Privacy Policy

Hey there, Growers and Heat Lovers! At Pepper Joe’s, we know your mind is on cultivating the world’s hottest peppers, crafting the perfect hot sauce, and tending to your garden—not on worrying about your personal data. Just as we carefully select our heirloom and hybrid seeds for quality, we handle your personal information with the utmost care, security, and transparency. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you visit pepperjoeshop.com.

1. The Data We Cultivate (Information We Collect)

To fuel your fiery passion and provide a seamless shopping experience, we may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Identifiers: Information you provide directly, such as your name, billing and shipping address, email address, and phone number when you create an account or place an order for Carolina Reaper seeds, cedar planters, or hot sauces.
• Payment Information: When you make a purchase, our secure payment gateway processes your payment details (like credit card numbers via Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or PayPal). We do not store full credit card numbers on our servers.
• Transaction & Order Data: Details about the products you purchase (Ghost peppers, fertilizers, garden tools), order history, and tracking information.
• Technical & Browsing Data: Information collected automatically, such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and how you navigate our site (e.g., browsing our Hot Pepper Apparel or Growing Supplies sections).
• Account Preferences: Your saved favorites, wish lists for items like companion seeds or garden beds, and communication preferences.

2. How We Use Your Data (Tending to Your Needs)

We use your information with the same gardener-grade care we use when packing your seeds, strictly to:

• Process & Ship Your Order: To fulfill your purchases, send you tracking numbers, and deliver your fiery treasures worldwide (where available).
• Communicate With You: To send order confirmations, shipping updates, and respond to your inquiries sent to [email protected].
• Improve Your Experience: To optimize our website, product offerings (like our Dried Chili Peppers or Garden Accessories), and payment process based on how our global community interacts with us.
• Security & Fraud Prevention: To protect your transactions and our business with the same vigilance we use to protect our seed viability.
• Marketing (With Your Consent): To send you news about new hot sauces, heirloom seeds, or garden bags, but only if you’ve signed up for our updates. You can opt-out anytime.

3. Sharing Your Data (Our Growing Partners)

We value your trust and do not sell your personal information. We only share data with trusted third parties essential for our operations, under strict confidentiality agreements:

• Payment Processors: Secure services like PayPal and credit card gateways to complete your transaction.
• Shipping & Fulfillment Partners: Logistics companies (e.g., postal services, carriers) to deliver your orders to your door, anywhere from the USA to Europe.
• Service Providers: Companies that help us run our website, manage customer service, or send emails.
• Legal Compliance: If required by law, regulation, or legal process, we may disclose information as necessary.

4. Data Storage & Security (Your Secure Greenhouse)

Your financial and personal data is treated with the utmost care. We implement industry-standard security measures, including encryption (SSL technology), secure servers, and access controls, to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. All transactions on pepperjoeshop.com are encrypted and secure. Data is stored on servers located in the United States.

5. Your Rights & Choices (You’re the Head Gardener)

You have control over your personal information:

• Access & Correction: You can access and update your account information (name, address, email) by logging into your “Spicy Profile.”
• Opt-Out: You can unsubscribe from marketing emails by clicking the link in any email or contacting us.
• Data Deletion: You can request the deletion of your personal data, subject to certain legal obligations we have (like retaining transaction records).
• Do Not Track: Our site does not currently respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals.

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].

6. Cookies & Tracking Technology (Garden Navigation Tools)

Like many websites, we use Cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. These help us remember items in your cart, understand how you use our site (e.g., which menu items like “Hot Sauces” or “Garden Beds” are popular), and personalize content. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings, though disabling them may affect some site functionalities.

7. International Data Transfers (Shipping Passion Worldwide)

We serve a global community of chiliheads. If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that information we collect will be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where our servers are located. By using our site and providing your information, you consent to this transfer.

8. Policy Updates (Continuous Growth)

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review it periodically.

Thank you for trusting Pepper Joe’s with your gardening passion and your data. Now, let’s get back to growing something amazing! 🌶️