Shop American Handcrafted (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide through our website.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit our website, make a donation, submit a store for our directory or map, contact us, or otherwise interact with us online.

By using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. Please also review our Terms of Use.

1. Who We Are

Shop American Handcrafted is a nonprofit initiative focused on educating consumers about the value of handcrafted goods, encouraging support for local shopping, and helping people locate stores that carry handcrafted products.

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, you may contact us at service@shopamericanhandcrafted.com.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Information You Provide Directly

You may choose to provide personal information when you:

• contact us by email or through a form
• submit a store for inclusion in our directory or map
• make a donation
• sign up for updates, newsletters, or communications
• otherwise communicate with us

Depending on the situation, this information may include:

• name
• email address
• phone number
• mailing address
• store or business name
• store location and contact details
• website and social media links
• donation details
• any other information you voluntarily submit

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we or our service providers may automatically collect certain technical and usage information, such as:

• IP address
• browser type
• device type
• operating system
• referring website
• pages visited
• time spent on pages
• approximate location based on IP address
• date and time of visits

This information may be collected using cookies, analytics tools, server logs, or similar technologies.

3. How We Use Information

We may use the information we collect to:

• operate, maintain, and improve our website
• respond to inquiries and communicate with you
• review and manage store directory or map submissions
• process donations
• send updates, newsletters, or other communications you request or consent to receive
• understand how visitors use our website
• protect the security and integrity of the website
• prevent fraud, abuse, scraping, or misuse
• comply with legal obligations
• support our nonprofit mission and related outreach efforts

4. Store Directory and Map Submissions

If you submit a store for inclusion in our directory or map, we may collect the information you provide for review and possible publication.

Information submitted for a listing may include business or store-related information such as:

• store name
• store address
• public phone number
• public email address
• website
• social media links
• store description
• photos or logos
• other related business details

If a listing is approved, some or all of the submitted business information may be displayed publicly on the website.

Submission of a listing does not guarantee approval or continued inclusion. We reserve the right to review, edit, reject, remove, or update listings at our discretion.

To request listing consideration, please visit Submit Your Store.

5. Donations

If you make a donation through our website, payment information may be collected and processed by a third-party payment processor rather than directly by Shop American Handcrafted.

We may receive limited information related to your donation, such as:

• your name
• contact information
• donation amount
• date of donation
• transaction confirmation details

We do not store full payment card information unless expressly stated at the point of collection.

To support our mission, please visit Donate Today.

6. Cookies and Analytics

We may use cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality, understand website usage, and enhance the visitor experience.

Cookies are small data files stored on your browser or device. They may help us remember preferences, understand site traffic, and improve performance.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect certain site features.

We may also use third-party analytics tools to better understand how users interact with our website.

7. How We Share Information

We do not sell personal information.

We may share information in the following circumstances:

• with service providers who help us operate the website, process donations, manage email communications, or perform related services
• with third-party platforms or tools used to host maps, forms, donation pages, analytics, or communications
• if required by law, subpoena, court order, or other legal process
• to protect the rights, safety, property, or security of Shop American Handcrafted, our users, or others
• in connection with organizational restructuring, merger, transfer, or similar operational change, if permitted by law

Any public business information included in an approved store listing may be visible to website visitors.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including to:

• provide services or respond to requests
• maintain directory records
• keep donation and communication records
• comply with legal, tax, accounting, or operational obligations
• resolve disputes and enforce our policies

We may retain de-identified, aggregated, or archived information for longer periods where permitted by law.

9. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure.

However, no website, platform, or method of electronic storage or transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Your Choices

You may choose not to provide personal information, but doing so may limit your ability to use certain features of the website.

If you no longer wish to receive marketing or informational emails from us, you may unsubscribe using the link in the email or contact us at service@shopamericanhandcrafted.com.

If you would like to request correction, update, or removal of information you previously submitted, you may contact us and we will review your request.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13.

If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information through our website, please contact us so we can review and delete it if appropriate.

12. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, maps, social media platforms, payment processors, or other external services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of those third parties.

Your use of third-party websites and services is subject to their own terms and privacy policies.

13. Do Not Track

Some web browsers may offer a “Do Not Track” setting. At this time, unless otherwise stated on a specific part of the site, Shop American Handcrafted does not respond to browser Do Not Track signals in a uniform way.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the Effective Date at the top of this page. Your continued use of the website after changes are posted means you accept the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Us

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