Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 22, 2025

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide better services to our users and improve our platform. Here's what we collect and why:

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

Information Type	Examples	Purpose
Contact Information	Name, email address, phone number	Account creation, customer support, service updates
Address Information	Street address, city, state, ZIP code	Location-based services, local scrap yard recommendations
Business Information	Company name, business type, industry role	Customized services, business directory listings
Communication Preferences	Comments, feedback, support requests	Service improvement, customer support

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on platform
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address
• Location Data: General geographic location (city/state level) for local services
• Analytics Data: Website performance, user behavior patterns (via Google Analytics)

1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Provide relevant content and recommendations

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

2.1 Core Platform Services

• Providing scrap yard finder and location-based services
• Delivering pricing information and market data
• Maintaining and improving our AI-powered recommendations
• Processing early access registrations and subscriptions

2.2 Communication and Support

• Sending service updates, announcements, and newsletters
• Responding to customer support requests and inquiries
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting
• Sending important account and security notifications

2.3 Business Operations

• Processing payments for premium services (when available)
• Analyzing usage patterns to improve our services
• Preventing fraud and ensuring platform security
• Complying with legal obligations and requests

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our platform:

• Email Services: For sending newsletters and notifications
• Payment Processors: For handling subscription payments (future feature)
• Analytics Services: Google Analytics for website performance analysis
• Cloud Storage: For secure data storage and backup
• Customer Support: For providing technical assistance

3.2 Business Transfers

If SCRAPSTER™ is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of SCRAPSTER™, our users, or others.

4. Data Security and Protection

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information:

4.1 Technical Safeguards

• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure server infrastructure and hosting
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Access controls and authentication systems

4.2 Organizational Safeguards

• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Regular review of data handling procedures
• Incident response procedures for security breaches

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:

• Account Information: Retained while your account is active
• Communication Records: Kept for customer support and service improvement
• Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized data may be retained indefinitely
• Legal Compliance: Some information may be retained longer as required by law

6. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

You have several rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Updates

• Account Access: Review and update your account information at any time
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information

6.2 Communication Preferences

• Email Unsubscribe: Opt-out of marketing emails using unsubscribe links
• Notification Settings: Manage your communication preferences
• Account Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data

6.3 Cookie Controls

• Manage cookies through your browser settings
• Opt-out of Google Analytics tracking
• Disable non-essential cookies while maintaining core functionality

7. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information.

8. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to Know: Request information about data collection and use
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information
• Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights

9. International Users

Our services are primarily intended for users in the United States. If you access our platform from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ from your jurisdiction.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will:

• Post the updated Privacy Policy on our website
• Update the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy
• Notify you of significant changes via email or platform notification
• Provide a reasonable notice period before changes take effect

12. Data Processing Lawful Basis

We process your personal information based on the following lawful bases:

• Consent: When you provide explicit consent (e.g., newsletter signup)
• Contract Performance: To provide services you've requested
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services and prevent fraud
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

14. Additional Resources

For more information about privacy and data protection, you may find these resources helpful:

• Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/privacy
• California Attorney General: oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa
• Google Analytics Opt-out: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

© 2025 SCRAPSTER™ - A Place for all Scrapsters
This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 22, 2025