Privacy Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

BusinessAtCost (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services (the “Platform”).

1. Information We Collect

We may collect information when you:

• Create an account or update your profile
• Submit a business listing
• Apply to become an affiliate (if available)
• Contact us or request support
• Subscribe to communications
• Use features protected by security tools (e.g., reCAPTCHA)

Information you provide directly may include:

• Account details: name, email address, password (stored in encrypted/hashed form), phone number
• Profile and listing details: business information you submit, descriptions, documents you upload (if any)
• Contact details: mailing address (if required for certain services)

Affiliate information (if applicable) may include:

• Name, website name, and URL
• Email address, phone number
• Payment details (e.g., name for payments, tax classification)

2. Information We Collect Automatically

When you use the Platform, we may automatically collect limited technical information such as:

• IP address, device type, browser type, operating system
• Pages viewed and actions taken on the Platform
• Approximate location (derived from IP address)
• Cookies or similar technologies for functionality and analytics

3. How We Use Your Information

We use information to:

• Create and manage your account
• Provide Platform features, including listings and messaging
• Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• Maintain security, prevent fraud, and block spam/bots
• Improve our website, products, and user experience
• Send service-related notices (e.g., account updates, policy changes)

We only send marketing or promotional emails if you have opted in (or where permitted by law). You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in the email or by contacting us.

4. Sharing of Information

We may share your information with trusted third parties only as necessary to operate the Platform, such as:

• Service providers (hosting, email delivery, analytics, security tools)
• Payment processors (if you purchase paid services)
• Professional advisors (legal, accounting) as required
• Law enforcement or regulators, when required by law

These parties are only permitted to use your information to provide services to us and must protect it.

If a feature involves direct sharing with another party (for example, contacting a Seller), the information you choose to provide through that feature may be visible to that party.

5. Public Listings and Visibility

Some information you submit may be displayed publicly (for example, a business listing description). You control what you publish in a listing. Do not include sensitive personal information in public listing fields.

6. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies to operate the Platform and understand usage. You can usually control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain features.

7. Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. However, no security system is perfect, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to provide the Platform, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal information, and to withdraw consent. You may also opt out of marketing communications at any time.

10. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. Please review their policies before providing information.

11. Children’s Privacy

The Platform is not intended for children under the age of 13 (or the minimum age required by local law). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on this page and revise the effective date. Your continued use of the Platform after changes means you accept the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your information, contact us:

policy@businessatcost.com
BusinessAtCost

Note: This document is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.