Direct Marketing Policy

As we have obligations under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), Vapes Bars® is required to comply with specific rules regarding using and sending direct marketing. We understand our obligations under the PECR and ensure that we have adequate and effective policies, procedures, and controls in place to meet our marketing responsibilities.

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for direct marketing activities carried out on behalf of our vape website, ensuring that these activities are effective, ethical, and compliant with industry standards and regulations.

What is Direct Marketing?

The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) sit alongside the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR and set the rules and privacy rights for electronic communications. There are specific rules on marketing that cover all forms of advertising or promotional material that are directed to particular individuals. The PECR marketing rules apply to information sent via phone, fax, email, text, or any other type of electronic message or mail. There are different rules for calls, faxes, and electronic mail.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff within the company (meaning permanent, fixed-term, and temporary staff, any third-party representatives or sub-contractors, agency workers, volunteers, interns, and agents engaged with the company in the UK or overseas). Adherence to this policy is mandatory.

Opt-in Policy:

All direct marketing activities will be carried out only with the express consent of the customer. We will provide an easy and clear way for customers to opt out of receiving future direct marketing communications related to vaping.

Data Privacy:

We will adhere to all data privacy laws and regulations while collecting customer data for direct marketing purposes. This includes obtaining consent from customers for data collection, providing clear privacy notices, and safeguarding customer data. We will also comply with age verification requirements for marketing purposes.

Targeted Communications:

All direct marketing communications will be relevant to the customer and tailored to their preferences. We will use customer data and feedback to create targeted and personalized touches that increase engagement and drive sales. We will also avoid targeting individuals who are under the legal age for vaping in their respective jurisdictions.

Transparency:

Our Direct Marketing Policy will be transparent and clearly communicated to customers. We will provide information on the types of direct marketing communications that customers can expect to receive, the frequency of these communications, and the channels used for communication.

Compliance:

All direct marketing activities will comply with the PECR direct marketing rules and industry standards and regulations related to vaping. We will ensure that all marketing campaigns are truthful, accurate, and not misleading. We will also follow any additional laws and regulations that are specific to the vaping industry.

Therefore, Vapes Bars® has the below policies and procedures:

  • Data Protection Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Direct Marketing Policy
  • PECR Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Uses a direct marketing checklist to ensure compliance with the PECR rules.
  • Can demonstrate that consent has been obtained for direct marketing.
  • Ensures that consent requests are clear and transparent, use plain language, and avoid any illegible terms.
  • Provides individuals with the right to withdraw consent and/or opt out of marketing at any time.
  • Provides simple options for withdrawing consent or opting out of marketing.
  • ensures that all marketing materials and communications contain options for unsubscribing.
  • Provides a link to our Privacy Policy so that individuals can see how their personal data is processed and obtain information about their rights
  • Only make automated marketing calls if we have consent.
  • Retains a ‘do not contact list of anyone who opts out or unsubscribes from our electronic mail and we use this list to screen electronic marketing mail to exclude anyone who has asked us not to send it.
  • Verifies that all direct marketing mediums contain the relevant information required by the PECR.
  • Specifies the methods of communication used for direct marketing (i.e., email, text, phone, call, post).
  • Ensures that when sending direct marketing by post, email, or fax, we include our company name, address, and telephone number in the content.
  • Procedures and Guidance

We send direct marketing in the form of:

  • Email
  • Text or SMS
  • E-marketing via a CRM or marketing system.
  • Direct mail

The Company only sends direct marketing or asks for consent to send marketing to certain individuals. The individuals to whom we send direct marketing are detailed in our Direct Marketing Notice and include:

  • Customers of the Company.
  • Individuals making a purchase from us.
  • Individuals subscribing to a service we provide or a site we host.
  • Individuals who download or access information via our website.
  • Individuals who contact us to request. information about our products or services.

We use electronic mail for direct marketing in the form of:

  • Emails
  • Texts
  • Picture messages
  • Video messages
  • Voicemails
  • Direct messages via social media
  • Online marketing

We only send electronic mail marketing where we either have consent from the individual to do so or where they are an existing customer who has used our products or services previously. Such customers are provided with an easy way to opt out of receiving such information, both when we first obtain their details and in all subsequent messages.

Legitimate Interests

  • In some instances, the Company sends marketing information to individuals where it has been identified as being beneficial or of interest to them. In these instances, we rely on the legitimate interest’s legal basis under the UK GDPR for processing.
  • We ensure that such information is always relevant to the customer and is non-intrusive. We also ensure that customers have the option to opt out or unsubscribe at any time.
  • Where we choose to rely on legitimate interests for processing personal data in relation to direct marketing, we have first verified that:
  • the information being sent is relative and beneficial to the customer
  • we have weighed their interests against our own
  • there is little to no risk posed to the individuals’ personal data or rights
  • the method used to send any direct marketing and the content is non-intrusive
  • the material being sent is something a customer would usually expect to receive
  • we have provided visible, easy to use and access options for opting out or unsubscribing.
  • Third Party Processors.

Review and Update:

We will review and update our Direct Marketing Policy regularly to ensure that it remains up-to-date and relevant to the changing marketing landscape for the vaping industry.