PRIVACY POLICY

1. Introduction

Athena Connect ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, purchase our products, or use our services.

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address

Account Information: Username, password, account preferences

Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed through secure payment processors)

Order Information: Product selections, customization details, shipping preferences

Design Content: Logos, images, text, and other materials you submit for custom NFC cards

Communications: Messages, feedback, survey responses, customer support inquiries

Marketing Preferences: Opt-in consent for emails, SMS messages, promotional communications

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access our website or use our Services, we automatically collect certain information:

Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers

Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, referring URLs

Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address

Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party sources, including:

Payment processors and financial institutions

Marketing and analytics partners

Social media platforms (if you interact with us on social media)

Business partners and affiliates

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Order Processing and Fulfillment

Process and fulfill your orders

Create custom NFC cards according to your specifications

Communicate order status and shipping updates

Handle returns, exchanges, and customer service requests

3.2 Account Management

Create and manage your account

Authenticate your identity

Provide personalized experiences

Save your preferences and order history

3.3 Communication and Marketing

Send transactional emails (order confirmations, shipping notifications)

Send promotional emails and marketing communications (with your consent)

Send SMS/text messages for order updates and marketing (with your consent)

Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support

Conduct surveys and gather feedback

3.4 Business Operations

Improve and optimize our website and Services

Analyze usage patterns and trends

Develop new products and services

Perform data analytics and research

Detect and prevent fraud and security threats

3.5 Legal and Compliance

Comply with legal obligations

Enforce our Terms and Conditions

Protect our rights and property

Resolve disputes

4. SMS/Text Messaging Privacy (A2P 10DLC Compliance)

4.1 SMS Collection and Use

When you provide your mobile phone number and consent to receive text messages, we collect and use this information to:

Send order confirmations and updates

Provide shipping and delivery notifications

Request design approvals for custom orders

Send account notifications and security alerts

Deliver promotional offers and marketing messages (only with your explicit consent)

4.2 Consent Requirements

We will only send you text messages if you have provided express written consent by:

Checking the opt-in box during checkout or account creation

Texting a keyword to our designated number

Submitting a contact form with SMS consent

Verbally providing consent (recorded or documented)

Consent is not a condition of purchase. You can still place orders and use our Services without opting in to text messages.

4.3 Message Frequency and Charges

Message frequency varies based on your activity and preferences

Marketing messages: up to 10 per month

Transactional messages: as needed for your orders

Message and data rates may apply from your carrier

We do not charge for text messages, but your carrier may

4.4 Opt-Out Rights

You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by:

Replying STOP, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, or QUIT to any message

Updating your preferences in your account settings

Contacting us at [email protected]

After opting out, you will receive one final confirmation message. Opting out of marketing messages does not opt you out of transactional messages related to your orders.

4.5 SMS Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number with third parties for their marketing purposes. We may share your phone number with:

Our SMS service providers (GoHighLevel and authorized carriers)

Shipping carriers for delivery notifications

Service providers who assist in order fulfillment

4.6 SMS Data Retention

We retain your SMS consent records and message history for compliance purposes. You can request deletion of your mobile number and opt-out history by contacting us.

5. How We Share Your Information

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

5.1 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:

Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)

Shipping and fulfillment companies

Email and SMS marketing platforms (GoHighLevel)

Cloud hosting and data storage providers

Analytics and marketing platforms

Customer support and CRM systems

5.2 Business Transfers

If Athena Connect is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

Court orders or legal process

Government or regulatory requests

Protection of our rights, property, or safety

Investigation of fraud or security issues

5.4 With Your Consent

We may share your information with other parties when you explicitly consent to such sharing.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

6.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality and security

Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website

Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

Marketing Cookies: Track your activity for advertising purposes

6.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our website.

6.3 Third-Party Analytics

We use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to analyze website usage. These services may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about your use of our website.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)

Secure data storage and access controls

Regular security assessments and updates

Employee training on data protection

Payment information processed through PCI-DSS compliant processors

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

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

Fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy

Comply with legal obligations

Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

Maintain business records

Generally, we retain:

Account information: Until you request deletion or after 3 years of inactivity

Order information: 7 years for tax and legal compliance

Marketing consent: Until you withdraw consent or after 2 years of inactivity

Website analytics: 26 months

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

9.1 Access and Portability

You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you in a structured, commonly used format.

9.2 Correction

You can request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

9.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions.

9.4 Opt-Out Rights

Marketing Emails: Click "unsubscribe" in any email or contact us

SMS Messages: Reply STOP or update your preferences

Cookies: Adjust your browser settings

Targeted Advertising: Use opt-out tools provided by advertising networks

9.5 Object to Processing

You may object to certain processing of your personal information, including for direct marketing purposes.

9.6 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

10.1 Right to Know

You can request information about the personal information we collect, use, and share about you.

10.2 Right to Delete

You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.

10.3 Right to Opt-Out of Sale

We do not sell your personal information. If our practices change, we will update this Privacy Policy and provide an opt-out mechanism.

10.4 Non-Discrimination

We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights.

10.5 Authorized Agent

You may designate an authorized agent to make requests on your behalf. We may require verification of the agent's authority.

11. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. 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 delete it promptly. If you believe we may have information about a child under 13, please contact us at [email protected].

12. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those of your country. By using our Services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated Privacy Policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Material changes will be communicated through:

Prominent notice on our website

Email notification (if you have an account)

SMS notification (if you've opted in)

Your continued use of our Services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. GoHighLevel Integration Notice

Athena Connect uses GoHighLevel as our customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation platform. When you interact with our Services, your information may be processed through GoHighLevel's systems. GoHighLevel acts as our service provider and is contractually obligated to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

For SMS messaging specifically, GoHighLevel facilitates the delivery of text messages on our behalf through authorized telecommunications carriers. Your phone number and message content are processed by GoHighLevel solely to provide these services.

16. Compliance Certifications

Athena Connect is committed to maintaining compliance with:

CAN-SPAM Act (for email marketing)

Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

A2P 10DLC messaging standards

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) through our payment processors

17. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Athena Connect
Privacy Team
Email: [email protected]
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

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