Privacy Policy

1. Who we are and scope

SpectrophotometerDirect.com is operated by Lodestar International Limited, a company based in Hong Kong. Lodestar International Limited is responsible for personal data handled through the Site, including enquiries and orders. In this policy, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Lodestar International Limited.

This policy applies to personal data collected through the Site, including product enquiries, contact forms, carts, orders, customer support and related communications. It does not apply to third-party websites or services that have their own privacy notices.

2. Personal data we collect

Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:

• Contact and enquiry data: your name, business name, email address, telephone number, location and the details of your request.
• Order and delivery data: billing and shipping addresses, recipient details, products ordered, order history, transaction references and communications about an order.
• Payment-related data: payment status and transaction information provided by our payment providers. We do not ordinarily store full payment-card details ourselves.
• Technical and usage data: IP address, browser and device information, pages viewed, referring pages, cookie identifiers, cart activity, date and time information, and security logs.
• Correspondence: messages, feedback and records of communications you send to us.

3. How we use personal data

We use personal data where reasonably necessary to operate the Site and our business, including to:

• respond to enquiries, provide quotations and recommend suitable products;
• process payments, accept and fulfil orders, arrange delivery and provide after-sales support;
• maintain records, enforce our terms, manage returns, warranty matters and disputes;
• protect the Site, prevent fraud and unauthorised activity, and improve site reliability;
• understand Site use and improve our products, content and customer experience; and
• comply with legal, regulatory, accounting, tax and record-keeping obligations.

4. Direct marketing

Where required by applicable law, we will obtain the necessary consent before using your personal data for direct marketing. You can ask us to stop marketing to you at any time by using the unsubscribe option in a message or contacting sales@spectrophotometerdirect.com. We do not sell personal data to third parties.

5. Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate key Site features, including keeping items in your cart, supporting checkout, maintaining security and understanding Site performance. Some cookies are necessary for the Site to work; disabling them may affect cart, checkout or other functions. Your browser settings may allow you to manage or delete cookies.

6. When we share personal data

We may share personal data with service providers and professional advisers that help us run the Site and fulfil orders, including payment processors, delivery providers, hosting and technology providers, analytics and security providers, insurers, accountants, legal advisers and regulators where appropriate. They may only use the data to provide services to us or as otherwise required by law.

We may also disclose data where reasonably necessary to protect our rights, property, users or the public; investigate suspected wrongdoing; comply with law, a court order or a legitimate government request; or in connection with a business reorganisation, sale or financing.

7. International transfers

Because we serve customers and use service providers in different locations, personal data may be processed outside Hong Kong. Where we make such a transfer, we take reasonable steps to use providers and safeguards appropriate to the circumstances and applicable law.

8. Retention and security

We retain personal data for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including to fulfil orders, provide support, meet legal and accounting obligations, resolve disputes and enforce agreements. The appropriate period depends on the nature of the data and the reason it was collected.

We use reasonable organisational and technical measures designed to protect personal data. No internet transmission or storage system is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security. Please do not send sensitive payment details by ordinary email.

9. Your data rights

Subject to applicable law, you may ask us to confirm whether we hold your personal data, request access to it, correct inaccurate information, or ask questions about our handling of your data. We may need to verify your identity and may charge a fee where permitted by law. We will respond as required by applicable law.

To make a request, email sales@spectrophotometerdirect.com with “Privacy request” in the subject line and enough information for us to identify the relevant record.

10. Children and third-party links

The Site is intended for business and adult customers. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided personal data to us, please contact us so we can take appropriate steps.

The Site may link to third-party websites. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies, and we are not responsible for them.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices, technologies or legal obligations. We will publish the updated version here and revise the “Last updated” date. Your continued use of the Site after publication is subject to the current version, to the extent permitted by law.