Privacy Policy | GearWise

GearWise (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the GearWise website and related services (the “Service”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the Service. Please read this policy carefully. By using the Service, you consent to the practices described herein.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide

Account information. When you create an account, we may collect your name, email address, and password.
User content. Reviews, comments, saved searches, and other content you submit through the Service.
Communications. Information you provide when you contact us for support or feedback.

Information collected automatically

Usage data. Pages visited, features used, search queries, time spent on pages, and interaction patterns.
Device information. Browser type, operating system, device type, screen resolution, and language preferences.
Log data. IP address, access times, referring URLs, and pages viewed.
Cookies and similar technologies. We use cookies, pixels, and local storage to operate the Service, remember preferences, and analyze usage. See Section 5 for details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide, maintain, and improve the Service.
Personalize your experience, including AI-powered recommendations and search results.
Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support.
Send you service-related notices and, with your consent, promotional communications.
Analyze usage trends and measure the effectiveness of features.
Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and technical issues.
Comply with legal obligations.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service providers. We share information with third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, analytics, and customer support. These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only as directed by us.
Analytics partners. We use Vercel Analytics and similar tools to understand how the Service is used. These partners may collect usage data subject to their own privacy policies.
AI service providers. When you use AI-powered features (such as the chat assistant or comparison tool), your queries may be processed by third-party AI providers. We do not share your account information with these providers, but the content of your queries is transmitted for processing.
Legal requirements. We may disclose information if required to do so by law, regulation, or legal process, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of GearWise, our users, or the public.
Business transfers. In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. We may also retain information as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we delete or anonymize it.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use the following types of cookies:

Essential cookies. Required for the Service to function (e.g., session management, authentication).
Analytics cookies. Help us understand how visitors interact with the Service so we can improve it.
Preference cookies. Remember your settings, such as display preferences and recently viewed items.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of the Service.

6. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

Access, correct, or delete your personal information.
Object to or restrict certain processing of your information.
Request portability of your data.
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
Opt out of promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in those messages.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at support@gearwise.io. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law.

7. Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other jurisdictions where we or our service providers operate.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete it promptly. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@gearwise.io.

10. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. As noted above, we do not sell personal information. To exercise your rights under the CCPA, contact us at support@gearwise.io.

11. European Privacy Rights

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the rights listed in Section 6. Our legal bases for processing your information include your consent, the performance of our contract with you, our legitimate interests in operating and improving the Service, and compliance with legal obligations.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a revised effective date. We encourage you to review this page periodically. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at support@gearwise.io.