Start Your Balcony Garden with Simple Everyday Habits

1. Introduction & Scope

This Privacy Policy governs the collection, use, and protection of personal data by Balcony Garden Starter Guide, an India-focused online educational service operating at afeand.info. We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with Indian data protection principles and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act framework.

2. Personal Data We Collect

We collect the following types of personal data:

• Name and email address submitted through our contact forms
• City information for localized content
• Gardening focus preferences
• Basic technical information like IP address and browser type for site functionality
• Cookie preferences and website usage patterns

3. Purpose of Collection

We collect personal data for these specific purposes:

• Sending the requested balcony gardening starter guide
• Basic communication related to your guide request
• Improving our website and educational content
• Understanding general usage patterns to enhance user experience

4. Legal Basis / Consent

We process your personal data based on:

• Your explicit consent provided when submitting forms
• Your cookie banner choices for non-essential tracking
• Legitimate business interests for basic site functionality
• Compliance with applicable Indian laws and regulations

5. Data Storage & Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect your data, including:

• Secure data transmission protocols
• Limited access controls to personal information
• Regular security reviews and updates
• Appropriate data handling procedures

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Contact form data: Up to 2 years from submission
• Email communications: Until you request deletion
• Technical logs: Up to 1 year for security purposes
• Cookie preferences: Until you clear your browser or change settings

7. User Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request information about data we hold about you
• Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request removal of your personal data
• Consent withdrawal: Revoke previously given consent
• Data portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Complaint: File complaints with relevant authorities

8. Data Sharing

We do not sell personal data to third parties. Limited sharing may occur with:

• Trusted service providers who assist with email delivery
• Legal authorities when required by Indian law
• Business partners only with your explicit consent
• Technical service providers under strict data protection agreements

9. International Transfers

If personal data is transferred outside India, we ensure appropriate safeguards through:

• Adequacy decisions by Indian authorities
• Standard contractual clauses for data protection
• Explicit consent for specific transfers
• Compliance with cross-border data transfer regulations

10. Children's Data

We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 18 years of age without verifiable parental or guardian consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such data, please contact us immediately for removal.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will communicate significant changes through:

• Email notifications to registered users
• Prominent website notices
• Updated policy date stamps
• Clear highlighting of material changes

12. Contact Details

For privacy-related inquiries, concerns, or to exercise your rights, please contact us:

• General inquiries: hello@afeand.info
• Privacy-specific matters: privacy@afeand.info
• Response time: Within 7 business days
• Escalation: If unsatisfied, you may contact relevant Indian data protection authorities

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Balcony Garden Starter Guide website at afeand.info, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Balcony Garden Starter Guide, governed by the laws of India.

2. Educational-Only Purpose

Our service provides educational content and awareness about balcony gardening. We do not provide:

• Professional agricultural or horticultural advice
• Legal advice regarding property or gardening regulations
• Financial investment or business guidance
• Medical or health treatment recommendations
• Guarantees about plant survival, growth, or harvest outcomes

3. User Responsibilities

As a user of our service, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and honest information in all forms
• Use our website and content for lawful purposes only
• Respect intellectual property rights
• Not attempt to disrupt or compromise website security
• Not use automated tools to scrape or collect data
• Comply with all applicable Indian laws and regulations

4. Acceptable Use

You may not use our service to:

• Transmit spam, abusive, or harassing content
• Attempt unauthorized access to our systems
• Distribute malware or harmful code
• Infringe on others' rights or privacy
• Engage in illegal activities
• Misrepresent your identity or intentions

5. Intellectual Property

The content, design, and functionality of this website are protected by intellectual property laws:

• Original text, graphics, and design elements are our property
• Third-party images are used under appropriate licenses
• You may not reproduce content without explicit permission
• Fair use for educational purposes may be permitted

6. Third-Party Content & External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party resources:

• We do not control or endorse external content
• Third-party sites have their own terms and privacy policies
• We are not responsible for external site content or practices
• Links are provided for convenience and educational purposes

7. Payments & Access

Regarding any paid content or services:

• Payment terms will be clearly disclosed before purchase
• All prices are in Indian Rupees unless otherwise stated
• Payment processing is handled by secure third-party providers
• Refund policies are outlined in our separate Refund Policy

8. Limitation of Liability

We provide educational content without warranties or guarantees:

• No guarantees about gardening success or plant survival
• No responsibility for actions taken based on our content
• Limited liability for technical issues or service interruptions
• Users assume responsibility for their gardening decisions

9. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Balcony Garden Starter Guide from claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms of Service
• Your use of our website or content
• Your violation of any rights of third parties
• Any content you submit or transmit through our service

10. Termination & Suspension of Access

We reserve the right to:

• Terminate or suspend access for terms violations
• Modify or discontinue services with reasonable notice
• Remove content that violates our policies
• Block access from specific IP addresses if necessary

11. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms of Service:

• Updates will be posted on this page with revision dates
• Material changes will be communicated via email when possible
• Continued use constitutes acceptance of updated terms
• Users are encouraged to review terms periodically

12. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These terms are governed by Indian law, with jurisdiction in Bengaluru courts:

• Indian laws and regulations take precedence
• Disputes will be resolved in Bengaluru, Karnataka courts
• Mediation may be attempted before formal legal proceedings
• Good faith efforts to resolve disputes amicably are encouraged

Contact channels for legal matters:

• General inquiries: hello@afeand.info
• Legal matters: legal@afeand.info

1. Overview of Refund Policy

Balcony Garden Starter Guide offers a 14-day refund guarantee for any paid digital guides or premium content. This policy outlines the conditions, procedures, and timelines for requesting and processing refunds in accordance with Indian consumer protection standards.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Refunds are available under the following conditions:

• Request submitted within 14 days of original purchase
• Proof of purchase can be provided (email confirmation or transaction ID)
• Purchase was made directly through our website
• Content was not obtained through promotional codes or free trials
• Account shows no signs of policy violations

3. Non-Refundable Cases

Refunds will not be processed in the following situations:

• Requests submitted after the 14-day window
• Evidence of content abuse or policy violations
• Chargeback fraud or disputed payment reversals
• Repeated refund requests from the same user
• Technical issues on the user's device or internet connection
• Change of mind after extensive content consumption

4. How to Submit a Refund Request

Follow these steps to request a refund:

• Email refunds@afeand.info with your request
• Include your full name and email address used for purchase
• Provide transaction ID or purchase confirmation details
• Clearly state the reason for your refund request
• Include purchase date and any relevant screenshots

5. Information Required for Processing

To process your refund efficiently, please provide:

• Original email address used for purchase
• Transaction ID or payment confirmation number
• Date of purchase and amount paid
• Brief explanation of the refund reason
• Preferred refund method (if different from original payment)

6. Processing Timelines

Our refund processing follows these timelines:

• Initial response: Within 2 business days of request
• Refund decision: Within 5 business days of receiving complete information
• Processing completion: Within 7-10 business days after approval
• Bank/payment gateway processing: Additional 3-5 business days

7. Refund Method

Refunds will be processed as follows:

• Original payment method preferred when possible
• Credit card refunds processed to the original card
• Alternative methods considered for closed accounts
• Bank transfer available for Indian bank accounts
• Digital wallet refunds subject to service provider policies

8. Currency & Fees

Currency and fee considerations:

• Refunds issued in the original transaction currency
• Currency conversion rates may vary from original purchase
• Transaction fees charged by payment processors are non-refundable
• International transaction fees are the customer's responsibility

9. Changes to Refund Policy

This refund policy may be updated:

• Changes will be posted on our website with effective dates
• Email notifications for existing customers when applicable
• Policy changes apply to purchases made after the effective date
• Previous policy versions remain valid for earlier purchases

10. Contact for Refund Requests

For refund-related inquiries:

• Primary refund contact: refunds@afeand.info
• General support: hello@afeand.info
• Response commitment: Within 48 hours
• Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM IST

11. Indian Consumer Compliance

This policy respects Indian consumer protection principles:

• Compliance with Consumer Protection Act guidelines
• Fair and transparent refund procedures
• Reasonable timelines for processing
• Clear communication throughout the process
• Respect for consumer rights and grievance redressal

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better browsing experience by remembering your preferences and enabling basic website functionality. Cookies cannot access other files on your computer or harm your device.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following categories of cookies:

• Strictly Necessary: Required for basic website functionality and security
• Performance: Help us understand how users interact with our website
• Functional: Remember your preferences and choices
• Analytics: Provide insights into website usage patterns (with consent)

3. Purpose of Each Cookie Category

Each cookie type serves specific purposes:

• Necessary cookies: Session management, security, form submissions
• Performance cookies: Page load times, error tracking, technical optimization
• Functional cookies: Language preferences, cookie consent choices
• Analytics cookies: Visitor statistics, popular content, user journey mapping

4. Cookie Duration & Storage

Cookies are stored for different periods:

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Stored for a specific period (30 days to 2 years)
• Local storage: Remains until manually cleared or expires
• Cookie consent: Stored for 12 months to remember your preferences

5. Consent Model

We obtain consent for cookies through our cookie banner:

• Strictly necessary cookies operate without explicit consent
• Optional cookies require your active acceptance
• You can accept or decline non-essential cookies
• Your choice is remembered for future visits
• Consent can be withdrawn at any time

6. Managing Cookies in Your Browser

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Block all cookies (may affect website functionality)
• Accept only first-party cookies
• Delete existing cookies
• Set notifications for new cookies
• Configure exceptions for specific websites

7. Third-Party Cookies

Regarding third-party cookies:

• We minimize the use of third-party cookies
• Any third-party services are clearly disclosed
• Third-party cookies require your consent
• External services have their own cookie policies
• You can opt-out of third-party tracking

8. Changes to Cookie Policy

We may update this cookie policy:

• Changes will be reflected on this page
• Significant changes will be communicated clearly
• Updated consent may be requested when necessary
• Policy version dates are clearly marked

9. How We Inform You About Updates

Policy updates are communicated through:

• Website notifications for major changes
• Email alerts to registered users when applicable
• Updated cookie banners highlighting changes
• Clear version dating on policy pages

10. Data Protection & Privacy Relationship

Cookie usage relates to our overall privacy practices:

• Cookie data is protected under our Privacy Policy
• Personal data from cookies is handled securely
• Retention periods align with data protection principles
• User rights apply to cookie-collected data

11. Contact About Cookies

For cookie-related questions or concerns:

• Cookie-specific inquiries: cookies@afeand.info
• Privacy-related matters: privacy@afeand.info
• General support: hello@afeand.info
• Response time: Within 2 business days