Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information.

Last Updated: November 9, 2024

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date listed above and may be updated from time to time.

Overview

Cole-Parmer Equipment Authority ("we," "our," or "us") operates this website to provide troubleshooting guides and technical resources for Cole-Parmer laboratory equipment. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit our website or contact us through our forms.

Important: This website is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with Cole-Parmer Instrument Company. This privacy policy applies only to our website and services.

Information We Collect

Contact Form Information

When you submit our contact form, we collect:

  • Your name
  • Email address
  • Subject line
  • Message content
  • Timestamp of submission

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address and general location information
  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system
  • Pages visited and time spent on our website
  • Referring website information

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. These are small files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and improve site functionality. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

How We Use Your Information

Contact Form Submissions

  • Respond to your technical support inquiries
  • Provide troubleshooting assistance
  • Improve our content based on common questions
  • Maintain records of technical support interactions

Website Analytics

  • Analyze website usage patterns
  • Improve website functionality and user experience
  • Identify popular content and resources
  • Optimize site performance and loading times

Content Improvement

  • Understand which troubleshooting guides are most valuable
  • Identify gaps in our technical documentation
  • Develop new content based on user needs

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

Limited Sharing Circumstances

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

  • With your explicit consent
  • To comply with legal requirements or court orders
  • To protect our rights, property, or safety
  • In connection with a business transfer or merger

Service Providers

We may work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website or conducting our business. These parties are bound by confidentiality agreements and are only permitted to use your information as necessary to provide services to us.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Security Measures Include:

  • Secure data storage with encryption
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Access controls and authentication requirements
  • Secure transmission protocols (HTTPS)

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to promptly addressing any security incidents.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Retention Periods:

  • Contact Form Submissions: Retained for up to 2 years for support purposes
  • Website Analytics: Aggregated data retained indefinitely; individual data for 26 months
  • Cookie Data: Varies by cookie type; typically 1-2 years

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

Your Rights May Include:

  • Access: Request information about the personal data we hold about you
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
  • Portability: Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format
  • Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
  • Restriction: Request limitation on how we use your information

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in our Contact section. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by us. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately so we can delete such information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Email: Through our contact form at /contact

Response Time: We aim to respond to privacy inquiries within 5 business days

Note: This website is not affiliated with Cole-Parmer Instrument Company. For official Cole-Parmer privacy matters, please contact Cole-Parmer directly.