|
last updated: July 2008
GENERAL MATTERS
Overview
At GreenBeans, protecting our users' privacy and security is a top priority. For this reason, we have adopted the following policy to advise you of your choices regarding the use of your personal information online. This policy describes what types of information we gather about you, how we use it, and your rights to update or correct it. GreenBeans will never disclose your personal information to third party advertisers.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOU
Information Gathered From All Visitors
Aggregate Data
We gather certain generic information with respect to customers' use of our web site, such as the number of unique visitors, the frequency with which they visit, and the areas on the web site that they favor. These statistics are very much like television ratings that tell the networks how many people tuned in to a program. We only use this type of data in aggregate-that is, we look at the data on a collective basis, in summary form, rather than on an individual basis. This data helps us determine the extent to which our customers use certain parts of our web site, which, in turn, enables us to make it as appealing as possible.
Cookies
We use a technology nicknamed "cookies" on our web site. Cookies are pieces of information or data sent to your browser from a web server and stored on your computer's hard drive for record-keeping purposes. We use cookies to make your visit to our web site easier. For example, cookies allow us to recognize you when you re-enter our web site so that you will not have to sign-in each time you visit. Cookies also allow us to count the number of unique and return visitors who use our site. Most browsers are initially set up to accept cookies. If you prefer, you can reset your browser to notify you when you've received a cookie or, alternatively, to refuse to accept cookies. It is important to note that you may not be able to use certain features on our web site if you choose not to accept cookies, such as access to your account, order history, or adding GreenBeans to your account. In addition, you will not be able to participate in any of our sweepstakes or contests
IP Addresses
We collect and analyze traffic on our web site by keeping track of the IP addresses of our visitors. IP addresses are unique numeric identifiers that are assigned to each computer browser accessing the Internet. An IP address, by itself, cannot identify you personally. However, when combined with other information provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), your IP address can be used to identify the computer originating a message.
Personalizing Your Experience on the Web Site
We try to personalize your experience on our web sites by tracking greetings and other items you have purchased and gifts you have sent in order to shape our recommendations about the products that might be of interest to you. We also examine customer traffic patterns and web site usage to help us enhance the design and layout of the site and make it easier to navigate.
From time to time, we may send you surveys or solicit your feedback. We use surveys to gage user interest in new products and premiums we may offer. We will ask for your feedback on products and other site features. We will use the information we gather to improve our sites and provide a more meaningful experience for our users. We may also use the information to alert you to offers and products in which you have expressed an interest.
Communications from GreenBeans
We send to all of our users our exclusive GreenBeans Newsletter, which alerts you to new features, products and services, available on our site. From time to time, we will also send you invitations to enhance your GreenBeans membership, offers for new products and services from GreenBeans, special "Members Only" premiums, or special offers from our affiliates and sponsors. These communications are sent to you directly by GreenBeans. We do not share your personally identifiable information with any third parties.
you are already receiving the Newsletter and you want to unsubscribe, you can simply follow the "unsubscribe" links at the bottom of each edition.
Mandatory Communications
GreenBeans reserves the right to communicate with you from time to time about important administrative, policy, legal, credit card, and billing matters, which will affect your use of our web sites, including without limitation any alleged violations of our Terms of Service. These communications are mandatory.
Information Gathered From Members
If you elect to purchase a Membership on GreenBeans, you will be required to provide us with certain personal information, including your name, e-mail address, phone number, and billing address (this required information is subject to change from time to time). There will also be opportunities for you to provide us with additional information regarding your preferences and interests. This information, however, is not required and is completely optional on your part.
GREENBEANS'S USES OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
If you have provided us your consent, we will use the information we have collected about you in five ways:
· To send personalized, targeted information that we think our users will find relevant,
· To include targeted advertising within such messages;
· To send promotions and coupons based on the user's interests;
· To contact the user for feedback and surveys; and
· To send the user other information about GreenBeans.
Third Party Information Sharing
We do not share your information with third parties without your express permission.
Disclosure Exceptions
Notwithstanding the above policies, we reserve the right to disclose your personal information to appropriate third-parties if we are required to do so by law or we believe that such action is necessary:
· To comply with legal process such as a search warrant, subpoena or court order;
· To protect the company's rights and property;
· To investigate reports of users sending material using a false e-mail address or users sending harassing, threatening, or abusive messages;
· To protect against misuse or unauthorized use of our web site and/or the GreenBeans service; or
· During emergencies, such as when we believe someone's physical safety is at risk.
YOUR CONTROL OVER YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Opt-Out/Changing Your Status
At any time, you can change choices you have previously made as to the use of your personal information. Every communication GreenBeans sends you will contain a clearly worded "Opt-Out" or "Unsubscribe" link allowing you to withdraw your permission for future mailings. Permission changes will be honored as soon as possible after receipt. Please allow five to seven days for processing. Permission changes will however not affect any information which you provided to us.
Editing Your Profile
If you are a registered member, you have the ability to review and correct your personally identifiable information at any time. Simply sign into the site and click the "My Profile" link on the header of every page. There, you can change your address information, e-mail type, sign-in, and e-mail permissions.
Contests and Promotions
Occasionally, GreenBeans may sponsor contests and/or promotions on our sites or in our e-mail products. Participation in such contests is purely voluntary. In order to enter a contest or promotion, you may be asked to provide personally identifiable information. By entering, you agree to all of its terms and conditions, which will be clearly outlined in the rules. Where a contest or promotion is not sponsored by GreenBeans, the identity of the sponsor will be clearly disclosed in the rules. GreenBeans cannot be responsible for actions or policies of third-party contest sponsors. Users are encouraged to review the relevant privacy policy of the sponsor before entering.
Sale of Assets
In the event that GreenBeans and/or its units or subsidiaries are ever sold, acquired, merged, liquidated, reorganized, or otherwise transferred, we reserve the right to transfer our user databases together with any personally identifiable information contained therein, to a third-party acquiring GreenBeans's assets. In the event we do so, we will place a prominent notice of the sale on the homepage of our site, with links to information as to how you can change your privacy preferences.
Data Security
When you place orders for purchased products or access your payment information, we use an advanced encryption technology known as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to protect the storage and transfer of your data from unauthorized parties. While on a secure page, such as our registration form, a lock or key icon appears on the bottom of your web browser.
In addition to our online security efforts, we take steps to protect your personal data offline, as well. All of your information, not just the sensitive information mentioned above, is restricted in our offices. Employees are granted access on a need-to-know basis (for example, our billing clerk or a customer support representative). Furthermore, ALL employees are kept up-to-date on our security and privacy practices. Finally, the servers on which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.
Changes to the Privacy Policy
GreenBeans will occasionally update this Privacy Policy in response to changing business circumstances and legal developments. When GreenBeans posts changes to this Policy, you will see the word "updated" next to the Privacy Policy link on the front page of GreenBeans Sites. If there are material changes to this Policy or in how GreenBeans uses your personally identifiable information, GreenBeans will prominently post such changes prior to implementing the change. GreenBeans encourages you to periodically review this Policy to be informed of how we are protecting your information.
USE COMMON SENSE IN ALL YOUR ONLINE ACTIVITIES
Even the best policy can't protect your online privacy and security in all circumstances. Unscrupulous advertisers, hackers, and scam artists are constantly searching the Internet looking for new targets. Your best protection is to understand the limits to privacy on the Internet and use common sense in all of your on-line activities.
Be aware that e-mail is an inherently insecure form of communication. Remember that third parties are sometimes able to illegally intercept your unencrypted message. Anytime you visit a chat room or post a message to an on-line bulletin board, your e-mail address can be accessed by advertisers looking to compile lists for unsolicited commercial e-mail (also known as spam). Be sure that you only disclose your e-mail address in circumstances in which it is safe to do so.
Beware of scams in which persons unknown to you request your screen name, password, or credit card information. Make sure you verify the identity of anyone asking for personal information. Always monitor your children's on-line activities and educate them as to the rules for safe Internet use. For more information, click here for the Internet Education Foundation's Online Safety Guide for Kids.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to review our contact us where you can contact us with further questions. |
Sign In
