Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 1, 2026
Last Updated: April 1, 2026

The Straight Talk

Look, we get it. Privacy policies are boring legal stuff nobody wants to read. But here’s the deal: we respect your privacy because we’re builders, not data miners. We collect what we need to run the store, ship your gear, and keep things running smooth. That’s it.

This policy explains what info we collect, why we need it, and what we do with it. We’re required by law to have this, so here it is in plain English.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Give Us

When you shop with us or create an account, we collect:

  • Name and contact info (email, phone, shipping address)
  • Payment information (processed securely through our payment processor – we don’t store your full credit card details)
  • Order history (what you bought, when you bought it)
  • Account credentials (username, password – encrypted)

Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our site, we automatically collect:

  • Device and browser info (IP address, browser type, operating system)
  • Usage data (pages visited, time spent, links clicked)
  • Cookies and tracking technologies (see Cookie Policy below)

Information from Third Parties

We may receive info from:

  • Payment processors (transaction confirmations)
  • Shipping carriers (delivery status)
  • Social media platforms (if you interact with us there)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Process and fulfill orders (ship your gear, send confirmations)
  • Communicate with you (order updates, customer service, marketing if you opt in)
  • Improve our store (fix bugs, optimize the shopping experience)
  • Prevent fraud (protect you and us from sketchy activity)
  • Comply with legal obligations (taxes, regulations, law enforcement requests)

3. How We Share Your Information

We don’t sell your data. Period. But we do share it with:

Service Providers

  • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) – to process transactions
  • Shipping carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx) – to deliver your orders
  • Email service providers (for order confirmations and newsletters)
  • Web hosting and analytics (to keep the site running and improve it)

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your info if required by law, court order, or to:

  • Protect our rights and property
  • Prevent fraud or illegal activity
  • Respond to government requests

Business Transfers

If BuiltNotBought is sold or merged, your info may be transferred to the new owner.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies (small data files) to:

  • Remember your cart and login status
  • Analyze site traffic and user behavior
  • Personalize your experience
  • Run advertising campaigns

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

Types of Cookies We Use:

  • Essential cookies – Required for the site to work (shopping cart, checkout)
  • Analytics cookies – Help us understand how you use the site (Google Analytics)
  • Marketing cookies – Track ad performance and retargeting

5. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Delete your account and data
  • Opt out of marketing emails (unsubscribe link in every email)
  • Restrict how we use your data
  • Data portability (get a copy of your data)

To exercise these rights, contact us at: [your-email@builtnotbought.org]

6. Data Security

We take security seriously. We use:

  • SSL encryption for all transactions
  • Secure payment processors (PCI-DSS compliant)
  • Password protection (encrypted and hashed)
  • Regular security updates and monitoring

But let’s be real: no system is 100% secure. We do our best, but you’re responsible for keeping your login credentials safe.

7. Data Retention

We keep your information as long as:

  • Your account is active
  • We need it to fulfill orders and provide customer service
  • Required by law (tax records, etc.)

When we no longer need it, we securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Children’s Privacy

BuiltNotBought is not intended for anyone under 18. We don’t knowingly collect data from minors. If you’re a parent and believe your child provided us with info, contact us immediately and we’ll delete it.

9. International Users

BuiltNotBought operates from the United States (Cleveland, GA). If you’re outside the US, your data may be transferred to and processed in the US, which may have different privacy laws than your country.

By using our site, you consent to this transfer.

10. Third-Party Links

Our site may link to other websites (YouTube, social media, parts suppliers). We’re not responsible for their privacy practices. Read their policies before sharing your info.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

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

  • Right to know what personal data we collect
  • Right to delete your personal data
  • Right to opt out of data sales (we don’t sell data, but you have the right)
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at: [your-email@builtnotbought.org]

12. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you’re in the EU/EEA, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:

  • Right to access, correct, or delete your data
  • Right to restrict or object to processing
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to withdraw consent
  • Right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

Legal basis for processing: We process your data based on:

  • Contract performance (fulfilling orders)
  • Legitimate interests (improving our store, fraud prevention)
  • Consent (marketing emails, cookies)
  • Legal obligations (taxes, compliance)

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do:

  • We’ll post the new policy here with an updated “Last Updated” date
  • For major changes, we’ll notify you via email or site banner

Continued use of the site after changes means you accept the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Reach out:

BuiltNotBought
Cleveland, GA
Email: [your-email@builtnotbought.org]
Website: https://builtnotbought.org

Bottom Line: We collect what we need to run the store and ship your gear. We don’t sell your data. We protect your info. You have rights. If you have questions, ask.

Now get back to building.