Privacy Policy

1. Introduction and Scope

This Privacy Policy describes how Refrigegate ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you visit our website, make purchases, or interact with our services. This policy applies to all users of our website and customers of our products and services.

We are committed to transparency in our data practices and compliance with applicable privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other relevant data protection regulations. By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information: We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including your name, email address, phone number, billing address, shipping address, and payment information when you create an account, place orders, or contact customer service.

Business Information: For commercial customers, we may collect business names, tax identification numbers, professional licenses, and other information necessary for B2B transactions and compliance with industry regulations.

Technical Information: We automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring website, pages viewed, and the dates and times of your visits through cookies and similar technologies.

Communication Data: We retain records of communications between you and our customer service team, including emails, phone calls, and chat sessions, to provide support and improve our services.

3. How We Use Your Information

Order Processing and Fulfillment: We use your personal and payment information to process orders, arrange shipping, handle returns, and provide customer support related to your purchases of HVAC refrigerant products.

Account Management: We use your information to create and maintain your customer account, provide access to order history, save preferences, and facilitate future purchases through our website.

Customer Service: We use your contact information and communication history to respond to inquiries, resolve issues, provide technical support, and improve our customer service processes.

Legal Compliance: We use your information to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including EPA reporting requirements, hazmat shipping regulations, tax obligations, and other legal requirements in the HVAC industry.

Business Operations: We may use aggregated, de-identified information for business analytics, website improvement, inventory management, and other operational purposes that do not identify individual users.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Service Providers: We share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, processing payments, fulfilling orders, providing shipping services, and supporting our business operations. These providers are contractually bound to protect your information.

Shipping Partners: We share delivery information with shipping carriers and logistics partners to facilitate product delivery. This includes names, addresses, and contact information necessary for successful delivery.

Payment Processors: Payment information is shared with secure, PCI-compliant payment processors to complete transactions. We do not store complete credit card information on our servers.

Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or government regulation, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets, customer information may be transferred as part of the transaction, subject to the same privacy protections outlined in this policy.

5. Data Security and Protection

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security practices include encryption of sensitive data, secure socket layer (SSL) technology for data transmission, and regular security assessments.

Access to personal information is restricted to authorized employees and service providers who need the information to perform their job functions. All personnel with access to personal data receive privacy and security training and are bound by confidentiality agreements.

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to promptly addressing any security incidents and notifying affected users as required by law.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, remember your preferences, analyze website traffic, and improve our services.

7. Your Privacy Rights

You may request access, correction, deletion, portability, or opt-out of certain processing of your personal information by contacting us using the information provided below.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy and comply with legal obligations.

9. Third-Party Services and Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications that are not owned or controlled by Refrigegate. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are intended for individuals aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age.

11. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in the United States where our servers are located.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). We do not sell personal information.

13. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Information