1. Introduction

Valor Sciences (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and purchase our research chemicals and laboratory materials.

By using our website and services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, professional title
• Professional Verification: Institution affiliation, research credentials, academic information
• Billing Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely by third parties)
• Shipping Information: Delivery addresses, shipping preferences
• Communication Data: Customer service inquiries, support tickets, feedback

Order and Transaction Information

• Products purchased and quantities
• Order dates and transaction IDs
• Payment history and order status
• Shipping and delivery information

Technical Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns
• Cookies and Tracking: Website preferences, shopping cart contents
• Location Data: General geographic location (not precise location)

3. How We Use Your Information

Primary Uses

• Order Processing: Fulfill orders, process payments, arrange shipping
• Account Management: Create and maintain customer accounts
• Verification: Confirm professional qualifications and research status
• Customer Service: Respond to inquiries and provide support
• Legal Compliance: Maintain records required by applicable regulations

Secondary Uses

• Website Improvement: Analyze usage to enhance user experience
• Security: Detect and prevent fraud, unauthorized access
• Communications: Send order updates, policy changes, important notices
• Marketing: Product recommendations (with your consent only)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We Share Information With:

Service Providers

• Payment Processors: Secure payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
• Shipping Companies: Order fulfillment and delivery
• Technology Providers: Website hosting, email services, analytics
• Security Services: Fraud prevention and website security

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal process or government requests
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Investigate suspected illegal activities

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

We Do NOT:

• Sell your personal information to third parties
• Share customer lists with competitors
• Use your information for unauthorized marketing
• Disclose research activities or purchase history unnecessarily

5. Data Security

Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure Storage: Encrypted databases and secure servers
• Access Controls: Limited employee access on need-to-know basis
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Payment Security: PCI DSS compliant payment processing

Data Breach Response

In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will:

• Investigate and contain the breach immediately
• Notify affected customers within 72 hours
• Report to relevant authorities as required by law
• Take steps to prevent future incidents

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
• Performance Cookies: Analytics to improve website performance
• Functional Cookies: Remember preferences and settings
• Shopping Cart Cookies: Maintain cart contents between sessions

Third-Party Tracking

We may use third-party services that collect information:

• Google Analytics: Website usage statistics
• Payment Processors: Transaction security and fraud prevention
• Customer Support: Chat and helpdesk services

Cookie Management

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

7. Data Retention

Retention Periods

• Account Information: Retained while account is active plus 7 years
• Order Records: 7 years for regulatory compliance
• Payment Information: Processed by third parties, not stored by us
• Communication Records: 3 years for customer service purposes
• Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)

Secure Deletion

When retention periods expire, we securely delete or anonymize personal information using industry-standard methods.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Restriction: Limit how we process your information

Marketing Communications

• Opt-out of marketing emails using unsubscribe links
• Update communication preferences in your account
• Contact customer service to modify preferences

California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights including:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale (we don’t sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

9. Age Restrictions and Minors

Our website and services are intended for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 21. If we discover we have collected information from someone under 21, we will delete it immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

We are based in the United States and primarily serve US customers. If you are located outside the US, please note that:

• Your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States
• US privacy laws may differ from your local laws
• We implement appropriate safeguards for international transfers

11. Research Chemical Specific Privacy Considerations

Professional Verification

• We may verify your professional credentials and research status
• Professional information may be retained for compliance purposes
• Research affiliations are kept confidential and not shared

Purchase Records

• Order history may be subject to regulatory record-keeping requirements
• We maintain strict confidentiality regarding research activities
• Purchase information is not shared with unauthorized parties

12. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to:

• External websites linked from our site
• Third-party payment processors
• Social media platforms
• Other services not owned or operated by Valor Sciences

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our business practices
• New legal requirements
• Technology updates
• Customer feedback

When we make changes, we will:

• Update the “Last Updated” date
• Notify you via email for material changes
• Post notices on our website
• Obtain consent where required by law

14. Contact Information

Response Times

• We will acknowledge privacy requests within 48 hours
• Most requests are completed within 30 days
• Complex requests may take up to 90 days
• We will keep you informed of any delays