Privacy Policy

The short version

We collect information when you contact us or submit a project inquiry. We use it to respond to you, assess project fit, and improve our services. We don't sell your data or share it with marketers. We keep your business details private, invoicing only, unless you tell us otherwise. We use standard security practices to protect what you share.

If you have questions or want to access, update, or delete your information, email us at contact@afterdarkcommerce.com.

What information we collect

When you visit the website

• Your IP address and browser type (standard website analytics)
• Pages you visit and how long you stay (to understand what's useful)
• Device type and operating system

We use basic analytics to see what people find helpful, not to track individuals.

When you submit a project inquiry or contact us

• Your name and contact information (email, phone if provided)
• Your business name and details
• What you sell and where sales happen today
• Your goals, budget, timeline, and concerns
• Any files or materials you attach (product lists, audit results, existing website information, etc.)

We collect this to understand your situation, assess whether we're a good fit, and recommend the right next step.

When you become a client

• Everything above, plus invoicing and payment information
• Your legal business name and address (for invoices and legal agreements)
• Project scope, deliverables, and timeline
• Communications about the project (email, feedback, approvals)
• Work product and materials we create for you

Why we use your information

To respond to you: We use your contact information to answer questions and follow up on inquiries.

To assess project fit: We use business details to understand your situation and decide whether we're the right partner. Sometimes the honest answer is "we're not a good fit," and we tell you that upfront.

To deliver services: If you become a client, we use project information to perform the work, create deliverables, and keep you updated.

To improve our services: We look at general patterns in inquiries to understand what businesses need and what's causing common problems. This helps us refine our approach and communication.

To comply with law: If legally required (tax authority, law enforcement, court order), we may disclose information. We'll tell you if we can.

Who we share information with

We don't sell your data. We don't share it with marketers, advertisers, or brokers.

We do share it with:

• Formspree: We use Formspree to process project inquiry forms. Your submission data goes to Formspree's servers so we can receive it via email. Formspree Privacy Policy
• Email provider: We use Google Workspace for business email. Your emails with us are stored there. Google Privacy Policy
• Website hosting: Our site is hosted on Cloudflare Pages. Cloudflare Privacy Policy
• Accountant: If you become a client, we may share invoicing and payment information with a qualified accountant for tax and bookkeeping purposes.
• Attorney: If a legal issue arises, we may share necessary information with our attorney for legal advice or representation.
• Payment processor: We accept payments via bank transfer and credit card. Payment information is processed securely, and we don't store full card numbers.

We only share what's necessary for these services to function, and we require these partners to protect your privacy.

We never share your information with:

• Marketing companies or data brokers
• Competing consultants or agencies
• Public directories or listings
• Third parties for their marketing purposes

How we protect your information

Encryption: We use HTTPS encryption when you submit forms or contact us. This protects your data in transit.

Access controls: Only people who need your information to do their jobs can access it. We don't give contractors or third parties unnecessary access.

Secure storage: Your information is stored on secure, password-protected servers. We use industry-standard security practices.

What we can't guarantee: No security system is 100% impenetrable. If a data breach occurs despite our precautions, we'll notify you promptly and work to minimize harm.

How long we keep your information

Inquiry data (if you're not a client): We keep it for 12 months to follow up and maintain a record of conversations. After that, we delete it unless you ask us to keep it or we have a legal reason to retain it.

Client project data: We keep project information for the duration of the engagement plus 3 years after completion, for accounting, tax, and legal purposes. After that, we delete it unless required by law to keep it longer.

Invoices and payment records: We retain these for 7 years to comply with tax and accounting requirements.

Email communications: We keep email conversations related to active projects and engagements. After project completion, we may archive older emails but don't regularly delete them unless you request it.

Analytics data: Website analytics data (IP addresses, page visits) is retained for 12 months, then automatically deleted.

Your rights

You have the right to:

• Access your information: Tell us, and we'll share what we have about you.
• Correct your information: If something is wrong, we'll fix it.
• Delete your information: We'll remove data we've collected about you, subject to the exceptions below.
• Opt out of follow-up: If you don't want to hear from us about future services, tell us, and we'll remove you from outreach.
• Request a copy: We'll provide your data in a readable format if you ask.

Deletion exceptions include:

• Information we're legally required to keep (tax records, invoices)
• Information about completed projects (kept for reference and legal protection)
• Information in communications (emails, project feedback) that are part of the project record

To exercise any of these rights, email us at contact@afterdarkcommerce.com with your request.

Your privacy and our business

We take confidentiality seriously. Our clients often have legitimate reasons to keep their business private, including visibility concerns, market sensitivity, or personal safety. We respect that.

Your business details stay private. We use your legal name and business information for invoicing only. We don't publicly associate you with our work without explicit permission.

Invoicing is confidential. Invoices are private business documents. We don't share them unless required by law.

Case study permission is separate. If we want to reference your project as a case study (anonymized), we ask first. You can say yes, no, or yes-with-conditions. See our Client Service Terms for case study details.

Domain privacy (WHOIS): We recommend purchasing WHOIS privacy when you register a domain, so your personal information doesn't appear in the public WHOIS database. This is your choice, and we can advise on the process.

Cookies and tracking

We use minimal cookies. Our website uses basic session cookies to remember that you're browsing and to support form functionality. These don't track you across websites.

No third-party tracking cookies. We don't use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or other tracking pixels that follow you around the internet.

No targeted ads. We don't run retargeting campaigns or personalized advertising based on your browsing.

Your browser settings: You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer. This won't break the site, but some features may work differently.

Third-party links

This website contains links to other sites (articles, resources, competitor information). We don't control these sites and aren't responsible for their privacy practices. If you click an external link, review their privacy policy.

Children

This website and our services are not directed at children under 13. We don't knowingly collect information from children. If we learn we've done so, we'll delete it immediately.

Legal compliance

GDPR (if you're in Europe): If you're located in the European Union or UK, you have additional rights under GDPR, including data portability and the right to object to processing. The rights listed above cover most of these. Email us if you have GDPR-specific questions.

CCPA (if you're in California): If you're a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information we collect, to delete it, and to opt out of sale. We don't sell your information, and you can exercise these rights by emailing us.

Arizona law: These terms are governed by Arizona law. Any disputes are resolved in Arizona courts.

Questions or concerns

Access, update, or delete your information

Email us at contact@afterdarkcommerce.com and tell us what you need. We'll respond within 10 business days.

Privacy concern

If you believe we've mishandled your information, email us with details. We'll investigate and work to resolve it.

Contact

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time as our practices evolve or laws change. We'll note the update date at the top. If we make significant changes, we'll notify you (if you're a client) or post a notice on the website.