Privacy Policy

Last updated: [DATE]

This policy explains what data FindChimneySweepers collects, how we use it, who we share it with, and what rights you have. We've tried to write it in plain English rather than legalese. If anything here is unclear, email us at hello@findchimneysweepers.com and we'll explain.

1. Who we are

FindChimneySweepers.com is operated by [OPERATOR_NAME]. We're a US-based consumer-protection directory for the chimney sweep industry. You can reach us at hello@findchimneysweepers.com.

This policy applies to the FindChimneySweepers.com website and any related services we operate under the same domain. It does not cover third-party sites we link to, including the individual chimney sweep operators listed on our directory.

2. What data we collect

We only collect the data we actually need to run the site. Here is everything we collect and why.

From consumer visitors (general site usage)

• Page views, search queries, tool usage. Standard analytics data — what pages you visit, what you search for, which tools you use. Collected in aggregate, not tied to your identity. No account is required to browse the site.
• Device and browser information. Browser type, operating system, approximate location (country/region level, from your IP address), referring URL.

From consumer forms

• Callback request forms. When you submit a callback request on an operator's profile, we collect your name, email, phone number, and any message you include. This information is delivered to the operator you requested contact from.
• Quote request forms. Same data as callback requests. If you submit a multi-operator quote request (e.g. via the comparison feature), your details are delivered to each operator you selected.
• Sweep Reminder signups. Your email address, along with chimney type, fuel type, last-swept date, and any schedule preferences you provide. Used only to send you sweep and inspection reminder emails.

From consumer tools

• Tool inputs (quote amounts, zip codes, service types, chimney details, etc.) are processed client-side in your browser and are not stored on our servers unless you explicitly submit them as part of a callback or quote request.

Cookies

• Essential cookies. Required for the site to function (session handling, form CSRF protection).
• Analytics cookies. Used to measure aggregate site usage via our analytics provider (GA4 or Plausible — see Section 5).

We do not use advertising cookies, retargeting pixels, or third-party tracking scripts beyond the analytics provider listed in Section 5.

From operators

See Section 4 for the separate data practices that apply to chimney sweep operators listed on the site.

3. How we use your data

We use the data above for specific, limited purposes:

• To deliver callback and quote requests. When you submit a form requesting contact with an operator, we deliver your request to that operator (by email for Featured-tier operators, or via our lead-routing system for Verified-tier operators). Your contact details are never sold, rented, shared with third parties beyond the operators you selected, or used for any marketing beyond the specific request you made.
• To send Sweep Reminder emails. If you sign up for reminders, we email you when it's time to book your next sweep or inspection based on the schedule you provided. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in every reminder email. We never share, sell, or use your reminder-list email for any other purpose.
• To improve the site. Analytics data is used in aggregate to understand which pages and tools are useful, which searches return poor results, and where we can make the site better. We do not build individual profiles or identify visitors from this data.
• To respond to you. If you email us, we use your email address to reply.

We do not use your personal data for advertising, profiling, or automated decision-making.

4. Operator data

Separate from consumer data, FindChimneySweepers.com maintains a directory of chimney sweep operators. The data sources are:

• Google Business Profile data — business name, phone, address, rating, review count, Google Place ID, hours, photos, and business category. This information is publicly available on Google Maps and we import it via the Google Places API or equivalent tools.
• CSIA certification data — business name, certification number, certification expiry, location. Publicly available from the CSIA's official directory at search.csia.org.
• Website data — service offerings, certifications claimed, contact email, service area, and other information scraped from the operator's own public business website.
• Claim-process data — if an operator claims their listing and purchases a Verified or Featured subscription, we collect the business details, services, pricing, commitments, and contact email they provide during the claim process.

If an operator wishes to be removed from the directory, or wishes to correct inaccurate data, they can email us at hello@findchimneysweepers.com.

Outreach emails. We contact operators at the email addresses published on their public business websites. Every outreach email includes a one-click unsubscribe link in compliance with CAN-SPAM. Unsubscribed operators are marked in our database and are not contacted again.

5. Third-party services

We use a small set of third-party services to operate the site. Each one has its own privacy policy, which we recommend reviewing.

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal data to any third party. We only share data with the services above as necessary to operate the site.

6. Data retention

• Consumer form submissions (callback, quote, contact): retained for 12 months, then deleted. You may request earlier deletion at any time.
• Sweep Reminder email list: retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
• Operator data: retained as long as the listing is active. If an operator cancels their subscription, their verified-tier data (service commitments, pricing, claim details) is retained for 90 days to allow re-subscription, then deleted. The base GBP-sourced listing remains unless removal is requested.
• Analytics data: aggregated with no individual retention.
• Email correspondence: retained for customer-support purposes, typically 24 months.

7. Your rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access. You can request a copy of any personal data we hold about you.
• Correction. You can request that we correct inaccurate data.
• Deletion. You can request that we delete your personal data. Email hello@findchimneysweepers.com to request deletion.
• Operator listing removal. Operators can request removal of their listing at any time by emailing us.

California residents (CCPA)

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

• Know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose
• Delete personal information we hold about you (subject to legal exceptions)
• Opt out of the sale of personal information

We do not sell your personal data, so the opt-out right is satisfied by default. To exercise any CCPA right, email hello@findchimneysweepers.com.

EU and UK visitors (GDPR / UK GDPR)

If you are in the EU or UK, you have the rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, data portability, and objection to processing. The legal basis for our processing is legitimate interest (operating the directory and responding to your requests) and consent (for the Sweep Reminder email list and analytics cookies).

To exercise any of these rights, email hello@findchimneysweepers.com.

8. Children's privacy

This site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 13. If you believe a child has submitted personal data to us, email us and we will delete it.

9. Security

We use industry-standard security practices to protect your data: encrypted connections (HTTPS), encrypted data storage, access controls, and the security measures provided by our hosting providers (Supabase, Vercel, Stripe). No system is perfectly secure, but we take this seriously.

10. Changes to this policy

If we make material changes to this policy, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page and, for significant changes, post a notice on the site. Continued use of FindChimneySweepers after changes are posted means you accept the updated policy.

11. Contact

Questions, concerns, or requests about this privacy policy, or about the data we hold about you:

Email: hello@findchimneysweepers.com

We aim to respond to all privacy requests within 30 days.