Privacy Policy
How We Protect and Handle Your Personal Information
1. Introduction
Payments Suck ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our payment processing consulting services.
This policy applies to all information collected through our website, consulting services, and related communications.
CCPA Compliance: We are fully compliant with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other applicable privacy laws.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Business Information: Company name, job title, business type, industry
- Payment Processing Data: Transaction volumes, processing rates, merchant account details
- Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, usage patterns
2.2 Information Collection Methods
We collect information through:
- Information you provide directly through forms, consultations, or communications
- Website analytics and cookies (with your consent where required)
- Third-party services for payment processing analysis
- Public business records and industry databases
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
3.1 Service Provision
- Providing payment processing consulting and analysis services
- Generating reports and recommendations
- Communicating about your account and services
- Processing payments for consulting services
3.2 Business Operations
- Improving our services and developing new offerings
- Conducting research and analysis for industry insights
- Maintaining security and preventing fraud
- Complying with legal obligations and regulations
3.3 Marketing (With Consent)
- Sending newsletters, updates, and promotional materials
- Sharing industry insights and best practices
- Inviting you to events and webinars
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Information
Payments Suck does not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
4.2 Limited Sharing
We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist in providing our services (under strict confidentiality agreements)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
- Business Protection: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our clients
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
4.3 Anonymized Data
We may share anonymized, aggregated data for industry research and analysis purposes, provided that individual identification is not possible.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption: Data transmission and storage encryption
- Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- Regular Audits: Security assessments and compliance reviews
- Employee Training: Privacy and security training for all staff
- Incident Response: Procedures for addressing security incidents
6. Your Privacy Rights (CCPA Compliance)
6.1 California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Rights
As a California resident, you have the following rights under the CCPA:
Right to Know
- Request information about what personal data we collect, use, and disclose
- Request copies of specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you
Right to Delete
- Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions
Right to Opt-Out
- Opt-out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell data)
Right to Non-Discrimination
- Receive equal service and pricing regardless of exercising your CCPA rights
Exercise Your Rights: Submit CCPA Request
6.2 Additional Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have additional rights:
- Access: Request access to your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Portability: Request data portability in certain circumstances
- Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain cases
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
7. Cookies and Tracking
7.1 Types of Cookies
We use the following types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
7.2 Cookie Management
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.
7.3 Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and usage patterns. Google may collect information about your visit according to their privacy policy.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal information for the following periods:
- Active Clients: Duration of the consulting engagement plus applicable statute of limitations
- Prospective Clients: Up to 3 years from last contact
- Marketing Contacts: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
- Legal Requirements: As required by applicable laws and regulations
We regularly review and delete information that is no longer needed for business or legal purposes.
9. International Data Transfers
Our services are primarily based in the United States. If you are accessing our services from outside the US, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the US where our servers are located.
We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
10. Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.
We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use in connection with our consulting services.
11. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.
If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Sending email notifications for significant changes
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the bottom of this policy
Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Payments Suck - Privacy Team
Email: privacy@paymentssuck.com
Phone: [Contact Phone Number]
Address: [Business Address]
Data Protection Officer:
Email: dpo@paymentssuck.com
13.1 Response Times
- General inquiries: Within 5 business days
- CCPA requests: Within 10 business days for acknowledgment, 45 days for completion
- Privacy complaints: Within 30 days
14. Additional Information for California Residents
14.1 Categories of Personal Information
In the past 12 months, we may have collected the following categories of personal information:
- Identifiers (name, email, phone, address)
- Commercial information (payment processing data, business information)
- Internet activity (website usage, IP address)
- Professional information (job title, company, industry)
14.2 Sources of Information
- Directly from you through forms and communications
- From your devices through website interactions
- From business partners and service providers
- From public business records
14.3 Business Purposes
We use personal information for the business purposes described in Section 3 above.
Last updated: October 25, 2024
Previous version: [Link to previous version if applicable]