We're a family shop, and we treat your information the way we'd want ours treated. We never sell, rent or trade it. This notice explains what we collect, why we collect it, and the choices you have.
What we collect
- What you give us: your name, billing and shipping addresses, email address, phone number, account password (stored encrypted), the messages you send us, and the details of your orders and layaways.
- Payments: PayPal payments are handled by PayPal, so we never see or store your card or bank details. For a check or money order, we record that the payment arrived, not your account numbers. If you pay by card over the phone, we use the card only for that payment and don't keep the number.
- What your browser sends: like most online shops, we use cookies to keep your cart and sign-in working. Our server keeps basic logs, such as IP address and browser type, to keep the site secure. We use Google Analytics to see how visitors use the site, such as which pages are viewed. It records information about your browser and visits, not your name or payment details. You can opt out with Google's browser add-on.
How we use it
We use your information to:
- process, ship and track your orders
- run your layaway, including payment reminders by email and phone
- answer your questions
- keep track of your reward points and store credit
- keep the site secure
If you join the collector list, we also send occasional emails about new collections.
Who we share it with
We share only what each of these needs to do its job:
- Shipping carriers (U.S. Postal Service, UPS): your name and address, to deliver your order.
- PayPal: what it needs to take your payment.
- Google: when you type an address at checkout or in your account, what you type is sent to Google to suggest matching addresses. Google Analytics also receives visit information, as described above.
- The companies that host our website and email: they hold the data we store, so the site and email can run.
- The authorities: only when the law requires it.
Emails from us
Order, shipping and layaway emails are part of doing business with you. Collector-list emails are optional; you can stop them at any time from the link in any email, or by asking us.
Keeping it safe
Every page of the site is encrypted, and passwords are stored encrypted. We will never ask for card or bank details by email. If you get an email that does, please don't reply, and let us know.
Your choices
You can see and update your details in My account. You can also ask us for a copy of what we hold about you, or ask us to close your account. We keep order records that tax and accounting rules require us to keep.
Children
Our shop is meant for adults. We don't knowingly collect information from children under 13.
Questions
Village Bears, Sarasota, Florida. Call 941.366.2667, Monday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm, or email villagebears@gmail.com.
Last updated: October 29, 2026