Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Commitment

At Shorty’s Gourmet Spices, we know how important it is to protect your personal information. Whether you are shopping with us online or in person we want to make every customer experience safe and secure. In keeping with that goal, we have developed this Privacy Policy to explain our practices for the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information.
This Policy applies to our retail stores, mobile stores, our Web Sites, and all other channels in which Shorty’s Gourmet Spices collects and uses your personal information.

What we collect
How we collect information
How we use the information we collect
How we share your information
How we protect your information
How you can protect your information
How to contact us

1. What we collect

At Shorty’s Gourmet Spices, we collect two types of information: personal information and non-personal information. The types of information we collect depend on the nature of your interaction with us.

Your Consent

Shorty’s Gourmet Spices will collect, use, or disclose your personal information only with your knowledge and consent, except where required or permitted by law. When you choose to provide us with your personal information you consent to the use of your personal information as identified in this Privacy Policy and as may be further identified at the time of collection.

Personal information

Personal information is information that can identify an individual or information about an identifiable individual. We may collect personal information such as:

your contact information – e.g., name, postal address, telephone number, and email address;
your personal preferences – e.g., product wish lists, language preferences, and marketing consent; and your transaction information – e.g., products purchased, method of payment, amount paid, and credit or debit card number.

Non-personal information

Non-personal information does not identify you as an individual. For example:

we may ask you for your postal code to assist us with planning our flyer distribution;
we may collect certain non-personal data when you visit our Web Sites, such as the type of browser you are using or the referring URL; or
we may collect and summarize customer information in a non-personal, aggregate format for statistical and research purposes. We may, for example, summarize our data to determine that a certain percentage of contest entrants are male, aged 18 to 25.

All references to “Web Sites” in this Privacy Policy mean www.shortysspices.com, or other Shorty’s Gourmet Spices provided Web sites.

You may choose not to provide us with your personal information. However, if you make this choice we may not be able to provide you with the product, service, or information that you requested.

Supplementing Information

From time to time we may supplement information you give us with information from other sources, such as information validating your address or other available information you have provided us. This is to help us maintain the accuracy of the information we collect and to help us provide better service.

2. How we collect information

Collected from you

Listed here are some further examples of the ways that we collect personal information directly from you and how we use it.

Retail / In-Person Purchases

When you purchase a Shorty’s Gourmet Spices product, you may need to provide us with contact and payment information (such as credit card information) so that we can process your request or complete your transaction. Examples where we need contact information include delivery services, product servicing. We also may use your contact information to send you promotional information.

Returns and Exchanges

Our goal is to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your purchase and to this end, Shorty’s Gourmet Spices offers a Return Policy. For Shorty’s Gourmet Spices to continue to offer our Return Policy, we ask for personal information such as your name, address, and telephone number for the purposes of detecting and preventing fraud. You may also be asked to produce photo ID for verification purposes only.

Purchase Follow-Up and Surveys

Following a purchase we may send you a follow-up letter to thank you for your business, or we may contact you to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the delivery, and quality of your new product.

We may use contact information collected in-person, online, or via a call to conduct occasional surveys and other customer research. These surveys are entirely voluntary and you may easily decline to participate.

Our Web Sites

Our Web Sites can be browsed anonymously. We use your browsing history and personal information to display interest-based advertising that is relevant to you. We place interest-based advertisements on our website as well as other third-party sites. The browsing history we use is collected by us and by third parties on our website. We may also share your anonymous browsing history from our website with third parties to provide relevant ads. They may combine this information with assumptions based on the other websites you have visited in order to tailor ads to you.

To engage in certain special features or functions of our Web Sites, or to order products and services from our Web Sites, you may be asked to provide certain personal information, such as your name, email address, postal address, telephone number, or credit card information. We use this information to create your account, contact and correspond with you about your order, respond to your inquiries, and monitor functions of our Web Sites that you choose to use, such as Customer Reviews.

If you choose to ship an order to a third party, you represent and warrant that you have obtained all necessary consents from the third party to permit Shorty’s Gourmet Spices to collect, use, and disclose the third party’s personal information for the purposes of fraud prevention and processing and shipping the order.

Customer Reviews

The Customer Review functionality is provided as a rating system that offers you the chance to share your thoughts on a product. These reviews are accessible to all Web Site visitors so please use discretion when posting information to them and do not post personal information.

Sign-Up for Newsletters or Updates

Shorty’s Gourmet Spices offers a variety of newsletters and promotional communications. You may choose to stop receiving these communications at any time. Each marketing or promotional email we send to you will include a link or other method to quickly and easily unsubscribe and decline further similar emails. You may also use the unsubscribe link included below under the heading “Unsubscribe.”

Participate in a Contest or Promotion

From time to time, we may run contests or promotions. If you participate, you may be asked for contact information as well as additional optional survey information (for example, product preferences). Personal information from contest entries will be used only to administer the contest and contact you if you win. For research and analysis purposes, we may also summarize contest survey information in a manner that no longer identifies individual participants. All contests and promotions are subject to this Privacy Policy and the rules that will be available with each particular campaign. Some contests are conducted by third parties and will be subject to the third party’s policies.

Email a Friend

While visiting our Web Sites you may choose to use the “Email a Friend” tool which allows you to inform a friend about products of interest to you. The information you provide will be used to send a one-time email to your friend, inviting them to our Web Sites. We will not add your friend to a mailing list and will not send them further email unless they choose to receive such communications from us. When using the “Email a Friend” tool you are contacting your friend directly and as such you acknowledge that you are responsible for this correspondence and not Shorty’s Gourmet Spices. If you provide us with personal information concerning another individual (e.g., email address), you represent and warrant that you have obtained all necessary consents from that individual to enable us to use that personal information for the identified purpose.

Collected automatically

In some cases, we automatically collect certain information.

Our Web Sites

When using our Web Sites, we may collect the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer, the IP address of your Internet Service Provider, the date and time you access our Web Sites, the Internet address of the Web site from which you linked directly to our Web Site, the operating system you are using, the sections of the Web Site you visit, the Web Site pages read and images viewed, and the content you download from the Web Site. This information is used for Web Site and system administration purposes and to improve the Web Sites.

Cookies

The Web Site uses “cookies”, a technology that installs a small amount of information on a Web Site user’s computer to permit the Web Site to recognize future visits using that computer. Cookies enhance the convenience and use of the Web Site. For example, the information provided through cookies is used to recognize you as a previous user of the Web Site (so you do not have to enter your language preference every time), to offer personalized Web page content and information for your use, to track your activity at the Web Site, to respond to your needs, and to otherwise facilitate your Web Site experience. You may choose to decline cookies if your browser permits, but doing so may affect your use of the Web Site and your ability to access certain features of the Web Site or engage in transactions through the Web Site.

Web Site Tracking Information

We may use web beacons or pixel tags to compile tracking information reports regarding Web Site user demographics, Web Site traffic patterns, and Web Site purchases. We may then provide these reports to advertisers and others. None of the tracking information in these reports can be connected to the identities or other personal information of individual users. For our own research purposes we may link tracking information with personal information voluntarily provided by Web Site users. Once such a link is made, all of the linked information is treated as personal information and will be used and disclosed only in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Links to Other Web Sites

Our Web Site may contain links to other Web sites or Internet resources which are provided solely for your convenience and information. When you click on one of those links you are contacting another Web site or Internet resource. Shorty’s Gourmet Spices has no responsibility or liability for, or control over, those other Web sites or Internet resources or their collection, use and disclosure of your personal information. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of those other Web sites to learn how they collect and use your personal information.

3. How we use the information we collect

Shorty’s Gourmet Spices may use your personal information for a number of different business purposes, for example to:

fulfill orders and requests for products, services or information;
process returns, exchanges and layaway requests;
detect and protect against fraud and error;
establish and manage your accounts with us;
track and confirm online orders;
deliver products;
track and analyze your purchases and preferences to better understand your product and service needs and eligibility;
market and advertise products and services;
communicate things like special events, promotions and surveys;
tailor our online content or in-store offerings to you based on your interactions with us and your preferences;
conduct research and analysis;
operate, evaluate and improve our business; and
for other purposes as described in this Privacy Policy.

When is Your Information Removed?

We keep your information only as long as we need it for legitimate business purposes and to meet any legal requirements. We have retention standards that meet these parameters. We destroy your information when it is no longer needed, or we remove your personally identifiable information to render it anonymous.

4. How we share your information

Shorty’s Gourmet Spices does not sell or rent our customers’ personal information to any other party. However, in the normal course of business we may share some of your personal information within our corporate family and with third parties acting on our behalf or as permitted or required by law.

Some of these operations may result in personal information collected by Shorty’s Gourmet Spices being stored or processed outside of Canada and, as a result, your personal information may be accessible to law enforcement and regulatory authorities in accordance with the law of these foreign jurisdictions.Service Providers

Shorty’s Gourmet Spices may use third parties to manage one of more aspects of our business operations, including the processing or handing of personal information. When we do use an outside company, we use contractual or other appropriate means to ensure that your personal information is used in a manner that is consistent with this Privacy Policy.

For example, we may share personal information with third parties to perform services on our behalf such as: fulfilling online orders, processing non-cash payments, sending marketing communications, servicing products, conducting research surveys, verifying and validating information that you have provided to us, delivering products, and providing customer support services.

Shorty’s Gourmet Spices has taken precautions to prevent the fraudulent use of your information on our Web Sites. Shorty’s Gourmet Spices has adopted industry standard authentication procedures to ensure your protection while shopping with us online. This includes, but is not limited to, contacting financial institutions or credit reporting agencies to ensure the authenticity of your credit card and to validate your credit card billing information.

Information Shared Amongst Shorty’s Gourmet Spices, its Corporate Parents, Affiliates, Subsidiaries and Divisions

Shorty’s Gourmet Spices may share personal information gathered on our Web Sites with Shorty’s Gourmet Spices retail stores (and vice versa) and amongst our corporate parents, subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions for internal business purposes in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If Shorty’s Gourmet Spices shares your information within its corporate family, we will ensure that your information continues to be used only in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Product Safety Recalls

In the event we receive notice from a manufacturer of a product safety recall, we may provide your contact information, limited to name, address, and telephone number, to the manufacturer so that they may notify you of the recall and supply details of any replacement or repair programs. This transfer or your contact information will occur only for recalls that may impact your personal safety or impair the functionality of the product you purchased from us.

Sale or Transfer of all or part of Shorty’s Gourmet Spices

Any information we have about you may be transferred or disclosed to a purchaser or prospective purchaser in the event of a sale, assignment, or other transfer of all or a portion of our business or assets. Should such a transfer occur, we will use reasonable efforts to try to ensure that the transferee uses your information in a manner that is consistent with this Privacy Policy.

Legal Disclosure

Shorty’s Gourmet Spices may disclose your information as permitted or required by law. For example, we may be compelled to release information by a court of law or other person or entity with jurisdiction to compel production of such information. If we have reasonable grounds to believe information could be useful in the investigation of improper or unlawful activity, we may disclose information to law enforcement agencies or other appropriate investigative bodies.

5. How we protect your information

The security of your personal information is a high priority for Shorty’s Gourmet Spices. We maintain appropriate safeguards and current security standards to protect your personal information, whether recorded on paper or captured electronically, against unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. For example, electronic records are stored in secure, limited-access servers; we employ technological tools like firewalls and passwords; and we ensure our employees are trained on the importance of maintaining the security and confidentiality of personal information.

SSL Technology

Our Web Sites use encryption technology, such as Secure Sockets Layer (“SSL”), to protect your personal information during data transport. SSL encrypts ordering information such as your name, address, and credit card number.

Choosing a Password

When you create an online account on our Web Sites, you need to select a personal password. To maximize your level of protection, you should choose at least 6 characters including a combination of both letters and numbers. You are solely responsible for maintaining the secrecy of your password and any account information. Shorty’s Gourmet Spices will never send an unsolicited communication asking you for your password or requesting that you update your account credentials.

6. How you can protect your information

Steps to protect your online accounts

1.    Create a Strong Password
•   Create a unique password for this site and don’t re-use passwords
•   Don’t use a single word, even if you use letter substitutions
•   Longer is better; sentences are okay as long as they’re not a well-known or well-used phrase
•   Include numbers and special characters (&, !, ” are a few examples) to make your password even stronger
•   Passwords are case-sensitive, so use a mixture of upper and lowercase letters
•   Don’t use information easily found on the Internet (for example, personal information that could be found on Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites)

2. Change Passwords Often
You should change your password every 90 days to help protect your account.

3. Use Different Passwords Across Websites
Don’t use the same username and password combination for multiple websites.

4. Check Your Credit Card Charges
Be vigilant about ensuring all your charges are legitimate. If you see any suspicious charges, contact your credit card or bank and the retailer through which the order was placed to have the charges removed and, of course, change your sign-in information on any compromised account.

5. Use Anti-Virus Software
Install anti-virus or anti-malware software from a reputable company. Note: After it’s installed, run a full scan of your computer.

6. Be on the Lookout for Phishing and Smishing Scams
Attempts at obtaining personal information from consumers for use in committing fraud are on the rise worldwide. Individuals trick consumers into revealing personal information by posing as legitimate businesses. Consumers can protect themselves from these schemes by being on the lookout and knowing when to disregard this type of activity.

Types of scams

Gift Card Scams

A website advertisement, e-mail or text message that offers a high-value gift card.

How the scam works: The scam directs consumers to a website that requires them to make purchases, provide personal information, and/or fulfill other conditions in order to receive the gift card. Once the conditions are met, the consumer may never receive the gift card or may have spent more than the value of the gift card.

Phishing Scam

A valid-looking e-mail, website or other online message that directs consumers to a
legitimate-appearing website that requests account information and/or other confidential information.
Phishing messages often indicate that a consumer’s account has been frozen or jeopardized and that
the consumer must provide immediate information.

How the scam works: Once confidential information is obtained, identity theft and other forms of theft can occur.

Smishing Scams

Similar to a Phishing scam, but in this situation, consumers receive a text in order to carry out the scam.

Note: A gift card offer may also be the subject of Phishing and Smishing messages.

How to Protect Yourself

Gift Card

•   Don’t respond to e-mails, text messages or online ads offering free gift cards unless you are expecting this communication from a company
•   Make sure the website address and branding match up with the company referenced in the offer
•   Do not pay for services or products with iTunes gift cards

Phishing/Smishing Scams

•   Contact organizations only through trusted channels
•   Beware of e-mails and texts that have you “verify” personal information online.– most legitimate companies will never request personal information in this manner including Shorty’s Gourmet Spices.
•   Scammers may attempt create a feeling of panic — don’t rush to respond to or follow the dictates of suspicious e-mails
•   Don’t click on links or cut and paste links from questionable e-mail and text messages and websites
•   Read the terms and conditions of offers — they often require that consumers take inappropriate or unreasonable actions
•   URL-checker software and other software is available that can protect against phishing scams
•   Report the fraudulent text to your mobile provider

Please contact us if you suspect a scam regarding an offer from Shorty’s Gourmet Spices. If you receive a suspicious email, please send us an email via our contact us form, and we will respond with further instructions.

How Can You Verify Your Information?

You may check your information to verify, update, or correct it. If you created an account on one of our Web Sites, you can access and change your online account profile yourself. You can also ask to review any of the information that we have retained, how we have used it, and to whom we have disclosed it at any time by contacting us as indicated below under the heading “Contacting Shorty’s Gourmet Spices”. Subject to certain exceptions prescribed by law, and provided we can authenticate your identity, you will be given reasonable access to your personal information, and will be entitled to challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information and to have it amended as appropriate.

Unsubscribe

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7. How to contact us

Shorty’s Gourmet Spices is responsible for all personal information under its control. Our Privacy Manager is accountable for Shorty’s Gourmet Spices compliance with the principles described here. If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about the privacy practices of our organization please contact us at the following:

Email: Click here (please read the Important Reminder below)

Telephone: 1-866-237-8289

Mail: Shorty’s Gourmet Spices

Attention: Privacy Manager

30 High Park Blvd. Unit 2

Toronto, ON, M6R 1M7

We will respond to your request or investigate your concern as quickly as we can, but no later than 30 days from the date of receipt of your query.

Important Reminder about email communications:

Please remember that email sent over the public Internet is not secure. If you send an email directly to us from your own email account the contents will not be encrypted. We strongly recommend that you do not send sensitive information (like a credit card number) to us via unencrypted email. Shorty’s Gourmet Spices is not responsible for any transmission by you of any personal information over the public Internet..

Last update: September 2018

To accommodate changes in our services, changes in technology, and legal developments, this Privacy Policy may change over time without notice to you. We may add, change, or remove portions of the Privacy Policy when we feel it is appropriate to do so. We encourage you to review our Privacy Policy periodically. Each time you submit personal information or use our services you agree to be bound by the then current terms of the Privacy Policy. Whenever we update the Privacy Policy we will change the date to indicate when the changes were made.