HomeGearPro Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 22, 2025

At HomeGearPro, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website (www.homegearpro.com), purchase our products, or interact with our services. We comply with global privacy regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in the European Union (EU) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for users in California, USA. By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide, improve, and personalize our services, process your orders, and communicate with you. The information we collect falls into four main categories:

1.1 Personal Identifiable Information (PII)

This is information that can be used to identify you individually. We collect this when you voluntarily provide it to us, such as:

• Account Creation: Full name, email address, phone number, and password (encrypted for security).
• Purchases: Shipping address, billing address, and payment details (e.g., credit card number—note: we do not store full credit card information; this is processed by our third-party payment providers, such as PayPal or Stripe).
• Customer Support: Information you share when contacting us (e.g., order issues, product questions), including your name, email, and details of your inquiry.
• Newsletter/Marketing Sign-Ups: Email address (if you opt in to receive promotional updates).

1.2 Purchase and Transaction Information

We collect details about your interactions with our products and services, including:

• Order history (product names, quantities, prices, order dates, and order numbers).
• Payment status (e.g., pending, completed, refunded) and transaction IDs.
• Shipping information (carrier name, tracking number, delivery status).

1.3 Technical and Device Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect technical data about your device and browsing activity. This helps us optimize our website performance and improve your user experience. The information includes:

• Device details (model, operating system, browser type, screen resolution).
• Connection information (IP address, internet service provider, Wi-Fi network name).
• Browsing behavior (pages visited, time spent on each page, links clicked, referral source—e.g., how you found our website, such as via a search engine or social media).
• Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 6 for details).

1.4 Usage and Preference Information

We collect data about how you use our website to personalize your experience, such as:

• Product views and search queries (e.g., tools you’ve searched for or added to your wishlist).
• Account preferences (e.g., language settings, saved shipping addresses).
• Feedback (ratings, reviews, or survey responses you provide about our products or services).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information only for legitimate, transparent purposes that align with the services we provide. The key uses include:

2.1 Process and Fulfill Orders

• Verify your identity to process purchases.
• Arrange shipping (share your address with our logistics partners, such as FedEx or DHL).
• Process payments (share transaction details with our payment providers).
• Send order updates (e.g., confirmation emails, shipping notifications, delivery confirmations).

2.2 Improve Our Website and Services

• Analyze browsing and usage data to identify areas for improvement (e.g., fixing broken links, optimizing page load times).
• Test new features (e.g., a updated product search tool) to enhance user experience.
• Personalize content (e.g., showing you tools related to your past purchases or search history).

2.3 Communicate With You

• Transactional Communications: Necessary updates about your account, orders, or support requests (e.g., refund confirmations, responses to your customer service inquiries). These are not optional, as they relate to your use of our services.
• Marketing Communications: Promotional updates (e.g., new product launches, discount offers, newsletters) if you have opted in to receive them. You can unsubscribe at any time (see Section 7 for details).

2.4 Ensure Security and Compliance

• Protect our website and users from fraud, unauthorized access, or cyber threats (e.g., monitoring for suspicious login attempts or fraudulent transactions).
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., responding to court orders, tax regulations, or data protection laws like GDPR/CCPA).

2.5 Personalize Your Experience

• Maintain your account preferences (e.g., saved shipping addresses, language settings).
• Manage your wishlist (store products you’re interested in for future purchases).
• Provide tailored recommendations (e.g., “You may also like” suggestions based on your order history).

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. We only share your information with trusted partners who help us provide our services, and we ensure these partners comply with strict privacy standards. The types of third parties we share information with include:

3.1 Service Providers

• Payment Processors: PayPal, Stripe, or other payment gateways—we share transaction details (e.g., order amount, billing address) to process payments securely. These providers do not store or use your information for any other purpose.
• Logistics Partners: FedEx, DHL, UPS, or local shipping carriers—we share your shipping address and order details to deliver your products.
• Website and IT Providers: Companies that help us maintain our website (e.g., hosting services like AWS) or analyze user data (e.g., Google Analytics for tracking browsing behavior). These providers only access your information to perform their services for us.
• Customer Support Tools: Platforms like Zendesk—we share your support inquiry and contact details to help our team respond to your questions.

3.2 Legal and Regulatory Authorities

We may disclose your information if required by law, such as:

• Responding to a court order, subpoena, or government request.
• Investigating or preventing fraud, illegal activities, or violations of our Terms of Service.
• Protecting the safety, rights, or property of HomeGearPro, our users, or the public.

3.3 Business Transfers (If Applicable)

In the event of a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, your information may be transferred to the new owner or entity. We will notify you via email or a prominent notice on our website before your information is transferred, and we will ensure the new entity complies with this Privacy Policy.

4. How We Store and Protect Your Information

We take the security of your information seriously and use industry-standard measures to prevent unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

4.1 Storage Details

• Location: Your information is stored on secure servers hosted by our third-party IT providers (e.g., AWS) in the United States, EU, or other countries with adequate data protection laws. For users in the EU, we ensure compliance with GDPR’s cross-border data transfer rules (e.g., using Standard Contractual Clauses).
• Retention Period: We store your information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, or as required by law. For example:
  • Order and transaction data: Retained for 7 years (to comply with tax and legal obligations).
  • Account information: Retained until you delete your account (you can request deletion at any time—see Section 5).
  • Technical and browsing data: Retained for 12 months (for website optimization and security purposes).

4.2 Security Measures

We implement multiple layers of security to protect your information, including:

• Encryption: Personal data (e.g., passwords, email addresses) is encrypted using SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) when transmitted over the internet.
• Access Controls: Only authorized HomeGearPro employees and service providers have access to your information, and they are required to keep it confidential.
• Regular Audits: We conduct regular security audits and updates to our systems to address emerging threats (e.g., patching software vulnerabilities).
• Fraud Detection: We use tools to monitor for suspicious activity (e.g., multiple failed login attempts, unusual purchase patterns) and take action to protect your account.

5. Your Rights Regarding Your Information

Under global privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), you have certain rights regarding your personal information. You can exercise these rights by contacting our privacy team at earl30817@gmail.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days (or within the timeframe required by law).

5.1 Key Rights

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Ask to update or correct inaccurate or incomplete information (e.g., a wrong shipping address).
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information (also known as the “right to be forgotten”), except when we are required to retain it by law (e.g., tax records).
• Restriction: Ask us to restrict the use of your information (e.g., if you dispute the accuracy of the data).
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your information in a structured, machine-readable format (e.g., a CSV file) so you can transfer it to another service provider.
• Withdraw Consent: If you previously opted in to marketing communications, you can withdraw your consent at any time (see Section 7).

5.2 How to Exercise Your Rights

To submit a request, email us at earl30817@gmail.com with the following details:

• Your full name and email address (to verify your identity).
• The type of request (e.g., “access my data,” “delete my account”).
• Any additional details that will help us process your request (e.g., order numbers for transaction data).

We may ask for additional information to verify your identity (to prevent unauthorized access to your data).

6. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies (e.g., web beacons, pixel tags) to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website performance, and personalize content.

6.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, track browsing activity, and improve functionality.

6.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Necessary Cookies: Essential for the website to work (e.g., remembering your login status, enabling checkout). These cannot be disabled, as they are required for basic functionality.
• Analytical Cookies: Used to track how you use our website (e.g., pages visited, time spent) to improve performance. We use Google Analytics for this purpose—you can opt out of Google Analytics tracking here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences (e.g., language settings, saved shipping addresses) to personalize your experience.
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver personalized promotional content (e.g., ads for tools you’ve viewed) on our website or third-party platforms (e.g., Facebook). These are only used if you opt in.

6.3 How to Manage Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Disable Cookies: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies (e.g., in Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data). Note: Disabling necessary cookies may break website functionality (e.g., you may not be able to complete a purchase).
• Cookie Consent Banner: When you first visit our website, you will see a banner asking for consent to non-necessary cookies. You can update your preferences at any time by clicking “Cookie Settings” in the footer of our website.

7. Opting Out of Marketing Communications

If you no longer want to receive promotional emails (e.g., newsletters, discount offers) from us, you can opt out in two ways:

• Unsubscribe Link: Click the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any marketing email we send you.
• Email Request: Send an email to earl30817@gmail.com with the subject line “Unsubscribe from Marketing.”

You will still receive transactional communications (e.g., order confirmations, support responses) after unsubscribing, as these are necessary for your use of our services.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with information, please contact us at earl30817@gmail.com to request deletion.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., social media platforms like Facebook, or partner retailers). This Privacy Policy does not apply to these third-party sites. We recommend that you read the privacy policies of any third-party website you visit to understand how they collect and use your information.

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make updates, we will:

• Revise the “Effective Date” at the top of this page.
• Post the updated policy on our website (www.homegearpro.com/privacy.html).
• Notify you via email if the updates are significant (e.g., changes to how we share your information).

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

11. How to Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact our privacy team:

• Email: earl30817@gmail.com

For users in the EU, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (e.g., ICO in the UK, CNIL in France) if you believe we have violated your privacy rights.

By using HomeGearPro’s website or services, you confirm that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to our collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.