Privacy Policy

Welcome to West Marine Store! Just as we prioritize the quality and durability of our marine seating products—from helm seats to bench seats—we are equally committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you visit helmseatstore.com.

By using our website, you consent to the practices described in this policy. We encourage you to read it carefully to understand our approach to data protection.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you make a purchase or create an account, we collect information necessary to process your order and enhance your shopping experience:

• Contact Details: Name, email address, shipping address
• Payment Information: Credit/debit card details (processed securely through our payment gateways), PayPal account information
• Order History: Records of your purchases, from beanbag chairs to fishing rod gimbals
• Communication Data: Records of your inquiries and our responses

Automatically Collected Information

Like a well-designed helm seat that adjusts to your vessel, our website adapts to your needs by collecting:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, products viewed
• Location Data: General geographic location to provide relevant shipping information

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data with the same precision and care that goes into crafting our marine-grade seating products:

• Order Processing: To fulfill your purchases of marine seating products and accessories
• Customer Service: To respond to your inquiries about products from bolster seats to pedestal base plates
• Website Improvement: To enhance your browsing and shopping experience
• Marketing Communications: To inform you about new products and promotions (only with your consent)
• Security: To protect against fraud and unauthorized transactions

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We treat your personal information with the same confidentiality we apply to our marine seating designs:

• Service Providers: We share necessary information with trusted partners who assist with payment processing, shipping, and website operations
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, customer information may be transferred to the new owners
• International Transfers: As we ship globally (excluding Asia and select remote regions), your data may be processed in different jurisdictions with adequate privacy protections

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

4. Data Storage and Security

Just as our marine seating products are built to withstand harsh ocean conditions, our data protection measures are designed to secure your information:

• Secure Storage: Your data is stored on protected servers with limited access
• Encryption: We use SSL encryption for all data transmissions, similar to the protection we provide during payment processing
• Payment Security: We never store your complete payment card details on our servers
• Data Retention: We retain personal information only as long as necessary for business and legal purposes

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your personal information, much like you have control when selecting the perfect marine seating for your vessel:

• Access and Correction: You can review and update your account information at any time
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your personal data in a readable format
• Marketing Preferences: You can opt-out of promotional communications at any time
• Account Deletion: You can request deletion of your account, subject to legal retention requirements
• Cookie Controls: You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality and secure checkout
• Analytical Cookies: Help us understand how customers interact with our website
• Marketing Cookies: Used to display relevant advertisements (with your consent)
• Preferences Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.

7. International Data Transfers

As a global retailer (serving customers worldwide except Asia and select remote regions), your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and provide adequate safeguards for your information.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website and marine seating products are not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

9. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes through our website or directly via email. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised.

10. Contact Us

Thank you for trusting West Marine Store with your marine seating needs and your personal information. We’re committed to providing the same reliability in data protection that we build into every helm seat, leaning post, and folding chair we offer.