Privacy Policy
# **Privacy Policy**
## **NICASALE - Premium Nicaragua Natural Products**
*Last Updated: December 2024*
At NICASALE, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care and transparency. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website or do business with us.
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## **1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT**
### **Personal Information You Provide:**
- **Contact Information:** Name, email address, phone number, WhatsApp number
- **Business Information:** Company name, business address, tax ID (if applicable)
- **Shipping Information:** Delivery addresses for order fulfillment
- **Payment Information:** Credit card details, PayPal information, wire transfer details
- **Communication Records:** Emails, WhatsApp messages, phone call notes, order inquiries
### **Information Automatically Collected:**
- **Website Usage:** Pages visited, time spent on site, browser type, device information
- **IP Address:** Location data for security and fraud prevention
- **Cookies:** Small files stored on your device to improve website functionality
- **Order History:** Previous purchases, sample requests, shipping preferences
### **Information from Third Parties:**
- **Payment Processors:** Transaction confirmation and security verification
- **Shipping Companies:** Delivery confirmations and tracking updates
- **Business References:** Information provided by mutual contacts or industry partners
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## **2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION**
### **Order Processing & Fulfillment:**
- **Process your orders** and arrange international shipping
- **Handle payments** and transaction processing
- **Coordinate deliveries** with shipping companies
- **Provide order updates** and tracking information
- **Resolve shipping issues** and delivery problems
### **Customer Service & Communication:**
- **Respond to inquiries** about products, pricing, and availability
- **Provide technical support** for product applications
- **Send order confirmations** and shipping notifications
- **Follow up on sample orders** and gather feedback
- **Maintain ongoing business relationships**
### **Business Operations:**
- **Manage inventory** and production planning
- **Coordinate with farmers** for harvest and processing schedules
- **Maintain quality records** and traceability documentation
- **Comply with export regulations** and government requirements
- **Analyze business trends** to improve our services
### **Legal & Regulatory Compliance:**
- **Export documentation** required by Nicaragua and US governments
- **Tax reporting** for international business transactions
- **Anti-fraud measures** and security verification
- **Record keeping** for audit and compliance purposes
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## **3. INFORMATION SHARING**
### **We Share Information With:**
**Shipping & Logistics Partners:**
- **International carriers** (air freight and sea freight companies)
- **Local delivery services** (USPS, UPS, FedEx)
- **Customs brokers** for import/export clearance
- **Insurance companies** for shipment protection
**Payment Processors:**
- **PayPal** for payment processing
- **Credit card processors** for secure transactions
- **Banks** for wire transfer processing
- **Cryptocurrency exchanges** for digital payments
**Government Authorities (When Required):**
- **Nicaragua export authorities** for legal compliance
- **US import authorities** (FDA, USDA, Customs)
- **Tax authorities** in both countries
- **Law enforcement** if legally required
**Service Providers:**
- **Website hosting** and technical support
- **Email services** for business communication
- **Accounting services** for financial management
- **Legal advisors** for contract and compliance matters
### **We DO NOT Share Information With:**
- **Marketing companies** or advertisers
- **Data brokers** or list sellers
- **Competitors** or other agricultural exporters
- **Social media platforms** (unless you choose to share)
- **Any party** for purposes other than those listed above
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## **4. DATA SECURITY**
### **How We Protect Your Information:**
**Technical Safeguards:**
- **Encrypted data transmission** (SSL certificates)
- **Secure servers** with regular security updates
- **Limited access** to personal information (need-to-know basis)
- **Regular backups** stored securely
- **Firewall protection** and intrusion detection
**Physical Security:**
- **Locked filing cabinets** for paper records
- **Restricted access** to offices and storage areas
- **Secure disposal** of outdated documents
- **Employee training** on privacy protection
**Administrative Controls:**
- **Privacy policies** for all employees and contractors
- **Regular security reviews** and updates
- **Incident response procedures** for any security issues
- **Third-party agreements** requiring data protection
### **Payment Security:**
- **We do not store** complete credit card numbers
- **PCI compliance** through payment processors
- **Encrypted payment processing** for all transactions
- **Secure wire transfer** procedures with verification
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## **5. COOKIES & WEBSITE TRACKING**
### **Types of Cookies We Use:**
**Essential Cookies:**
- **Shopping cart functionality** to remember your orders
- **Login sessions** for customer accounts
- **Security features** to prevent fraud
- **Language preferences** for international visitors
**Analytics Cookies:**
- **Website usage statistics** to improve our site
- **Popular product tracking** for inventory planning
- **Geographic data** to understand our customer base
- **Performance monitoring** for site optimization
### **Your Cookie Choices:**
- **Browser settings** can block or delete cookies
- **Essential functions** may not work without some cookies
- **Analytics opt-out** available through browser settings
- **No tracking** of personal activities outside our website
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## **6. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS**
### **Access & Control:**
- **Review your information** by contacting us
- **Update contact details** at any time
- **Request deletion** of unnecessary personal data
- **Opt out** of marketing communications (though we send very few)
### **Data Portability:**
- **Receive copies** of your personal information
- **Transfer data** to other service providers
- **Export order history** for your records
### **Communication Preferences:**
- **Essential communications** (order updates) cannot be opted out
- **Marketing emails** can be unsubscribed (rare since we focus on B2B)
- **WhatsApp communications** can be stopped by request
- **Phone contact** preferences can be specified
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## **7. DATA RETENTION**
### **How Long We Keep Information:**
**Active Customer Records:**
- **Contact information:** Maintained while business relationship exists
- **Order history:** Kept for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
- **Communication records:** Maintained for customer service purposes
- **Payment records:** Retained per financial regulations
**Inactive Accounts:**
- **Personal information:** Deleted after 3 years of no contact
- **Order summaries:** Kept for legal compliance only
- **Marketing lists:** Removed after 2 years of inactivity
**Legal Requirements:**
- **Export documentation:** Retained per government regulations
- **Tax records:** Maintained for required periods in both countries
- **Compliance records:** Kept as long as legally required
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## **8. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS**
### **Cross-Border Information:**
Since we operate between Nicaragua and the United States:
- **Information crosses borders** for business operations
- **Both countries' laws** may apply to your data
- **Secure transmission** methods used for all transfers
- **Legal compliance** maintained in both jurisdictions
### **Data Protection Standards:**
- **Similar protection levels** maintained in both countries
- **Secure transmission protocols** for all international transfers
- **Local privacy laws** respected and followed
- **Customer rights protected** regardless of data location
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## **9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY**
### **Age Restrictions:**
- **Business-to-business focus** - we don't market to children
- **18+ years required** for placing orders
- **No intentional collection** of children's information
- **Parental notification** if we discover underage information
### **If Children's Information is Collected:**
- **Immediate deletion** upon discovery
- **Parental notification** and consent procedures
- **Extra protection measures** for any necessary retention
- **Compliance with applicable** children's privacy laws
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## **10. PRIVACY POLICY CHANGES**
### **Updates & Notifications:**
- **Material changes** will be communicated via email to active customers
- **Website notice** posted for 30 days before changes take effect
- **Continued use** constitutes acceptance of updated policy
- **Previous versions** available upon request
### **Types of Changes:**
- **Legal requirement updates** (new regulations)
- **Business operation changes** (new services or processes)
- **Enhanced protection measures** (improved security)
- **Clarifications** based on customer questions
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## **11. CONTACT US ABOUT PRIVACY**
### **Privacy Questions or Concerns:**
📱 **WhatsApp:** +505 5707-7624
📧 **Email:** privacy@nicasale.com
📞 **Phone:** Available during business hours (8 AM - 5 PM CST)
📍 **Address:** Rivas, Nicaragua
### **Specific Privacy Requests:**
- **Data access requests:** What information we have about you
- **Correction requests:** Update or fix incorrect information
- **Deletion requests:** Remove unnecessary personal data
- **Opt-out requests:** Stop certain types of communications
- **Security concerns:** Report potential privacy or security issues
### **Response Timeline:**
- **Urgent security issues:** Within 4 hours during business hours
- **Access/correction requests:** Within 7 business days
- **Deletion requests:** Within 14 business days
- **General privacy questions:** Within 48 hours
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## **12. REGION-SPECIFIC INFORMATION**
### **For US Customers:**
- **State privacy laws** may provide additional rights
- **California residents:** Additional rights under CCPA may apply
- **Federal regulations** govern our data handling practices
- **Consumer protection laws** provide additional safeguards
### **For International Customers:**
- **Local privacy laws** respected where applicable
- **Cross-border protections** maintained during data transfers
- **Regional compliance** handled on case-by-case basis
- **Additional rights** may be available under local law
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## **COMMITMENT TO PRIVACY**
At NICASALE, we believe that trust is the foundation of successful business relationships. Your privacy is not just a legal requirement for us - it's a core business value that guides how we handle every aspect of customer information.
**Our Privacy Promise:**
- ✅ **Transparent practices** - you know how your information is used
- ✅ **Minimal collection** - we only gather what's necessary for business
- ✅ **Secure handling** - your information is protected with industry standards
- ✅ **Respectful use** - no spam, no selling lists, no unnecessary marketing
- ✅ **Your control** - you can access, correct, or delete your information
**NICASALE - Premium Nicaragua Natural Products**
*Building trust through transparency, quality, and respect for your privacy.*
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*This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date listed above and governs our collection and use of information. Your continued business with us constitutes acceptance of our privacy practices.*
**Questions about your privacy?** We're here to help - contact us anytime for clarification or to exercise your privacy rights.