Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

We are committed to protecting your personal data and handling it with care. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, order products, or subscribe to our services.
Data processing is carried out in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG).

2. Controller

The controller responsible for data processing on this website is:

Peter Schmidt
Books People Places
Crellestraße 26
10827 Berlin
Germany

Email: info (at) bookspeopleplaces (dot) com
Mobile: +49 176 38863500

3. Data We Collect

a) Orders and Customer Accounts

When you place an order in our online shop (WooCommerce), we collect and process:

  • Name and address

  • Email address

  • Payment details

  • Order information

This data is necessary for contract fulfillment, delivery, and invoicing.

b) Newsletter

If you subscribe to our newsletter, we use Mailchimp to process your data. Subscription is carried out using the double opt-in procedure (you must confirm your email address). Your email address will be used exclusively to send you information about books, offers, and events. You may unsubscribe at any time.

c) Contacting Us

If you contact us by email, phone, or form, the personal data you provide will be stored and processed solely for handling your request.

d) Server Log Files

When visiting our website, our hosting provider automatically collects the following:

  • IP address

  • Date and time of request

  • Browser type and version

  • Operating system

  • Referrer URL

This information is used only for technical operation, stability, and security.

4. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies to enable essential functions (e.g., shopping cart, login).
Where legally required, you will be asked for consent before non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics or marketing) are set.

You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings. Please note that some functions may be limited if cookies are blocked.

5. Payment Processing

We offer the following payment methods: PayPal, credit card, Klarna (including Klarna installment purchase / Klarna Pay Later), and bank transfer.

Your payment data is transmitted directly to the respective payment provider. We do not store full payment details on our servers. Payment providers process personal data in accordance with GDPR and their own privacy policies.

6. Shipping

For order fulfillment, we transmit your address details (and phone number, if necessary) to DHL.

7. Embedded Content and Social Media

Our website integrates content from third-party providers such as YouTube (videos) and Instagram (feeds).
When you access a page containing such embedded content, data may be transferred to these providers. This includes your IP address and technical information.
These services are provided by:

  • YouTube (Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland)

  • Instagram (Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, Ireland)

We use integrations with GDPR-compliant settings where possible (e.g., two-click solution).

8. Legal Basis for Processing

Data is processed based on:

  • Art. 6 (1)(a) GDPR – consent (e.g., newsletter, cookies)

  • Art. 6 (1)(b) GDPR – contract performance (orders, subscriptions)

  • Art. 6 (1)(c) GDPR – legal obligations (e.g., tax retention)

  • Art. 6 (1)(f) GDPR – legitimate interests (secure and efficient website operation)

9. Retention of Data

We store your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill contractual obligations or as required by statutory retention periods (e.g., tax and commercial law: 10 years).

10. Your Rights under GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal data (Art. 15 GDPR)

  • Request correction (Art. 16 GDPR)

  • Request deletion (Art. 17 GDPR)

  • Restrict processing (Art. 18 GDPR)

  • Request data portability (Art. 20 GDPR)

  • Object to processing (Art. 21 GDPR)

  • Withdraw consent (Art. 7 (3) GDPR)

To exercise your rights, please contact us at the details above.

11. Data Security

We use SSL/TLS encryption and appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, misuse, or loss.

12. Digital Products & Gift Cards

For digital gift cards, the right of withdrawal expires once the code has been delivered electronically, provided you have given your explicit consent to this effect during checkout.

13. Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect legal requirements or changes in our services. The latest version will always be available on our website.