Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

AutoParts Ecommerce ("we," "our," or "us") is a web development company specializing in building ecommerce solutions for auto parts businesses. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, engage our development services, or interact with us.

By using our website and services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website or services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, business address
• Business Information: Company name, industry, website URL, tax ID, business registration details
• Project Details: Website requirements, technical specifications, budget information, timeline preferences
• Account Information: Login credentials for project management portals, communication platforms
• Payment Information: Billing details, payment method information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Communication Data: Messages sent through contact forms, emails, project discussions, feedback and testimonials
• Technical Access: Website credentials, hosting details, domain information, API keys (when provided for development work)

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type and version, device information, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click-through rates, form interactions
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Payment Processors: Transaction verification and fraud prevention data
• Business Partners: Referral information from marketing partners or existing clients
• Public Sources: Business information available in public directories or websites
• Service Providers: Analytics data from website performance tools and marketing platforms

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Delivery and Project Management

• Providing web development and ecommerce solutions
• Managing development projects and timelines
• Communicating project updates and deliverables
• Providing ongoing support and maintenance services
• Testing and deploying websites and applications

3.2 Business Operations

• Processing contracts and invoicing
• Managing client relationships and accounts
• Providing customer service and technical support
• Verifying your identity and business credentials
• Managing our internal project management systems

3.3 Service Enhancement and Development

• Improving our development processes and methodologies
• Developing new services and solutions
• Analyzing client needs and market trends
• Creating case studies and portfolio examples (with client consent)
• Conducting research on ecommerce and web development best practices

3.4 Marketing and Business Development

• Sending newsletters and industry updates (with your consent)
• Sharing relevant development tips and best practices
• Promoting our services and showcasing client success stories
• Networking and building business relationships
• Attending and promoting industry events and conferences

3.5 Legal and Compliance

• Complying with legal obligations and regulations
• Protecting our intellectual property rights
• Preventing fraud and unauthorized activities
• Responding to legal requests and court orders
• Maintaining professional standards and certifications

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers and Subcontractors

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Cloud hosting and data storage (AWS, Google Cloud, etc.)
• Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
• Email marketing and communication (Mailchimp, etc.)
• Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Slack, etc.)
• Analytics and reporting (Google Analytics, etc.)
• Design and development tools (Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)
• Freelance developers or specialists (under strict confidentiality agreements)

4.2 Technology Partners

• Platform Providers: nopCommerce, hosting providers, and third-party integrations
• API Providers: ERP Software, Xero, payment gateways, and other integration partners
• Development Tools: Code repositories, testing platforms, and deployment services

4.3 Client References and Portfolio

With your explicit consent, we may:

• Use your project as a case study or portfolio example
• Reference your business in marketing materials
• Share anonymized project details for educational or marketing purposes

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes, subpoenas, or court orders
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Investigate fraud or security breaches
• Enforce our service agreements and terms

4.5 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of our business, your information may be transferred to the new owner as part of the transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information and project data, including:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission and secure storage
• Access Controls: Limited access to client information on a need-to-know basis
• Secure Development: Following secure coding practices and regular security audits
• Confidentiality Agreements: All team members and contractors sign confidentiality agreements
• Regular Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for security vulnerabilities
• Backup and Recovery: Regular data backups and disaster recovery procedures
• Compliance: Adherence to industry security standards and best practices

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Client Project Data

6.1 Project Confidentiality

We treat all client project information as confidential and proprietary. This includes:

• Website designs, code, and technical specifications
• Business processes and requirements
• Customer data and analytics (when provided)
• Proprietary business information and trade secrets

6.2 Data Ownership

• You retain ownership of all your business data and content
• We retain ownership of our development methodologies and general technical knowledge
• Custom code developed specifically for your project belongs to you upon final payment
• We may retain copies of project files for support and maintenance purposes

6.3 Third-Party Access

We only provide third-party access to your project data when:

• Explicitly authorized by you in writing
• Required for technical integrations you have requested
• Necessary for hosting, maintenance, or support services
• Mandated by legal requirements

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
• Performance Cookies: Help us analyze website usage and improve our services
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used for lead generation and promotional content

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 Access and Portability

• Request access to your personal information
• Receive a copy of your data in a structured format

8.2 Correction and Updates

• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Update your contact and business information

8.3 Deletion

• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and contractual obligations)
• Request removal from marketing communications

8.4 Data Portability

• Request transfer of your project data to another service provider
• Receive project files and documentation upon contract completion

8.5 Consent Management

• Withdraw consent for marketing communications
• Opt-out of portfolio usage and case study participation

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 11.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for the following periods:

• Project Data: 7 years after project completion for support and legal purposes
• Business Communications: 5 years for business relationship management
• Marketing Data: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
• Financial Records: 7 years for accounting and tax purposes
• Legal Compliance: As required by applicable laws and regulations

10. International Data Transfers

As a development company working with clients globally, your information may be transferred to and processed in different countries. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during international transfers.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

For data protection inquiries, you may also contact our Data Protection Officer at: dpo@autopartsecommerce.com

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to active clients
• Including notices in project communications

Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Additional Information for Specific Jurisdictions

13.1 California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to know about personal information collected and disclosed for business purposes.

13.2 European Union Residents (GDPR)

EU residents have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation, including enhanced data portability rights and the right to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities.

13.3 Other Jurisdictions

We comply with applicable privacy laws in all jurisdictions where we operate and serve clients.