Privacy Policy

At Fish Gear Shop (“we”, “us”, or “our”), operating at shimanofishingstore.com, we understand that your privacy is as important as the quality of your fishing gear. Just as we meticulously select our Shimano products, we carefully protect your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you visit our website or make purchases.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide better services to all our anglers:

• Personal Information: When you make a purchase, we collect your name, email address, shipping address, payment information (processed securely by our payment partners), and phone number (optional).
• Transaction Data: Details about purchases you’ve made, including products, prices, and payment method.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device information to optimize your shopping experience.
• Usage Data: Information about how you navigate our website, including pages visited and time spent, similar to how we track the best fishing spots.
• Communication Data: Records of your communications with our customer service team.

2. How We Use Your Information

Like a well-tuned reel, we use your information precisely and purposefully:

• To process and fulfill your orders for premium fishing gear
• To provide customer support and respond to your inquiries
• To improve our website and product offerings based on angler preferences
• To prevent fraud and enhance security, with the same vigilance we apply to our payment systems
• To send you relevant product updates or promotions (only with your consent)
• To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We treat your data like prized catch information – we’re selective about who we share it with:

• Service Providers: Trusted partners who help with payment processing (Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, JCB), shipping, and website operations, all bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights, similar to how we comply with fishing regulations.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, with appropriate privacy protections.

We never sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. International Data Transfers

As we serve anglers worldwide, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure all transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and maintain the same security standards as our US operations.

5. Data Security

We protect your data with the same dedication we apply to our Shimano gear quality control:

• Military-grade 256-bit SSL encryption for all transactions
• PCI DSS compliance for payment processing
• Regular security audits and vulnerability testing
• Limited employee access to your personal information
• Zero storage of complete payment details on our servers

6. Your Rights

You have rights regarding your personal information, as clear as your right to quality fishing equipment:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data we hold
• Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request erasure of your personal data under certain circumstances
• Restriction: Limit how we use your data
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Withdraw Consent: For marketing communications at any time

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

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Like selecting the right lure, we use appropriate technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality and checkout process
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how anglers use our site
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Show relevant ads (with your consent)

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not designed for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

9. Policy Updates

We may update this policy occasionally, just as we update our product offerings. Significant changes will be notified via email or website notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

Thank you for trusting Fish Gear Shop with your fishing needs and your personal information. We value your privacy as much as you value quality fishing equipment.