Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how The Valedictory (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and safeguards information about you when you visit https://thevaledictory.com (the “Site”). It also outlines your choices and rights regarding your information.

By accessing or using the Site, you agree to the practices described below. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Site.

1. Information We Collect

We gather information to operate our website, respond to funeral-related inquiries, and provide services. The types of information include:

A. Personal Information
Personal information is data that identifies or can reasonably be linked to you. We collect it when you choose to provide it. Depending on your interactions with us, this may include:

  • Contact Details: Information such as your name, phone number, postal address, and any details you provide through our forms or when requesting guidance.
  • Account Information: If the Site offers accounts and you create one, we may collect a username, password, and profile preferences.
  • Service and Arrangement Details: Information needed to assist with funeral care, memorial planning, preferences, or related inquiries that you share with us. We do not intentionally seek sensitive categories of data (such as health or religious beliefs), but if you choose to provide them so we can honor specific wishes, we will handle that information with added care and only for the purpose you intend.
  • Communications: Records of messages and requests you send to us, including the content of your questions and our responses.
  • Transaction and Billing Data: If you make a payment, we collect the information necessary to process it (e.g., billing address and transaction details). Payments are handled by third-party processors, and we do not store full payment card numbers on our systems.
  • User Contributions: Content you submit for public posting, such as tributes, comments, or questions on the Site.

B. Non-Personal Information
We also collect information that does not directly identify you when you interact with the Site, such as:

  • Usage Information: Pages viewed, referring/exit pages, time spent, general location (e.g., city/country), and the resources you access.
  • Device and Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and similar technical details.

C. Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies, pixels, and comparable tools to understand how the Site is used and to improve your experience.

  • Cookies: Small files placed on your device that help the Site function and remember your preferences. You can set your browser to block or alert you about cookies; some features may not work properly if you do so.
  • How We Use Cookies:
    • To remember your settings and streamline repeat visits.
    • To analyze aggregated traffic and Site interactions so we can improve our content and services.
    • Where permitted, for limited advertising and retargeting. We do not create interest segments related to sensitive topics such as bereavement or health conditions.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use information for the following purposes:

  • Provide and Operate the Site: To display content, enable features, and maintain functionality.
  • Fulfill Services and Transactions: To assist with funeral-related requests, schedule consultations, process payments, manage orders, and handle returns or adjustments as applicable.
  • Communicate with You: To respond to questions, send service or policy notices, and provide updates related to your requests.
  • Marketing (With Your Permission): To share information about offerings, resources, or updates we believe may be useful. You may opt out at any time.
  • Personalization: To tailor content and understand how visitors use our Site so we can better serve our community.
  • Improvement and Research: To analyze trends and enhance our services, support materials, and user experience.
  • Legal, Compliance, and Safety: To prevent fraud or misuse, secure our systems, and protect our rights and those of our users and the public.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (For EEA and UK Users)

Where EU or UK data protection laws apply, we process personal data on the following bases, depending on context:

  • Contractual Necessity: To provide services you request or to take steps at your request before entering into a contract.
  • Legitimate Interests: To operate and improve our Site and services, including security and fraud prevention, where these interests are not overridden by your rights.
  • Consent: For activities such as certain types of marketing or cookies, where required. You may withdraw consent at any time.
  • Legal Obligations: To comply with laws, regulations, or lawful requests.

4. How We Share Your Information

We may disclose information as described below:

  • Service Providers: Vendors that help operate the Site and deliver services (e.g., hosting, analytics, communications, payment processing). They may access information only to perform tasks on our behalf and must protect it.
  • Business Transitions: As part of a merger, reorganization, asset sale, financing, or similar corporate event.
  • Legal and Safety: To comply with law or legal process, enforce our terms, or protect the rights, property, or safety of The Valedictory, our users, or others.
  • With Your Direction or Consent: When you ask us to share or otherwise consent to sharing.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties for their direct marketing.

5. Advertising

We may work with third parties that serve content or measure performance when you visit the Site. These companies may use cookies or similar technologies to provide interest-based content across websites. We do not build audiences around sensitive topics such as bereavement or health-related matters.

6. Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical measures designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or loss. No online system can be completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we strive to use methods appropriate to the nature of the data we handle.

7. Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described in this Policy or as required by law. Retention periods depend on factors such as the type of data, the services requested, legal obligations, dispute resolution needs, and our ability to maintain accurate records. For example, records related to transactions or service arrangements may be retained to meet accounting, regulatory, or insurance requirements.

8. Your Data Protection Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:

  • Access and Portability: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Ask us to update or rectify inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Deletion: Request that we erase your personal data in certain circumstances.
  • Restriction: Ask us to limit the processing of your data in specific situations.
  • Objection: Object to processing, including for direct marketing, where applicable.
  • Withdraw Consent: Where processing relies on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.

To exercise your rights or make a privacy request, please contact us through our Contact page at https://thevaledictory.com/contact-us/. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe consistent with applicable law.

9. International Transfers

Your information may be processed or stored in locations outside your state, province, or country, where privacy laws may differ. When we transfer personal data internationally, we use appropriate safeguards designed to protect your information in line with this Policy and applicable law (for example, contractual protections).

10. “Do Not Track” Signals

The Site does not currently respond to browser-initiated Do Not Track signals. You can manage certain tracking technologies through your browser settings or applicable consent tools where available.

11. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not directed to individuals under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 16. If you believe a minor has provided information to us, please let us know via our Contact page, and we will take appropriate steps to remove it.

12. Third-Party Links

The Site may link to third-party websites or services that we do not control. We are not responsible for their content, security, or privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If changes are made, we will post the revised version on this page. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically to stay informed about our practices.