Privacy Policy

At StewMac Shop, we understand that precision instrument building requires trust—not only in the quality of our tools but also in how we handle your personal information. Just as you meticulously craft instruments with care and precision, we approach your privacy with the same level of dedication and respect.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information about you when you visit guitartoolstore.com or make purchases from our workshop. By using our website, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that helps us provide you with a seamless shopping experience and improve our services:

• Personal Information: When you create an account, place an order, or contact our support team, we collect information such as your name, email address, shipping address, and payment details.
• Transaction Information: Details about the products you purchase, including acoustic guitar components, hardware parts, amplifier tools, and other luthier supplies.
• Technical Information: We automatically collect information about your device, IP address, browser type, and how you interact with our website through cookies and similar technologies.
• Communication Data: Records of your interactions with our customer support team, including emails sent to [email protected].

2. How We Use Your Information

Your information helps us deliver the premium service expected by instrument craftsmen worldwide:

• Process your orders for specialized tools, bending sides, capacitors, or other luthier supplies
• Provide customer support and respond to your inquiries
• Improve our website, product offerings, and shopping experience
• Send you important updates about your orders, account, or our policies
• Protect against fraudulent transactions and enhance security
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of service

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We value your trust and do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in these limited circumstances:

• Payment Processors: We share necessary payment information with trusted partners like credit card companies and PayPal to complete your transactions securely.
• Shipping Partners: We provide shipping carriers with your delivery information to fulfill your orders worldwide (with limited exceptions in some Asian countries and remote regions).
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or governmental regulations.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, customer information may be transferred as a business asset.

4. Data Storage and Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information, reflecting the same precision and care you apply to your instrument craft:

• Industry-Standard Encryption: Our checkout process employs military-grade encryption to ensure your financial information remains confidential.
• Secure Infrastructure: We maintain SSL-certified secure transactions and PCI-DSS compliant payment processing.
• Limited Data Retention: We do not store sensitive payment data on our servers. Your payment information is processed through secure, certified payment gateways.
• Real-Time Monitoring: We employ real-time fraud monitoring and prevention systems to protect your account.
• Global Operations: As we serve instrument builders worldwide, your data may be processed and stored in facilities that meet international security standards.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your personal information:

• Access and Update: You can review and edit your account information by logging into your StewMac Shop account.
• Marketing Communications: You may opt-out of promotional emails by following the unsubscribe instructions in each email.
• Data Erasure: You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal obligations we may have to retain transaction records.
• Object to Processing: You may object to certain uses of your personal information where we rely on legitimate interests as our legal basis.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your shopping experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality, such as adding items to your cart and completing purchases.
• Analytical Cookies: Help us understand how customers use our website, allowing us to improve navigation and product discovery.
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences for future visits.
• Advertising Cookies: Used to show you relevant products and offers, both on our site and through third-party platforms.

You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling essential cookies may impact your ability to make purchases.

7. International Data Transfers

As we serve a global community of instrument craftsmen, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on our website with a revised “Last Updated” date.

10. Contact Us

Thank you for trusting StewMac Shop with your tool purchases and your personal information. We’re committed to protecting your privacy as we help you create, repair, and perfect musical instruments.