The Short Version: We have written this in plain language because we think you deserve to actually understand it. GearGuiders is a free informational site focused on troubleshooting power tools and cordless equipment. We do not have user accounts. We do not collect personal information directly unless you email us. We do use basic analytics to see which articles are popular, and we use affiliate links that place a tracking cookie if you click them. We do not sell your personal data.
What information we collect
Information collected automatically: Like most websites, our servers and third-party analytics tools automatically log basic technical information when you visit. This includes your IP address, browser type, device type, referring URL, pages viewed, and rough geographic location (city/region level).
Information you provide: If you contact us via email, we will see your email address and whatever information you choose to include in your message.
Editorial Independence
We may publish product reviews and recommendations throughout our troubleshooting guides. We only recommend products, tools, and replacement parts we believe provide real value and solve the problem at hand. Affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial opinions or the solutions we recommend.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use "cookies" (small text files placed on your device) and similar technologies to measure traffic and track affiliate referrals.
Analytics Cookies
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site (for example, to see which troubleshooting guides are the most helpful). Google Analytics uses cookies to track user interactions.
Affiliate Tracking Cookies
When you click an outbound link to a retailer (like Amazon or Home Depot), that link often contains an affiliate tracking code.
CJ Affiliate Disclosure: We participate in affiliate programs through CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction). You must fully and accurately disclose your use of CJ's tracking technology, use of cookies, and options for discontinuing use of such cookies. When you click a link to a CJ partner (such as Home Depot or Lowe's), CJ drops a cookie on your browser to record the referral so we can earn a commission if you make a purchase. You can discontinue the use of such cookies by clearing your browser cookies or configuring your browser settings to block third-party cookies.
Amazon Associates Disclosure: GearGuiders is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you click an Amazon link on our site, Amazon may set a cookie to track the referral. For more information about how Amazon handles your data, please see the Amazon.com Privacy Notice.
How we use your information
We use the automatically collected information solely to:
- Maintain and improve the GearGuiders website.
- Understand general traffic trends (e.g., finding out that a lot of people need help with Makita batteries in the winter).
- Ensure our site layout functions well across different devices.
- Maintain network security and prevent abuse.
How we share your information (We do not sell data)
We absolutely do not sell your personal information to data brokers or third parties. We may share information in the following limited situations:
- Service Providers: We use third-party tools (like hosting platforms and analytics providers) that need access to basic network data to operate.
- Affiliate Partners: As detailed in the cookies section, affiliate networks track when you click outbound shopping links.
- Legal Requirements: We will disclose information if required by law or valid legal process.
Third-party links
Our troubleshooting articles contain links to external sites (such as manufacturer manuals or retailer product pages). We do not control the privacy practices of those third-party sites and are not responsible for them. Once you leave GearGuiders, you are bound by the privacy policy of the site you visit.
How to opt out of cookies
You have control over how cookies are used on your device:
- Browser Settings: You can configure your browser to reject all cookies or to alert you when a cookie is set. Note that blocking all cookies may prevent some affiliate tracking from functioning.
- Google Analytics: You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all sites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Children's Privacy (COPPA)
GearGuiders is intended for a general audience of adult DIYers, contractors, and homeowners. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we might have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us so we can delete it.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to know what is collected and the right to request deletion. Because we do not have user accounts or collect direct identifying information (other than what you might voluntarily email us), we retain very little identifiable data. We do not sell your personal information.
Data Security and Retention
We employ sensible security measures to protect the integrity of our website. We retain analytics data only as long as necessary for business operational purposes. Emails sent to us are retained long enough to address your inquiry before being archived or deleted.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally as the site evolves or legal requirements change. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Effective Date."
Contact
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle data, please contact us at:
Email: GuidersNetwork@gmail.com