Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

Information You Give Us

We collect data you share with us when you:

• Contact Us: Your name and email when you send a message
• Subscribe: Your email when you sign up for our newsletter
• Comment: Your name, email, and comment text
• Forms: Any data you enter in our site forms

Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our site, we collect some data through cookies and similar tools:

• Device Info: Browser type, device type, and OS
• Usage Data: Pages you visit, time on page, links you click
• Location Data: General area based on your IP address
• Referral Data: How you found our site

How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

• Run Our Site: Deliver content and keep things working
• Improve Our Site: See what’s working and fix what isn’t
• Reply to You: Answer your questions and offer support
• Send Newsletters: Only if you signed up — unsubscribe anytime
• Track Trends: See which content helps our readers most
• Stay Safe: Protect our site from fraud and abuse
• Follow the Law: Meet any legal needs that apply to us

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to improve your visit to our site.

Types of Cookies We Use

Cookie Type	Purpose	Duration
Essential	Required for basic site function	Session
Analytics	Help us see how people use our site	Up to 2 years
Preferences	Save your settings and choices	Up to 1 year
Advertising	Show relevant ads when applicable	Varies

Managing Cookies

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Keep in mind that blocking some cookies may break parts of our site.

To opt out of Google Analytics, use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Third-Party Services

We use outside services that may collect data about you.

Analytics

We use Google Analytics to track site traffic. It collects data without tying it to you as an individual.

Advertising

We may show ads through third-party ad networks. These partners may use cookies to show ads based on your browsing history.

Affiliate Links

Our site has affiliate links to mystery shopping companies. When you click them, that site may place a tracking cookie. Please check the privacy policy of any site you visit.

Email Marketing

We use MailerLite to manage our email list and send newsletters. When you subscribe, your name and email are stored on MailerLite’s servers. MailerLite may use cookies and tracking pixels to measure email open rates and clicks. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email we send. View MailerLite’s Privacy Policy for full details.

Social Media

If you use social media features on our site, those platforms may collect data under their own privacy policies.

Information Sharing

We do not sell your data.

We only share your data in these cases:

• Service Providers: Vendors who help us run our site (hosting, email, analytics)
• Legal Needs: When the law requires it
• Protection: To protect our rights, our site, or our users
• Business Changes: In a merger, sale, or transfer of assets

All vendors must protect your data and use it only as we direct.

Data Security

We take steps to protect your data, including:

• SSL encryption for all data sent to and from our site
• Secure hosting with trusted providers
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Strict limits on who can access your data

No method of online data transfer is 100% secure. We do our best but can’t guarantee perfect security.

Data Retention

We only keep your data as long as we need it. Here’s how long we hold each type:

• Contact Form Submissions: Up to 3 years
• Newsletter Subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe
• Comments: Until you ask us to delete them
• Analytics Data: Up to 26 months (Google’s default)

U.S. State Privacy Rights

Many U.S. states have passed privacy laws that give residents specific rights over their data. These include California (CCPA/CPRA), Virginia (VCDPA), Colorado, Connecticut, Texas, Oregon, Montana, and others. While the details vary by state, most share the same core rights.

Your Rights

• Access: Know what data we collect, use, share, or sell
• Delete: Ask us to remove your data
• Correct: Fix data that’s wrong or out of date
• Opt Out: Opt out of the sale of your data
• Port: Get a copy of your data in a usable format
• Fair Treatment: We won’t discriminate against you for using your privacy rights

We do not sell your personal data as defined by any applicable state privacy law.

To make a privacy request or ask questions about your rights, contact us at john@mysteryshopstarter.com with the subject line “Privacy Rights Request.” We will respond within 30 days.

Children’s Privacy

Our site is not for children under 13. We don’t knowingly collect data from anyone under 13.

If you think we have a child’s data, please contact us right away and we’ll delete it.

International Data Transfers

Our site is based in the United States. If you visit from outside the U.S., your data may be stored and processed here.

By using our site, you agree to this transfer. U.S. data laws may differ from those in your country.

Links to Other Sites

Our site links to mystery shopping companies and other outside sites. We’re not responsible for how those sites handle your data.

Always check the privacy policy of any site before giving them your personal info — especially when applying to mystery shopping companies.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do:

• We’ll update the effective date at the top
• Big changes will be clearly noted
• Continued use of our site means you accept the new policy

Check back here if you want to stay up to date.