Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Metal Detector Works (“we”, “our”, or “us”) operates from Denver, Colorado, United States. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit https://metaldetectorworks.com (the “Site”).

By using our Site, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our Site.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information you voluntarily submit when you:

• Contact us via our contact form: name, email address, message content
• Subscribe to our newsletter: email address
• Participate in surveys or promotions: responses and contact information

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain technical information through cookies and similar tracking technologies:

• Device information: browser type, operating system, device model
• Usage data: pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, referring URLs
• IP address and approximate location: derived from your IP address for analytics purposes
• Cookie identifiers: unique identifiers stored on your device

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We receive limited information from third-party services we use:

• Amazon Associates: Commission tracking data when you click affiliate links
• Google Analytics: Aggregated traffic and behavior data
• Search engines: Referral data showing which search queries led to our Site

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Operate and improve the Site: Provide content, functionality, and a better user experience
• Respond to inquiries: Answer questions submitted through our contact form
• Send newsletters: Deliver product reviews and buying guides to subscribers (you can unsubscribe anytime)
• Analyze traffic and behavior: Understand which content resonates with readers and optimize our editorial strategy
• Attribute affiliate commissions: Track clicks and purchases to earn Amazon Associates commissions
• Comply with legal obligations: Respond to legal requests, enforce our Terms, and protect our rights
• Prevent fraud and abuse: Detect malicious activity and protect Site security

We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about your use of our Site. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognize you, remember preferences, and analyze traffic.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential cookies: Required for core Site functionality (session management, security)
• Analytics cookies: Google Analytics tracks visitor behavior to help us improve content (aggregated and anonymized)
• Affiliate cookies: Amazon Associates uses a 24-hour cookie to attribute purchases from our affiliate links
• Advertising cookies: May be used by third-party ad networks to serve relevant ads (if applicable)

5. How We Share Your Information

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

5.1 Service Providers

We share data with third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements:

• Hosting providers: Store Site data on secure servers
• Email marketing platforms: Deliver newsletters to subscribers
• Analytics providers: Google Analytics processes usage data to generate traffic reports

5.2 Affiliate Partners

When you click an Amazon affiliate link, Amazon receives limited data (click timestamp, referring URL) to attribute commissions. Amazon’s use of this data is governed by their own privacy policy.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our legal rights, prevent fraud, or ensure user safety.

5.4 Business Transfers

If Metal Detector Works is acquired, merged, or sells assets, user information may be transferred to the new owner. We will notify you via email or Site notice before your data is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction:

• SSL/TLS encryption: All data transmitted between your browser and our Site is encrypted
• Secure hosting: Our hosting provider employs industry-standard security practices
• Access controls: Only authorized personnel have access to user data
• Regular security audits: We review our practices to identify and address vulnerabilities

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

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Rights for All Users

Regardless of your location, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Opt-out of marketing: Unsubscribe from newsletters at any time using the link in every email

7.2 EU and UK Residents (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Union or United Kingdom, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to access: Obtain confirmation of data processing and a copy of your data
• Right to rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
• Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”): Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
• Right to restriction of processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to object: Object to data processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time (does not affect prior processing)
• Right to lodge a complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

7.3 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) grant you the following rights:

• Right to know: Request details about the personal information we collect, use, disclose, and sell (if applicable)
• Right to know about sharing/sale: Request information about whether we sell or share your data (we do NOT sell personal information)
• Right to opt out of sale: Opt out of the sale of personal information (not applicable—we don’t sell data)
• Right to delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information
• Right to limit use of sensitive personal information: Limit the use of sensitive data (not applicable—we don’t collect sensitive data beyond what’s necessary)
• Right to non-discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

7.4 Other U.S. State Residents (VCDPA, CPA, CTDPA, UCPA)

If you reside in Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, or Utah, you have similar rights under your state’s privacy law:

• Right to access: Confirm whether we process your data and obtain a copy
• Right to correct: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to opt out of targeted advertising: Opt out of targeted ads based on your data
• Right to data portability: Receive your data in a portable format

7.5 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please email us at privacy@metaldetectorworks.com with the subject line “Privacy Rights Request”. Include:

• Your full name and email address
• A description of your request (access, deletion, correction, opt-out, etc.)
• Proof of identity (if required to verify your request)

We will respond to your request within 30-45 days, depending on the complexity and applicable law. If we need additional time, we will notify you.

8. Children’s Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

Metal Detector Works is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If we discover that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will delete that information promptly. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@metaldetectorworks.com.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Site contains links to third-party websites, primarily Amazon.com. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites.

When you click an affiliate link and navigate to Amazon or another third-party site, that site’s privacy policy governs the collection and use of your information. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Data Retention

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

• Contact form submissions: Stored for up to 12 months to respond to inquiries and maintain correspondence records
• Newsletter subscribers: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Analytics data: Google Analytics retains data according to its default retention period (typically 26 months)
• Deletion requests: Processed within 30-45 days; data is permanently deleted after verification

11. International Data Transfers

Metal Detector Works is based in the United States. If you access our Site from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.

For users in the European Union or United Kingdom, we rely on standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission to ensure adequate protection when transferring data to the U.S.

By using our Site, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other jurisdictions where our service providers operate.

12. Email Communications

12.1 Newsletter Subscriptions

If you subscribe to our newsletter, we will send you periodic emails featuring:

• New metal detector reviews and buying guides
• Product comparison updates
• Seasonal hunting tips and recommendations

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any newsletter email.

12.2 Transactional Emails

We may send transactional emails related to your use of the Site, such as:

• Confirmation of contact form submissions
• Responses to inquiries
• Privacy policy or terms of service updates (if material changes occur)

You cannot opt out of transactional emails, as they are necessary to provide the services you requested.

12.3 Third-Party Marketing

We do NOT share your email address with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

13. Do Not Track Signals

Some web browsers transmit “Do Not Track” (DNT) signals to websites. At this time, Metal Detector Works does not respond to DNT signals, as there is no industry-wide standard for how sites should interpret and respond to these signals.

You can still control cookies and tracking through your browser settings and by using opt-out tools provided by third-party services like Google Analytics.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or Site functionality. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page.

If we make significant changes that affect how we collect, use, or share your personal information, we will notify you by:

• Posting a prominent notice on the Site
• Sending an email to newsletter subscribers (if applicable)

Your continued use of the Site after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

15. Contact Us