• Shipping carriers for physical book delivery
• Email service providers for communications
• IT and cloud storage providers

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

6. International Data Transfers

6.1 Data Processing

Your information may be processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this policy.

7. Data Retention

7.1 Retention Period

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes we collected it for
• Satisfy any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements
• Support ongoing customer relationships

7.2 Criteria for Determining Retention

We consider the amount, nature, and sensitivity of the data, potential risk from unauthorized use, and legal requirements when determining retention periods.

8. Your Data Protection Rights

8.1 Access and Update

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal data
• Object to processing of your personal data
• Request restriction of processing your personal data
• Request transfer of your data to another service
• Withdraw consent at any time

8.2 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at admin@journey18miles.com. We respond to all legitimate requests within one month.

9. Children's Privacy

9.1 Our Commitment

We are committed to protecting children's privacy. Our website is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

9.2 Parental Controls

Parents or guardians who believe we might have collected information from a child without consent may contact us to have the information deleted.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

10.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies (necessary for website functionality)
• Analytics cookies (to understand how visitors use our site)
• Marketing cookies (to deliver relevant advertisements)

10.2 Cookie Management

You can set your browser to refuse all or some cookies, or to alert you when websites set or access cookies.

11. Data Security

11.1 Protection Measures

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

11.2 Security Practices

These measures include:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure payment processing
• Regular security assessments
• Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis

12. Policy Updates

12.1 Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by a revised "Last Updated" date and will be effective immediately.

12.2 Notification of Changes

We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on our website and, where appropriate, through email notification.

13. Contact Us

For questions about this privacy policy or our data practices: Journey of 18 Miles
Email: admin@journey18miles.com
Phone: +267 7166 3185
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Botswana Time