PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: June 17, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION AND NON-COMMERCIAL NATURE OF PROJECT

About Our Project

CountertopsContractors.com is a non-commercial initiative created and maintained by a group of countertop industry enthusiasts. Unlike commercial platforms, our primary goal is to provide objective and useful information about countertop contractors to the general public, not to generate profit.

We do not sell users' personal data and do not monetize their information. Our entire project is directed toward helping people find quality contractors and supporting professional specialists in the industry.

CountertopsContractors.com ("CountertopsContractors.com," "we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through compliance with this Privacy Policy. This Policy describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide when using our services, including:

• The CountertopsContractors.com platform for finding and rating contractors
• The Stone Magazine with industry information
• All related websites, feedback forms, and online services (collectively, the "Services")

Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to information we collect:

• On our website and through our Services, including information collected through contact forms and other interactive elements of our site
• In emails, text messages, and other electronic communications between you and our Services
• When you interact with our advertising on third-party websites and services
• Through information about contractors that we actively collect from publicly available sources for the purpose of creating our ratings and evaluations

Limitations of Policy Scope

This Privacy Policy DOES NOT apply to information:

• Collected by third parties, including contractors, after we transfer your data to them through our contact forms
• Collected by any third party through applications or content linked to our Services

Note: The process of collecting and transferring data to contractors through our site is governed by this Policy, but subsequent actions by contractors with this data are governed by their own privacy policies.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

User Contact Information

When you contact us or submit feedback, we collect:

• First and last name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Content of your message or review
• Any other information you choose to provide

Information for The Stone Magazine

Authors and contributors may provide:

• Professional information
• Biographical data
• Photos and work images
• Article content and materials

2.2 Information About Contractors

We collect information about contractors in two ways:

Direct Provision by Contractors

Contractors requesting inclusion in ratings may provide:

• Company name
• Contact information
• Service descriptions
• Work portfolios
• License information

Collection from Public Sources

We independently collect information from:

• Contractor websites
• Social media accounts
• Business directories
• Professional platforms
• Other publicly available resources

2.3 Automatically Collected Information

When using our Services, we automatically collect:

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, language settings
• Usage Information: pages you visit, visit times, actions on the site
• Location Data: general information based on IP address (country, region)
• Device Information: device type, screen size, app version (if applicable)

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

As a non-commercial organization, we use collected information exclusively to achieve our educational and informational goals:

Core Platform Functions

• Providing and improving our Services
• Processing your requests and providing information
• Maintaining website functionality
• Providing technical support

Creating Ratings and Evaluations

• Developing and maintaining objective contractor ratings
• Analyzing service quality and contractor work
• Creating comparative reviews and recommendations
• Updating and correcting contractor information

Informational Activities

• Publishing and developing The Stone Magazine
• Creating educational content about countertops
• Informing the community about industry trends
• Distributing useful information to consumers

User Interaction

• Establishing connections between users and contractors
• Forwarding requests to appropriate contractors
• Notifications about changes and updates
• Responding to questions and support requests

Legal Bases for Data Processing

We process your information on the following legal bases:

• Consent: When you voluntarily provide information through forms or subscribe to updates
• Legitimate Interests: For providing informational services, improving the platform, and protecting our rights
• Legal Compliance: When processing is necessary to comply with legal requirements
• Public Interest: For providing educational and useful information to the general public

4. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

General Principles

We may disclose aggregated and anonymized information (information that does not identify any specific individual) without restriction. Such information may include website usage statistics, demographic data, general trends, and other analytical data that help us improve our services and inform the community.

4.1 Data Transfer to Contractors

Contact Information Transfer

When you use our contact forms to request information from or about a contractor, we transfer your contact information and request details to that specific contractor to facilitate your request.

Transferred information may include:

• Your name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Project or request details
• Communication preferences

Important: After transferring your data to a contractor, further processing of this data is governed by the contractor's privacy policy, not ours. For detailed information about this process, see Section 17 of our Terms of Service.

4.2 Other Information Transfer Cases

Service Providers

We may transfer information to third parties who provide us with services:

• Hosting and technical support
• Analytics services
• Form processing systems
• Email services

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information in cases of:

• Legal requirements or court proceedings
• Protecting our rights and security
• Preventing fraud
• Business transfer transactions

4.3 Public Information

Any reviews, comments, or other content you voluntarily submit for public display on our Services will be publicly available and may be read, collected, or used by other users.

Recommendation: Do not include personal or confidential information in public materials.

5. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit websites. We use cookies and similar technologies to improve our website's functionality and analyze its usage.

5.1 Types of Technologies Used

Essential Cookies

Ensure basic site functionality, security, and remember your preferences

Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how visitors use the site to improve user experience

Functional Cookies

Remember your preferences and settings to personalize your experience

5.2 Managing Cookies

You can manage cookies in several ways:

• Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to disable or limit cookie usage in settings
• Mobile Devices: iOS and Android have settings that limit ad tracking
• Analytics Opt-out: You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing a browser extension

Note: Disabling cookies may affect the functionality and usability of our site.

6. DATA RETENTION AND SECURITY

6.1 Data Retention Periods

We retain your personal information only for the time reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes specified in this Privacy Policy:

General Retention Principles

• Contact information: until interaction goals are achieved
• Technical logs: up to 2 years for security analysis
• Analytics data: in aggregated form without restrictions
• Contractor information: while relevant for ratings

6.2 Data Security

Technical Measures

• Data encryption during transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure servers and databases
• Regular security system updates
• Monitoring for unauthorized access
• Data backup

Security Limitations

Despite the measures we take, no method of transmitting data over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information, but we make all reasonable efforts to protect it.

7. YOUR RIGHTS AND DATA CONTROL

Your Rights Regarding Personal Data

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the following rights:

Access and Information

• Know what data we collect about you
• Obtain a copy of your personal data
• Understand how we use your data
• Know to whom we transfer your data

Correction and Deletion

• Correct inaccurate information
• Complete incomplete data
• Request deletion of your data
• Restrict data processing

7.1 Contractor Rights

If you are a contractor featured in our ratings, you have additional rights:

• Request updates or corrections to your company information
• Provide additional materials for posting
• Request removal of certain information
• Challenge inaccurate or outdated data

7.2 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your rights:

1. Send a request to: support@countertopscontractors.com
2. Include in the subject line: "Data Protection Request"
3. Provide sufficient information to confirm your identity
4. Clearly describe which right you want to exercise
5. We will respond within 30 days

8. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Protection of Children Under 13

Our Services are not intended for children under 13 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verified parental consent.

If You Discover a Violation:

If you believe we have information from a child under 13, immediately contact us at support@countertopscontractors.com. We will delete such information and block the child's account as quickly as possible.

8.1 Users Ages 13 to 18

If you are between 13 and 18 years old (or have not reached the age of majority in your jurisdiction), you may use our Services only:

• Under supervision of a parent or legal guardian
• With parent or guardian consent to comply with this Privacy Policy
• With parent/guardian understanding of data processing terms

9. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS' RIGHTS

9.1 California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights regarding your personal information under the CCPA:

Rights to Information

• Know categories of data collected
• Know sources of information
• Know purposes of data use
• Know to whom data is transferred

Rights to Action

• Request data deletion
• Opt out of data "sales"
• Not be discriminated against
• Access your data

9.2 Our CCPA Position

We DO NOT Sell Personal Data

CountertopsContractors.com does not sell your personal information to third parties and will not do so in the future without providing you notice and an opportunity to opt out of such sale.

As a non-commercial project, we do not derive financial benefit from your data.

9.3 California Shine the Light Law

California Civil Code Section 1798.83 allows California residents to request information about disclosure of personal data to third parties for direct marketing.

To make such a request, send an email to support@countertopscontractors.com with the subject "California Privacy Rights".

9.4 California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)

"Do Not Track" Signal (DNT): We currently do not respond to browser DNT signals, as there is no industry standard for such signals. You may express your privacy preferences through browser settings.

10. INTERNATIONAL USERS

Server Location and Applicable Law

CountertopsContractors.com is based in the United States, and the information we collect is governed by U.S. law. Our servers are located in the United States.

10.1 Cross-Border Data Transfer

If you access our Services from outside the United States, please be aware:

• Your information may be transferred, processed, and stored in the United States
• Data protection laws in the U.S. may differ from those in your country
• By using our Services, you consent to such data transfer
• We take reasonable measures to protect your data in accordance with this Policy

10.2 European Union Users

If you are in the EU, you have additional rights under GDPR:

Basic Rights

• Right to access
• Right to rectification
• Right to erasure
• Right to restrict processing

Additional Rights

• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to file complaints with regulatory authorities
• Right to withdraw consent

10.3 Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)

For EU users, we process data on the following legal bases:

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to processing
• Legitimate Interests: For providing our services and improving the platform
• Contract Performance: For processing your requests
• Legal Compliance: When required by law

11. PRIVACY POLICY CHANGES

Right to Make Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as our activities develop and legal requirements change.

11.1 Notice of Changes

We will notify you of significant changes in the following ways:

• Posting an updated date at the top of this Policy
• Notice on our website's homepage
• Sending an email (if we have your address)
• Other appropriate communication methods depending on the nature of changes

11.2 Your Actions Regarding Changes

We recommend regularly reviewing this Policy to track changes:

• Continued use of our Services after changes means acceptance of new terms
• If you disagree with changes, stop using our Services
• You may contact us to clarify any changes
• For significant changes, you will have reasonable time to make a decision

12. CONTACT INFORMATION

Privacy-Related Communications

If you have questions, comments, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data processing practices, please contact us:

Primary Contact

Email: support@countertopscontractors.com

Subject: Privacy Request

Response Time: up to 30 days

Types of Requests

• Questions about data collection and use
• Requests for information correction or deletion
• Exercising user rights
• Data processing complaints
• Contractor requests for information updates

What to Include in Your Request

For Users

• Your full name
• Email address
• Description of your request
• Identity verification (if necessary)

For Contractors

• Company name
• Contact person
• Specific information to be changed
• Proof of authority

Security Commitment

To ensure security, we will take necessary steps to verify your identity before fulfilling a request or providing access to personal information. This may include email address verification, providing additional documents, or other reasonable verification measures.