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This Privacy Policy describes how Akhila Sarees ("we", "us", "our"), operating the website akhilasarees.in, collects, uses, shares and protects information about you when you browse our website, place an order, or contact us through WhatsApp, phone, email or social media. By using our website or services you agree to this policy.
1. Information we collect
Information you give us
- Order details: name, mobile number, delivery address, PIN code, state and any notes you add at checkout.
- Communication: messages, photos or videos you send us on WhatsApp, email, Instagram or our contact form.
- Payment confirmation: UPI transaction ID or payment screenshot you share with us. We never ask for your UPI PIN, card number, CVV or OTP.
- Marketing opt-in: your WhatsApp number if you join our new-arrivals broadcast list.
Information collected automatically
- Cart data is stored only in your own browser (local storage) so your cart is remembered between visits. It is not sent to our servers.
- Server logs from our hosting provider (Hostinger) may record your IP address, browser type, pages visited and timestamps for security and performance.
- Analytics and advertising cookies (such as Meta Pixel) may be used, if enabled, to understand site usage and measure advertising. See section 6.
2. How we use your information
- To process, pack, ship and deliver your order and to send order confirmations and tracking updates on WhatsApp or SMS.
- To respond to your questions, exchange requests and complaints.
- To prevent fraud, verify Cash on Delivery orders and comply with legal obligations such as GST invoicing.
- To send offers and new-arrival updates only if you have opted in. You can opt out any time by replying "STOP" on WhatsApp.
- To improve our website, products and customer service.
3. WhatsApp and Meta platforms
We use the WhatsApp Business service provided by Meta Platforms, Inc. to communicate with customers. When you message us on WhatsApp, your phone number, profile name and the content of your messages are processed by WhatsApp in accordance with the WhatsApp Privacy Policy. We will only message you about your orders, your enquiries, or marketing you have opted into, and we follow the WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy.
4. Sharing of information
We do not sell or rent your personal information. We share it only with:
- Courier and logistics partners (for example Delhivery, DTDC, India Post, Blue Dart) to deliver your order – they receive your name, address and phone number.
- Payment providers (UPI apps, banks, or payment gateways such as Razorpay) to receive and confirm payment. We do not store your card or bank details.
- Service providers such as our hosting company and messaging platforms, who process data on our behalf.
- Authorities when required by law, court order or to protect our legal rights.
5. Data retention
Order and invoice records are kept for as long as required under Indian tax and accounting laws (generally up to 8 years). WhatsApp conversations and enquiry details are retained only as long as needed to serve you, after which they are deleted or anonymised.
6. Cookies and tracking
Our website itself sets no tracking cookies. Third-party services we may enable, such as Meta Pixel or Google Analytics, use cookies or similar technologies to measure traffic and advertising performance. You can block cookies in your browser settings; the website will still work, though some ad measurement will not.
7. Security
Our website is served over HTTPS. Access to customer data is limited to team members who need it to fulfil orders. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Your rights
Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, you may:
- Ask what personal data we hold about you and request a copy.
- Ask us to correct inaccurate data.
- Ask us to delete your data, subject to legal record-keeping requirements.
- Withdraw consent for marketing messages at any time.
To exercise any of these rights, contact our Grievance Officer using the details below. We respond within 30 days.
9. Children
Our website is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18 years of age.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version, with its effective date, is always published on this page.