The Monk Company ("we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your data when you interact with us through our website (www.themonkcompany.in), WhatsApp Business messaging, and other services.

1. Information We Collect

When you place an order, interact with our website, or communicate with us via WhatsApp, we may collect:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, shipping address
• Payment Information: Processed securely by Razorpay (we do not store card details)
• WhatsApp Data: Phone number, profile name, messages exchanged with our bot and support team, order details shared via WhatsApp
• Usage Data: Browser type, IP address, pages visited, time spent on site
• Cookies: To improve your browsing experience and remember preferences

2. How We Use Your Information

• Process and fulfill your orders (placed via website or WhatsApp)
• Send order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery notifications
• Respond to customer service requests via email, phone, or WhatsApp
• Facilitate WhatsApp-based ordering, tracking, and customer support
• Send promotional messages (only with your explicit consent)
• Improve our website, products, and services
• Comply with legal obligations

3. WhatsApp Messaging

We use the WhatsApp Business Platform (powered by Meta) to provide you with a convenient ordering and support experience. When you message us on WhatsApp:

• Your phone number and profile name are used to identify and assist you
• Messages you send (including order details, address, and queries) are processed to fulfill your requests
• We may send you transactional messages (order confirmations, payment links, shipping updates)
• Your conversation data is processed in accordance with WhatsApp's Privacy Policy and Meta's Privacy Policy
• We do not share your WhatsApp messages with any third parties except as required to process your orders (e.g., shipping partners)
• You can stop receiving messages at any time by sending "STOP" or by blocking our number

By initiating a conversation with us on WhatsApp, you consent to receiving messages related to your orders and inquiries through the platform.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:

• Payment Processors: Razorpay for secure payment processing
• Shipping Partners: Delhivery, BlueDart, DTDC, and other courier companies to deliver your order
• Meta / WhatsApp: As required for WhatsApp Business Platform messaging (subject to Meta's data policies)
• Analytics Providers: To understand website usage (anonymized data only)
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including SSL encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits to protect your data. Payment processing is handled by PCI-DSS compliant Razorpay. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Stop WhatsApp messages by sending "STOP" or blocking our number
• Withdraw consent at any time

7. Cookies

We use essential cookies for website functionality and analytics cookies to understand usage. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect site functionality.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill orders, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes. Order data is typically retained for 7 years for tax purposes. WhatsApp conversation data is retained for up to 12 months for customer support purposes, after which it is automatically deleted.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website or WhatsApp messages may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., Razorpay payment pages). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.