HML and privacy
We need to talk. About trust.
Yes, we really do need to talk. Because trust isn’t just a word for us—it’s a core principle. And we suspect you feel the same way.
Don’t like it when someone peeks over your shoulder while you’re browsing? Neither do we! That’s why our cookie banner—which, yes, we do have to display because it’s legally required—doesn’t give you anything to uncheck. Because there’s simply nothing to uncheck. We don’t use tracking cookies, retargeting pixels, or any other nonsense that follows you around the internet like an overzealous salesperson. We believe your online experience should be just as private as your offline one.
That said, a minimal amount of basic tracking through the WordPress/WooCommerce platform is unavoidable. After all, you deserve a smooth and comfortable shopping experience. But don’t worry: this is limited to the absolute essentials needed to keep the shop running.
Our privacy policy, unfortunately, isn’t exactly light reading—thanks to lawmakers who seem to think that clarity and brevity are the enemies of compliance. We won’t speculate on their motives.
What we don’t do (and why)
You might be wondering: What’s the catch? The answer: There isn’t one. We don’t share your data with Google, Bing, or any other search engine so they can chase you across the web with personalized ads. Does this cost us reach? Yes. Can we analyze our sales in as much detail as these networks would allow? No. But we don’t care. Because we believe your privacy is worth more than a few extra data points in a marketing report.
We don’t host videos on YouTube, and we don’t offer one-click sharing of our content on social media. Why? Because Meta & Co. will know exactly where you’ve been the moment you load a page with embedded social media buttons. This isn’t speculation—it’s fact. And we refuse to be part of it. That’s why we’ve deliberately disabled all these “standard features” that platforms love to push. No sneaky tracking, no hidden data leaks. Just a clean, distraction-free shopping experience.
We also don’t use AI-driven features, even though our platform has been strongly encouraging us to do so since the last update. Why? Because we think your natural intelligence is more than enough to make your own purchasing decisions. You don’t need an algorithm telling you what other customers who viewed your product ultimately bought. You’re here because you know what you want—and we trust you to find it without digital nudges, since our site’s full-text search delivers on its promises.
What we do (and why it matters)
Of course, we’d be thrilled if you shared our content. Our products—some of which are unique worldwide—deserve to be discovered. But if you want to share them, you’ll have to copy the link from your browser bar yourself. Sharing means that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, and WhatsApp will all know where you’ve been. But you make that choice consciously. We won’t make it for you the second you land on our page.
Your data stays with us at all times—confidential and secure—and only leaves our webshop if you want it to. That’s why we don’t offer “Login with Facebook,” “Sign in with Google,” Amazon, eBay, or any other data-hungry shortcuts. These so-called “convenient” features aren’t actually free. You pay with your data—and the data brokers monetize it ruthlessly. We refuse to support that.
Minimal tracking only occurs if you sign up for our newsletter. But even then, it stays within our website.
Why we do things this way
In a time when it seems like everyone is racing to collect as much data as possible, our approach might seem old-fashioned. Many of our competitors see things differently. They’ll tell you that tracking, personalization, and seamless social media integration are the keys to a modern shopping experience. And maybe they’re right—for them.
But we’ve been in this business for over thirty years, and here’s what we’ve learned:
Trust pays off.
For you, and for us. When you know we’re not selling your data to the highest bidder, you can shop with confidence. And when we know you’re here because you want to be—not because an algorithm herded you in our direction—we can focus on what really matters: offering you products and service that earn your trust.
Yes, we’re a little different. We don’t have intrusive pop-ups, “personalized recommendations,” or a login button for every social media platform under the sun. What we do have is a promise: We treat you with respect. No tricks, no hidden agendas—just a simple, honest shopping experience.
And if that sounds good to you? Then we’re probably doing something right. 😏
Warm regards,
Your HML Team
