1. Data protection at a glance

General Information
The following information provides a simple overview of what happens to your personal data when you visit our website. Personal data is any data that can be used to personally identify you. Detailed information on data protection can be found in our privacy policy below.

Note on Content Creation:
Some content on this website was created using AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT from OpenAI to provide you with informative and high-quality texts. All generated content is carefully reviewed and, if necessary, edited to ensure it meets our quality standards.

Data collection on our website

Who is responsible for data collection on this website?
Wolfgang Schmidt
Heidenbluth, Fachhandel für Schweißgeräte GmbH
Ostring 1A
34277 Fuldabrück
Email: wolfgang.schmidt@heidenbluth.com
Telephone: +49 561 95853-0

How do we collect your data?
Your data is collected, firstly, when you provide it to us. This could include, for example, data that you enter into a contact form.

Other data is automatically collected by our IT systems when you visit the website. This is primarily technical data (e.g., internet browser, operating system, or time of page access). This data is collected automatically as soon as you enter our website.

What do we use your data for?
Some data is collected to ensure the website functions correctly. Other data may be used to analyze your user behavior.

What rights do you have regarding your data?
You have the right to receive information free of charge at any time about the origin, recipients, and purpose of your stored personal data. You also have the right to request the correction, blocking, or deletion of this data. For this purpose, as well as for any further questions regarding data protection, you can contact us at any time at the address provided in the legal notice. Furthermore, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority.

Furthermore, you have the right, under certain circumstances, to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data. Details can be found in the privacy policy under "Right to restriction of processing".

Analytics tools and third-party tools:
When you visit our website, your browsing behavior may be statistically analyzed. This is done primarily using cookies and so-called analytics programs. The analysis of your browsing behavior is generally anonymous; your browsing behavior cannot be traced back to you. You can object to this analysis or prevent it by not using certain tools. Detailed information can be found in the following privacy policy.

You can object to this analysis. We will inform you about your options for objecting in this privacy policy.

2. General information and mandatory disclosures

Data Privacy
The operators of these pages take the protection of your personal data very seriously. We treat your personal data confidentially and in accordance with the statutory data protection regulations and this privacy policy.

When you use this website, various personal data are collected. Personal data is data that can be used to identify you personally. This privacy policy explains what data we collect and what we use it for. It also explains how and for what purpose this is done.

Please note that data transmission over the internet (e.g., when communicating via email) can have security vulnerabilities. Complete protection of data against access by third parties is not possible.

Notice regarding the responsible body:
The responsible body for data processing on this website is:

Wolfgang Schmidt
Heidenbluth, Specialist Retailer for Welding Equipment GmbH,
Ostring 1A,
34277 Fuldabrück, Germany
, Email: wolfgang.schmidt@heidenbluth.com 
, Phone: +49 561 95853-0

The responsible entity is the natural or legal person who, alone or jointly with others, decides on the purposes and means of processing personal data (e.g. names, email addresses, etc.).

Revocation of your consent to data processing:
Many data processing operations are only possible with your express consent. You can revoke your consent at any time. An informal notification by email to us is sufficient. The legality of the data processing carried out before the revocation remains unaffected by the revocation.

Right to object to data processing in special cases and to direct marketing (Art. 21 GDPR)
If data processing is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e or f GDPR, you have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning you, including profiling based on those provisions. The respective legal basis for processing can be found in this privacy policy. If you object, we will no longer process your personal data unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms or the processing serves the purpose of establishing, exercising or defending legal claims (objection pursuant to Art. 21 para. 1 GDPR).

If your personal data is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of your personal data for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If you object, your personal data will no longer be processed for direct marketing purposes (objection pursuant to Article 21(2) GDPR).

Right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority:
In the event of violations of the GDPR, data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of their habitual residence, their place of work, or the place of the alleged infringement. This right to lodge a complaint is without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy.

Right to data portability:
You have the right to receive the data that we process automatically based on your consent or in fulfillment of a contract, either for yourself or for a third party, in a commonly used, machine-readable format. If you request the direct transfer of the data to another controller, this will only be done if it is technically feasible.

SSL/TLS encryption:
This site uses SSL/TLS encryption for security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential information, such as orders or inquiries that you send to us as the site operator. You can recognize an encrypted connection by the fact that the browser's address bar changes from "http://" to "https://" and by the padlock icon in your browser's address bar.

When SSL or TLS encryption is enabled, the data you send to us cannot be read by third parties.

Information, blocking, deletion and correction:
Within the framework of the applicable legal provisions, you have the right at any time to receive free information about your stored personal data, its origin and recipients and the purpose of the data processing, and, if applicable, a right to correction, blocking or deletion of this data. For this purpose, as well as for further questions on the subject of personal data, you can contact us at any time at the address given in the legal notice.

Right to restriction of processing:
You have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data. You can contact us at any time at the address provided in the legal notice. The right to restriction of processing exists in the following cases:

• If you dispute the accuracy of your personal data stored with us, we generally need time to verify this. For the duration of the verification process, you have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data.
• If the processing of your personal data was/is unlawful, you can request the restriction of data processing instead of deletion.
• If we no longer need your personal data, but you require it for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims, you have the right to request restriction of processing of your personal data instead of erasure.
• If you have objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR, a balancing of interests between your interests and ours must be carried out. Until it is determined whose interests prevail, you have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data.

If you have restricted the processing of your personal data, this data – apart from being stored – may only be processed with your consent or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the European Union or of a Member State.

Objection to advertising emails:
The use of contact details published within the scope of the legal notice for sending unsolicited advertising and informational materials is hereby prohibited. The operators of these pages expressly reserve the right to take legal action in the event of unsolicited advertising, such as spam emails.

3. Data collection on our website

Cookies:
Our website uses cookies. Cookies do not harm your computer and do not contain viruses. Cookies help make our website more user-friendly, effective, and secure. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer and saved by your browser.

Most of the cookies we use are so-called "session cookies." They are automatically deleted after your visit ends. Other cookies remain stored on your device until you delete them. These cookies allow us to recognize your browser on your next visit.

You can configure your browser to notify you when cookies are set and to allow cookies only in individual cases, to accept cookies in certain cases or to generally reject them, and to automatically delete cookies when you close your browser. Disabling cookies may limit the functionality of this website.

Cookies that are necessary for carrying out electronic communication or for providing certain functions you have requested (e.g., the shopping cart function) are stored on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in storing cookies to ensure the technically flawless and optimized provision of its services. Any other cookies (e.g., cookies for analyzing your browsing behavior) are addressed separately in this privacy policy.

Server log files:
The provider of these pages automatically collects and stores information in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits to us. This information includes:

• Browser type and browser version
• Operating system used
• Referrer URL
• Hostname of the accessing computer
• Time of server request
• IP address

This data will not be combined with other data sources.

This data is collected on the basis of Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the technically flawless presentation and optimization of its website – for this purpose, the server log files must be recorded.

Contact Form:
If you send us inquiries via the contact form, your information from the inquiry form, including the contact details you provided, will be stored by us for processing the inquiry and in case of follow-up questions. We will not share this data without your consent.

The processing of the data entered into the contact form is therefore based solely on your consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). You can revoke this consent at any time. An informal notification by email to us is sufficient. The lawfulness of the data processing operations carried out until the revocation remains unaffected by the revocation.

The data you enter in the contact form will remain with us until you request its deletion, revoke your consent to its storage, or the purpose for data storage no longer applies (e.g., after your inquiry has been processed). Mandatory legal provisions – in particular, retention periods – remain unaffected.

Comment function on this website:
For the comment function on this page, in addition to your comment, information about the time of creation of the comment, your e-mail address and, if you do not post anonymously, your chosen username will be stored.

Storage period for comments:
The comments and the associated data (e.g. IP address) are stored and remain on our website until the commented content has been completely deleted or the comments must be deleted for legal reasons (e.g. offensive comments).

Legal basis:
The storage of comments is based on your consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). You can withdraw your consent at any time. An informal notification by email to us is sufficient. The lawfulness of the data processing operations already carried out remains unaffected by the withdrawal.

Processing of Data (Customer and Contract Data):
We collect, process, and use personal data only to the extent necessary for establishing, defining the content of, or amending the contractual relationship (master data). This is done on the basis of Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the performance of a contract or for taking steps prior to entering into a contract. We collect, process, and use personal data concerning the use of our website (usage data) only to the extent necessary to enable the user to access the service or for billing purposes.

The collected customer data will be deleted after completion of the order or termination of the business relationship. Statutory retention periods remain unaffected. Data transfer upon conclusion of a contract for online shops, retailers, and shipping companies.

We only transfer personal data to third parties if this is necessary for processing your order, for example, to the companies entrusted with delivering the goods or the bank responsible for processing payments. Your data will not be transferred beyond this scope unless you have expressly consented to it. Your data will not be shared with third parties without your explicit consent, for example, for advertising purposes.

The legal basis for data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures.

Data transfer when concluding contracts for services and digital content:
We only transfer personal data to third parties if this is necessary for the execution of the contract, for example to the credit institution commissioned with processing the payment.

Your data will not be transmitted further, or only if you have expressly consented to such transmission. Your data will not be shared with third parties without your express consent, for example for advertising purposes.

The legal basis for data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures.

4. Analytics tools and advertising

Google Analytics:
This website uses functions of the web analytics service Google Analytics. The provider is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.

Google Analytics uses so-called "cookies." These are text files that are stored on your computer and enable an analysis of your use of the website. The information generated by the cookie about your use of this website is generally transmitted to and stored on a Google server in the USA.

The storage of Google Analytics cookies and the use of this analytics tool are based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in analyzing user behavior in order to optimize both its website and its advertising.

IP Anonymization:
We have activated the IP anonymization function on this website. This means that your IP address will be shortened by Google within member states of the European Union or in other contracting states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area before being transmitted to the USA. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the USA and shortened there. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports on website activity, and to provide other services relating to website activity and internet usage to the website operator. The IP address transmitted by your browser as part of Google Analytics will not be merged with other Google data.

Browser Plugin:
You can prevent the storage of cookies by adjusting your browser settings; however, please note that in this case you may not be able to fully utilize all the functions of this website. Furthermore, you can prevent Google from collecting and processing data generated by the cookie and related to your use of the website (including your IP address) by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de .

Objection to data collection:
You can prevent the collection of your data by Google Analytics by clicking on the following link. An opt-out cookie will be set, which prevents the collection of your data on future visits to this website: Deactivate Google Analytics.

For more information on how Google Analytics handles user data, please see Google's privacy policy: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245?hl=de .

Data processing agreement:
We have concluded a data processing agreement with Google and fully implement the strict requirements of the German data protection authorities when using Google Analytics.

Demographic characteristics in Google Analytics:
This website uses the "demographic characteristics" feature of Google Analytics. This allows reports to be generated that contain information about the age, gender, and interests of website visitors. This data comes from Google's interest-based advertising and from third-party visitor data. This data cannot be attributed to any specific person. You can deactivate this feature at any time via the ad settings in your Google account or generally prohibit the collection of your data by Google Analytics as described in the section "Objection to data collection."

5. Newsletter

Newsletter Data:
If you wish to subscribe to the newsletter offered on the website, we require your email address as well as information that allows us to verify that you are the owner of the email address provided and that you agree to receive the newsletter. No further data is collected, or only on a voluntary basis. We use this data exclusively for sending the requested information and do not share it with third parties.

The processing of the data entered in the newsletter registration form is based solely on your consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). You can revoke your consent to the storage of your data, your email address, and its use for sending the newsletter at any time, for example, via the "Unsubscribe" link in the newsletter. The lawfulness of the data processing operations already carried out remains unaffected by the revocation.

The data you provided for the purpose of subscribing to our newsletter will be stored by us until you unsubscribe and will be deleted after you unsubscribe. Data stored for other purposes remains unaffected.

This website uses CleverElements
for sending newsletters. The provider is CleverElements GmbH, Prinzessinnenstr. 19-20, 10969 Berlin (Germany).

CleverElements is a service that can be used, among other things, to organize and analyze the distribution of newsletters. The data you enter for the purpose of subscribing to the newsletter is stored on CleverElements' servers in Germany.

If you do not want your data analyzed by CleverElements, you must unsubscribe from the newsletter. We provide a corresponding link for this purpose in every newsletter email. You can also unsubscribe directly on the website.

Data analysis through CleverElements:
With the help of CleverElements, we are able to analyze our newsletter campaigns. This allows us to see, among other things, whether a newsletter message was opened and which links, if any, were clicked. In this way, we can determine, among other things, which links were clicked most frequently.

CleverElements also allows us to segment newsletter recipients into different categories (e.g., location). This makes it easier to tailor newsletters to specific target groups.

Detailed information about the features of CleverElements can be found at the following link: https://cleverelements.com/product .

Legal basis:
Data processing is based on your consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). You can withdraw this consent at any time. The lawfulness of data processing operations already carried out remains unaffected by the withdrawal.

Data Retention Period:
The data you provide to us for the purpose of subscribing to our newsletter will be stored by us until you unsubscribe. After you unsubscribe, the data will be deleted from both our servers and the servers of CleverElements. Data stored for other purposes remains unaffected.

Conclusion of a data processing agreement:
We have concluded a contract with CleverElements in which we oblige CleverElements to protect our customers' data and not to pass it on to third parties.

For more information, please see CleverElements' privacy policy at: https://cleverelements.com/imprint .

6. Plugins and Tools

YouTube with enhanced data protection:
Our website uses plugins from the YouTube website. The operator of the pages is YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA.

We use YouTube in enhanced privacy mode. According to YouTube, this mode prevents YouTube from storing information about visitors to this website before they watch the video. However, enhanced privacy mode does not necessarily prevent data from being shared with YouTube partners. For example, YouTube establishes a connection to the Google DoubleClick network regardless of whether you watch a video.

As soon as you start a YouTube video on our website, a connection is established to YouTube's servers. This informs the YouTube server which of our pages you have visited. If you are logged into your YouTube account, you allow YouTube to directly associate your browsing behavior with your personal profile. You can prevent this by logging out of your YouTube account.

Furthermore, YouTube may store various cookies on your device after you start playing a video. These cookies allow YouTube to collect information about visitors to our website. This information is used, among other things, to compile video statistics, improve user experience, and prevent fraud. The cookies remain on your device until you delete them.

Additional data processing operations may be triggered after a YouTube video starts, over which we have no control.

The use of YouTube is in the interest of presenting our online content in an appealing way. This constitutes a legitimate interest within the meaning of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

Further information about data protection at YouTube can be found in their privacy policy at: http://www.youtube.com/t/privacy_at_youtube .

Google Maps:
This page uses the Google Maps service via an API. The provider is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.

To use the functions of Google Maps, it is necessary to store your IP address. This information is usually transmitted to and stored on a Google server in the USA. The provider of this website has no influence on this data transfer.

The use of Google Maps is in our legitimate interest in presenting our online services in an appealing manner and ensuring that the locations we specify on the website are easy to find. This constitutes a legitimate interest within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

More information on how user data is handled can be found in Google's privacy policy: https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/ .

7. Payment providers

PayPal:
On our website we offer payment via PayPal, among other options. The provider of this payment service is PayPal (Europe) S.à.rl et Cie, SCA, 22-24 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg (hereinafter “PayPal”).

If you select payment via PayPal, the payment details you enter will be transmitted to PayPal.

Your data is transferred to PayPal on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent) and Article 6(1)(b) GDPR (processing necessary for the performance of a contract). You have the right to withdraw your consent to data processing at any time. Such withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

Instant bank transfer:
On our website, we offer payment via “instant bank transfer,” among other options. The provider of this payment service is Sofort GmbH, Theresienhöhe 12, 80339 Munich (hereinafter referred to as “Sofort GmbH”).

Using the “Sofortüberweisung” (instant bank transfer) method, we receive real-time payment confirmation from Sofort GmbH and can immediately begin fulfilling our obligations.

If you have chosen the "Sofortüberweisung" (instant bank transfer) payment method, you will submit your PIN and a valid TAN to Sofort GmbH, which will then use this information to log into your online banking account. After logging in, Sofort GmbH automatically checks your account balance and executes the transfer to us using the TAN you provided. They then immediately send us a transaction confirmation. After logging in, your transactions, overdraft limit, and the existence and balances of any other accounts you may have are also automatically checked.

In addition to your PIN and TAN, the payment details you enter, as well as your personal data, will be transmitted to Sofort GmbH. This personal data includes your first and last name, address, telephone number(s), email address, IP address, and any other data required for payment processing. The transmission of this data is necessary to verify your identity beyond doubt and to prevent fraud.

Your data will be transferred to Sofort GmbH on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent) and Article 6(1)(b) GDPR (processing necessary for the performance of a contract). You have the right to withdraw your consent to data processing at any time. Such withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

Details regarding payment via Sofortüberweisung can be found at the following links: https://www.sofort.de/datenschutz.html and https://www.klarna.com/sofort/ .

Microsoft Clarity

This website uses Microsoft Clarity to analyze website interactions. The provider is Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA (hereinafter referred to as "Microsoft Clarity").

Microsoft Clarity is a service that allows you to create session recordings, heatmaps, and machine learning insights, among other things. The data you create/submit is stored on Microsoft Clarity's servers. For more information about Microsoft Clarity's features, please visit: https://docs.microsoft.com/de-de/clarity/faq

Legal basis:
The processing of data is based on Article 6(1)(a) GDPR. The website operator obtains your corresponding consent (e.g., consent to the storage of cookies). You can withdraw this consent at any time. The lawfulness of data processing operations already carried out remains unaffected by the withdrawal.

Data Retention Period:
The data you provide to us for Microsoft Clarity will be stored for up to 12 months and then deleted. For further details, please refer to the Microsoft Clarity Privacy Statement at: https://privacy.microsoft.com/de-de/privacystatement. Microsoft Clarity is committed to ensuring data protection in its Online Service Terms and through the use of the EU Standard Contractual Clauses.