Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 12, 2026

Lotus Sweet Treats values the trust you place in us when visiting our website or placing an order. We believe you should know how your personal information is collected, used, and protected. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding customer accounts, orders, payment processing, and website services.

1. Information We Collect

When you visit our website, create an account, submit an inquiry, or place an order, we may collect information such as your name, email address, telephone number, billing and delivery details, and other information needed to process your request.

We also collect order-related information, including selected products, flavors, quantities, event dates, customization requests, design approvals, and purchase history. For custom orders, customers may provide photographs, logos, inspiration images, or other materials to assist with the design process. Related communications and approvals may be retained as part of our order records.

Our website may also collect technical information, including browser and device details, website interactions, and information gathered through Google Analytics to help us understand and improve website performance.

2. Customer Accounts

Customers may create an account to save their contact information, review previous purchases, and enjoy a more convenient checkout experience.

Account information is used for order management, customer service, and future purchases. Customers may contact Lotus Sweet Treats with questions or requests regarding their account information.

3. Payment Processing & Security

All online payments are processed through Square, our third-party payment provider. Payment information is entered directly into Square's secure payment fields and transmitted to Square for processing.

Lotus Sweet Treats does not receive or store complete credit card numbers or card security codes through its website. Instead, our website retains limited payment information, such as the card brand, last four digits, and a secure Square reference necessary to manage authorized transactions.

Square maintains its own privacy and security practices governing payment processing and related transaction information.

4. Saved Payment Methods & Custom Orders

Certain custom orders require additional design review and customer approval before the final amount is determined and charged. To accommodate this process, customers with custom products in their orders are asked to authorize Square to securely save their payment method.

At checkout, payment is collected only for non-custom products included in the order. No payment is collected for custom products at that time. Once the custom design, specifications, and associated charges have been reviewed and approved by the customer, Lotus Sweet Treats processes the approved outstanding balance using the authorized payment method.

After the final balance has been successfully charged, or if the order is canceled, the saved payment method is automatically disabled through our Square integration. This prevents further charges using that saved card reference through our website.

Saved payment methods are used solely for the specific custom order authorized by the customer and are not permission for unrelated purchases or additional charges beyond the approved amount. Any additional charges require appropriate customer authorization.

Customer acknowledgments, design approvals, approved payment amounts, and related transaction records are maintained as part of our order documentation.

Disabling a saved payment method does not necessarily erase historical transaction records maintained by Square, which may retain information in accordance with its own policies and applicable requirements.

5. Custom Order Materials & Design Files

Customers may submit photographs, logos, inspiration images, or other materials to help us prepare and complete personalized orders. These materials are used for design preparation, customer review, approval, and related order communications.

Customer-submitted design files are periodically cleared from our active storage, unless continued retention is reasonably necessary for an active order, customer concern, dispute, or applicable legal obligation.

6. Photography & Promotional Use

Lotus Sweet Treats may photograph or record completed products to showcase our work through our website, social media platforms, and other business promotional materials. These images allow us to share examples of our craftsmanship, custom designs, and available products with prospective customers.

Customers who prefer that their completed order not be featured publicly may notify us in writing before their scheduled fulfillment date. We will respect requests not to feature an order in future promotional content.

Customer contact information, private communications, and customer-submitted personal photographs will not be intentionally published without appropriate authorization.

7. How We Use & Share Information

Information collected through our website is used to process and fulfill orders, prepare custom designs, maintain customer accounts, communicate regarding approvals and payments, coordinate pickup or delivery, and provide customer service.

We may also use information to maintain business and accounting records, address customer concerns, help prevent unauthorized transactions, comply with legal obligations, and improve our website and services.

Lotus Sweet Treats does not sell customer personal information to third parties for their independent advertising or marketing purposes.

Information may be shared with service providers when reasonably necessary for business operations, including Square for payment processing, Google Analytics for website performance analysis, website hosting and technical providers, and services supporting order communications or administration. Information may also be disclosed when required by applicable law or valid legal process.

8. Cookies & Website Analytics

Our website uses Google Analytics to better understand visitor activity, website traffic, and overall performance. We do not use Meta Pixel, advertising pixels, or other advertising or marketing tracking technologies.

Google Analytics places cookies on your device when you visit our website. These recognize your browser so that repeat visits are not counted as new visitors, and they record basic information about your session. They do not identify you by name, and they are not used for advertising. Additional functional cookies are used when you sign in or begin a shopping cart.

Our website is delivered through a content delivery and security provider, which also collects basic technical information about page performance and helps protect the site against abuse.

The information gathered through website analytics is used to improve functionality and customer experience rather than for advertising retargeting campaigns.

9. Data Security & Information Retention

Lotus Sweet Treats takes reasonable precautions to safeguard customer information against unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure. Administrative access to our website's back-office systems is restricted and protected through secure authentication procedures.

Payment card information is handled through Square's secure technology rather than stored directly by our website. Although appropriate security measures are maintained, no online system or electronic transmission can be guaranteed completely secure.

Customer information and order records are retained for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill orders, provide account services, maintain accounting records, address disputes, and meet applicable legal obligations. Customer-submitted design materials are periodically cleared from active storage as described above, while saved payment methods for custom orders are automatically disabled following successful final payment or cancellation.

10. Customer Privacy Rights & Communications

Customers may contact Lotus Sweet Treats to inquire about personal information associated with their account or orders, or to request access, corrections, or deletion where applicable. Requests will be reviewed in accordance with applicable law, and certain records may need to be retained for legitimate business, accounting, or legal purposes.

We may communicate with customers regarding order confirmations, design approvals, payments, pickup and delivery arrangements, and other matters necessary to complete their orders.

Promotional emails or text messages, if offered, will be sent in accordance with applicable consent requirements. Customers may opt out of promotional communications without affecting necessary communications concerning active orders.

11. Children's Privacy

Our online ordering services are intended for individuals aged 18 or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 without appropriate authorization.

If we become aware that such information has been collected without appropriate authorization, we will take reasonable steps to address it.

12. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to external websites or services, including Square and social media platforms. These third parties maintain their own privacy policies and practices, which we encourage customers to review when using their services.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Lotus Sweet Treats may update this Privacy Policy as our business operations, website functionality, payment processing, or applicable requirements change. Any revisions will be published on our website with an updated effective date.

14. Contact Information

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy, saved payment methods, customer accounts, or personal information, please contact:

Lotus Sweet Treats

Email: elizabeth@lotussweettreats.com

Website: www.lotussweettreats.com