Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you schedule service, contact us, or interact with our website. The types of information we may collect include:

Personal Information

• Name: Your first and last name
• Contact Information: Phone number, email address, and mailing address
• Service Address: The location where service is needed
• Appliance Information: Brand, model, and problem description
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely)
• Communication Records: Call logs, emails, text messages, and chat transcripts

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on site, referring website
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device (see Cookie Policy section)
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

Service Delivery

• Schedule and perform appliance repair services
• Communicate appointment details, arrival times, and service updates
• Process payments and send receipts
• Provide warranty service and follow-up support
• Send technician information and photos before arrival

Business Operations

• Improve our services and customer experience
• Respond to customer inquiries and support requests
• Send service reminders and maintenance tips
• Analyze website usage to improve functionality
• Maintain records for accounting and legal purposes

Marketing Communications (With Your Consent)

• Send promotional offers and seasonal discounts
• Share appliance maintenance tips and advice
• Notify you of new services in your area

3. How We Share Your Information

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

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business:

• Payment Processors: To process credit card transactions securely
• Scheduling Software: To manage appointments and customer communications
• Email Services: To send appointment confirmations and communications
• Website Analytics: Google Analytics to understand website usage

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may only use it to provide services to us.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities, including:

• Compliance with legal obligations
• Protection of our rights and property
• Prevention of fraud or illegal activity
• Protection of personal safety

Business Transfers

If Albany Appliance Repair is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website usage.

Types of Cookies We Use

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete existing cookies. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Our security practices include:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure Payment Processing: PCI-DSS compliant payment processors
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to personal information
• Regular Security Audits: Periodic review of security practices
• Secure Storage: Protected servers and databases

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

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

• Service Records: Retained for warranty purposes and legal compliance (typically 3-5 years)
• Payment Information: Retained per financial recordkeeping requirements
• Marketing Data: Retained until you opt out or request deletion
• Website Analytics: Retained for 26 months (Google Analytics default)

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Privacy Rights

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

Access and Correction

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and request corrections to inaccurate information.

Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations.

Opt-Out of Marketing

You can unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in our emails or contacting us directly.

Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.

Restriction of Processing

You may request that we limit how we use your personal information in certain circumstances.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will promptly delete that information.

If you believe we have collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., manufacturer websites, payment processors). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Request information about the personal information we collect, use, and share
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise your California privacy rights, contact us at the information provided below.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
• Post the revised policy on our website
• Notify you by email if the changes are material (if we have your email address)

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.