Privacy Policy

1. INTRODUCTION

Anderson SC Home Services Directory ("Company," "we," "us," "our") operates as a contractor directory and lead generation platform connecting homeowners with licensed contractors in Anderson County, South Carolina. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly and transparently.

What This Policy Covers:

• What information we collect from homeowners and contractors
• How we use and share your information
• Your rights regarding your personal data
• How AI services impact your privacy
• Text messaging (SMS) terms and A2P compliance
• How we protect your information

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information from Homeowners (Service Seekers)

When you submit a service request, we collect:

• Contact Information: Full name, email address, phone number
• Location Information: Property address, ZIP code, city
• Project Information: Service type needed, project description, timeline, budget range (optional)
• Communication Preferences: Preferred contact method, best times to reach you

Automatically Collected Information:

• IP address and approximate location
• Browser type, version, and device information
• Pages viewed and navigation patterns on our website
• Time and date of visits
• Referring website or source
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.2 Information from Contractors

When contractors register, we collect:

• Business Information: Business name, business structure, years in operation
• Contact Information: Primary contact name, email, phone number, business address
• License & Insurance: License numbers, insurance policy information, coverage amounts
• Service Information: Service categories, coverage areas, specialties
• Payment Information: Billing details for directory listing fees and lead purchases
• Business Profile: Company description, photos, videos, certifications

2.3 AI Services Data Collection (Contractors Using Premium AI)

AI-Collected Data Includes:

• Voice Recordings: Phone call recordings when you call contractors using AI phone answering
• SMS Messages: Text message content when messaging contractors with AI SMS services
• Social Media Interactions: Messages, comments, and interactions on contractor social media pages
• Review Interactions: Your reviews and AI-generated responses to those reviews
• Communication Metadata: Call duration, message timestamps, interaction frequency
• Sentiment Analysis Data: AI analysis of communication tone and content

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

3.1 For Homeowners (Service Seekers)

We use your information to:

• Service Matching: Connect you with up to 3 qualified contractors in your area matching your project needs
• Lead Distribution: Share your contact information and project details with matched contractors
• Communication: Send service-related updates, confirmation emails, and responses to inquiries
• Quality Assurance: Verify lead accuracy, monitor contractor response times, track customer satisfaction
• Platform Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience and matching algorithms
• Marketing Communications: Send home improvement tips, service updates, and promotional offers (with your consent)

3.2 For Contractors

We use contractor information to:

• Directory Listings: Display contractor profiles to homeowners searching for services
• Lead Generation: Match contractors with relevant service requests
• Verification: Confirm licensing, insurance, and business legitimacy
• Performance Tracking: Monitor response times, lead conversion rates, and customer satisfaction
• Directory Rankings: Determine listing placement based on tier level and performance metrics
• Payment Processing: Process directory fees, lead purchases, and Premium AI service subscriptions
• AI Service Delivery: Provide automated review responses, appointment reminders, and social media management (Premium AI subscribers only)

3.3 AI Services Usage (Premium AI Contractors)

For contractors subscribed to Premium AI Services ($197/month), we use collected data to:

• Provide AI-powered review response management
• Send automated appointment reminders and follow-up messages
• Manage social media post scheduling and engagement
• Generate lead follow-up communications
• Analyze communication sentiment and customer satisfaction
• Improve AI response quality through machine learning
• Provide human oversight and quality control of AI interactions

4. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

4.1 Homeowner Information Shared with Contractors

When you submit a service request, we share the following with EXACTLY 3 matched contractors:

• Your full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Property location (address or ZIP code)
• Service type and category
• Project description and details
• Timeline and urgency (if provided)
• Budget range (if provided)
• Preferred contact method and times

4.2 Third-Party Service Providers

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

• Technology Providers: Website hosting (GHL/HighLevel), email services, SMS delivery platforms
• Payment Processors: Stripe for secure contractor payment processing
• AI Service Providers: OpenAI, Google AI, and other AI platforms for Premium AI service delivery
• Analytics Providers: Google Analytics, website performance tracking tools
• Marketing Platforms: Email marketing, SMS marketing, advertising networks
• Verification Services: License verification, insurance confirmation services

All third-party providers are contractually obligated to:

• Use your information only for the specific services they provide to us
• Maintain appropriate security measures
• Comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations
• Not sell or share your information for their own purposes

4.3 Contractor Performance Data

We track and analyze contractor performance metrics including:

• Response times to leads
• Lead conversion rates
• Customer satisfaction scores
• Review ratings and volume
• AI services interaction quality (for Premium AI subscribers)
• Business profile completeness

This performance data determines contractor listing placement within their respective tiers. Rankings are updated quarterly based on accumulated metrics.

4.4 Legal Disclosures and Business Transfers

We may disclose your information when legally required or necessary:

• Legal Compliance: Court orders, subpoenas, government requests, regulatory requirements
• Safety and Security: Protecting users from fraud, abuse, harm, or illegal activity
• Rights Protection: Enforcing our terms of service and protecting our legal rights
• Business Transfers: Mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, or bankruptcy proceedings

5. TEXT MESSAGING (SMS) TERMS & A2P COMPLIANCE

5.1 Consent to Receive Text Messages

By providing your phone number and checking the SMS consent box, you:

• EXPRESSLY CONSENT to receive text messages from Anderson SC Home Services Directory and matched contractors
• Understand that messages may include transactional, informational, promotional, and marketing content
• Acknowledge that consent is NOT required as a condition of purchasing any goods or services
• Agree that standard message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier's plan
• Understand that contractors using Premium AI Services may send automated text responses

5.2 Message Types and Frequency

From Anderson SC Home Services Directory:

• Transactional Messages: Service confirmations, contractor match notifications, lead status updates
• Marketing Messages: Home improvement tips, service promotions, contractor spotlights
• Frequency: Up to 10 messages per month from us
• Timing: Messages sent during business hours (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST)

From Matched Contractors:

• Service Responses: Responses to your service request, quote information, scheduling
• AI-Generated Messages: Automated responses from contractors using Premium AI Services
• Follow-Ups: Appointment reminders, service follow-ups, satisfaction surveys
• Frequency: Variable - depends on contractor and your ongoing service interactions

5.3 How to Opt-Out (Stop Receiving Messages)

You can stop receiving text messages at any time by:

• Replying "STOP" to any text message
• Replying "UNSUBSCRIBE" to any text message
• Emailing us at: [email protected] with subject "SMS Opt-Out"
• Calling us at: (864) 527-2499

5.4 Help and Support

For help with text messages:

• Reply "HELP" to any text message
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (864) 527-2499

6. AI SERVICES DETAILED DISCLOSURE

6.1 What AI Services Do

Contractors using Premium AI Services may have AI-powered automation for:

• Review Response Management: Automatic responses to Google Business Profile reviews within 24 hours
• Appointment Reminders: Automated SMS reminders before scheduled appointments
• Social Media Management: Scheduled posts to Google Business Profile and Facebook (4 posts/month each)
• Lead Follow-Ups: Automated follow-up messages to service inquiries
• Customer Communication: AI-assisted responses to customer messages

6.2 Your Rights Regarding AI Services

If you interact with a contractor using AI services, you have the right to:

• Be Informed: Contractors should disclose when AI is handling your communications
• Request Human Contact: Ask to speak with an actual person instead of AI
• Opt-Out of AI: Request that the contractor not use AI for your specific communications
• Access Your Data: Request copies of AI-collected call recordings or message transcripts
• Data Deletion: Request deletion of AI-collected data after service completion

6.3 AI Data Retention and Security

AI-collected data is handled as follows:

• Retention Period: Call recordings and AI interactions retained for maximum of 90 days after service completion
• Storage Security: Encrypted storage with restricted access
• Quality Control: Human review of all AI-generated responses before sending
• Deletion Process: Automated deletion after retention period expires
• User Requests: Manual deletion available upon request

6.4 AI Service Limitations

7. DATA SECURITY AND PROTECTION

7.1 Security Measures We Implement

We protect your information through:

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission, encrypted storage for sensitive data
• Access Controls: Limited employee access on a need-to-know basis with multi-factor authentication
• Regular Monitoring: Continuous security monitoring, regular security audits and penetration testing
• Secure Infrastructure: Industry-standard hosting with redundant backups and disaster recovery plans
• Employee Training: Regular privacy and security training for all staff
• Incident Response: Documented protocols for addressing security breaches
• Third-Party Vetting: Careful selection and monitoring of service providers

7.2 Data Retention Periods

We retain your information for the following periods:

• Active Homeowner Accounts: While you actively use our services and for 3 years after last activity
• Active Contractor Accounts: While contractor listing is active and for 7 years after termination (for financial/legal compliance)
• Marketing Data: Until you opt-out, then removed within 30 days
• AI Services Data: Maximum 90 days after service completion
• Legal/Financial Records: As required by law (typically 7 years for tax/accounting purposes)
• Inactive Accounts: Deleted after 3 years of complete inactivity

7.3 Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach:

• We will investigate and contain the breach immediately
• Affected users will be notified within 72 hours of discovery
• Notification will include: what data was affected, when it occurred, steps we're taking, steps you should take
• Regulatory authorities will be notified as required by law
• We will provide credit monitoring services if financial data was compromised

8. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS AND CHOICES

8.1 Access and Control of Your Information

You have the right to:

• Access: Request copies of all personal data we hold about you
• Correct: Update or correct inaccurate or outdated information
• Delete: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your information
• Object: Object to processing of your information for specific purposes

To exercise these rights, contact us at:

• Email: [email protected] (Subject: "Privacy Rights Request")
• Phone: (864) 527-2499
• Response Time: We will respond within 30 days of receiving your request

8.2 Communication Preferences

You can control how we communicate with you:

• Email Marketing: Click "Unsubscribe" link in any marketing email
• SMS Marketing: Reply "STOP" to any text message
• Lead Matching: Request removal from future contractor matching by contacting us
• Preference Center: Update your communication preferences by emailing us

8.3 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through:

• Browser settings (most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies)
• Opt-out tools provided by advertising networks
• Do Not Track (DNT) browser settings

Note: Disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Child Privacy Protection:

• We do not knowingly collect, use, or disclose information from anyone under 18
• Our services are designed for adults seeking home improvement services
• Contractors are prohibited from using AI services to communicate with minors
• If we discover we've collected information from a minor, we will delete it immediately

Parental Notice: If you believe your child has provided information to us, please contact us immediately at [email protected] and we will delete all associated data.

10. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional privacy rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA).

10.1 California Consumer Rights

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know: Request disclosure of categories and specific pieces of personal information we've collected
• Delete: Request deletion of personal information we've collected (subject to exceptions)
• Opt-Out of Sale: Refuse the "sale" or "sharing" of your personal information
• Correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information
• Limit Use of Sensitive Information: Restrict use of sensitive personal information
• Non-Discrimination: Receive equal service regardless of privacy choices

10.2 California "Sale" Disclosure

Categories of Information "Sold":

• Contact information (name, email, phone)
• Location information (address, ZIP code)
• Project details and preferences

Categories of Third Parties:

• Licensed contractors in our network
• AI service providers (for Premium AI contractor communications)

To Opt-Out: California residents may opt-out of the "sale" of personal information by contacting us at [email protected] with subject "California Opt-Out Request".

10.3 Exercising California Rights

To exercise your California privacy rights:

• Email: [email protected] (Subject: "California Privacy Rights")
• Phone: (864) 527-2499
• We will verify your identity before processing requests
• We will respond within 45 days (may extend to 90 days with notice)
• You may designate an authorized agent to make requests on your behalf

11. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

11.1 Policy Updates

We may modify this Privacy Policy at any time. When we do:

• The "Last Updated" date at the top will be revised
• Material changes will be communicated via email to registered users
• A notice will be posted on our website for 30 days
• Changes become effective on the posted "Effective Date"
• Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance

Types of changes that will trigger email notification:

• Changes to how we collect or use personal information
• Changes to information sharing practices
• Changes to your rights or how to exercise them
• Changes to data retention periods
• Addition of new data processing activities

11.2 Reviewing Policy Updates

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. The most current version will always be available on our website.

12. CONTACT INFORMATION

13. ADDITIONAL PRIVACY INFORMATION

13.1 Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature that lets you tell websites you don't want your online activities tracked. Currently, there is no standard way for websites to respond to these signals. We do not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals, but we will update this policy if industry standards develop.

13.2 International Data Transfers

Our services are provided from the United States. If you access our services from outside the US, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located. By using our services, you consent to this transfer.

13.3 Links to Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including contractor websites and social media profiles. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

13.4 Social Media Integration

If you interact with us through social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), those platforms may share information with us according to their privacy policies. Similarly, if you share content from our website on social media, those platforms may collect information about that activity.

14. ACCEPTANCE OF THIS POLICY

If you do not agree with any part of this Privacy Policy, please do not use our services.