Privacy Policy & Terms of Service for Encinitas Directory

Effective Date: July 29, 2025

Welcome to encinitasdirectory.com (the “Website”), operated by Encinitas Directory (“we,” “us,” or “our”). This document combines our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, governing your access to and use of the Website, including any content, functionality, and services offered on or through the Website.

By accessing or using the Website, you agree to be bound by these policies and terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Website.

Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services to you.

  • Information You Provide Directly: When you contact us via email (e.g., admin@encinitasdirectory.com) or through any feedback forms, we collect the information you provide, such as your name, email address, and the content of your message.
  • Information for Paid Services: When you purchase a subscription for a Featured Listing, we and our third-party payment processor (Stripe) collect information necessary to complete the transaction. This may include your name, billing address, email address, and payment information. Please note that we do not directly store your full credit card details; this is handled securely by Stripe.
  • Information Collected Automatically: We automatically collect information about your interactions with our website, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, the pages you visit, and other usage statistics. We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our website.
  • Third-Party Business Information: We obtain business listing information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and other public details, from third-party sources like the Google Places API. This information is publicly available and used to populate our directory.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

  • To Provide and Maintain the Directory: Operating, maintaining, and improving the functionality of the Website.
  • To Process Transactions and Manage Subscriptions: To process your payments for Featured Listings, create and manage your subscription, send you billing-related communications (such as receipts and renewal notices), and provide customer support for your purchase.
  • For Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send administrative notifications, and provide updates.
  • For Analytics and Research: To use tools like Google Analytics to monitor usage and trends to improve the Website.
  • For Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and protect against fraudulent or illegal activity.

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following situations:

  • With Your Consent: We may disclose your personal information for any purpose with your consent.
  • For Business Listings (Public Information): Information displayed for business listings is intended for public display.
  • With Service Providers: We share your information with third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf. This includes:
    • Analytics providers like Google Analytics.
    • Our third-party payment processor, Stripe, to facilitate your subscription payments. Stripe’s use of your personal information is governed by their privacy policy.
  • For Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
  • For Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale of company assets, or acquisition of our business.

4. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures designed to protect your information. However, no security system is impenetrable, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.

5. Third-Party Websites

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content or privacy practices of any third-party sites or services.

6. Children’s Privacy

Our Website is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13.

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the “Effective Date” at the top.

8. Contact Us (Privacy)

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us by email at: admin@encinitasdirectory.com

Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using our Website, you affirm that you are of legal age to form a binding contract and that you agree to comply with these Terms.

2. Featured Listings and Founding Partner Subscriptions

This section governs your purchase of a Featured Listing subscription.

  • The Service: A Featured Listing is a paid service that places your business in a prominent, rotating position at the top of our homepage and relevant category pages for a specified term.
  • Payments and Billing: All payments for Featured Listings are handled through our third-party payment processor, Stripe. By purchasing a subscription, you agree to a recurring charge at the then-current rate for your chosen term (e.g., 3-month, 6-month, or yearly). Subscriptions are billed in advance for the entire term. You must provide current, complete, and accurate payment information and you authorize us to charge your provided payment method for the subscription you select.
  • Cancellations: You may cancel your subscription at any time by contacting us at admin@encinitasdirectory.com. Your cancellation will take effect at the end of your current paid term, and your listing will remain featured until that date. You will not be charged again after the current term ends.
  • Refund Policy: Payments for Featured Listing subscriptions are non-refundable. We do not provide refunds or credits for any partial subscription periods or unused services.

3. User Conduct

You agree to use the Website only for lawful purposes and not to engage in any conduct that restricts or inhibits anyone’s use or enjoyment of the Website.

4. AI-Generated Content

Some descriptions on Encinitas Directory are generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated content may not always be perfect. We encourage users to verify critical information independently.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

The Website and its entire contents, features, and functionality are owned by Encinitas Directory and are protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

6. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Website is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Encinitas Directory makes no warranty or representation regarding the results that may be obtained from the use of a Featured Listing, including but not limited to any increase in website traffic, customer inquiries, or revenue.

7. Limitation of Liability

In no event will Encinitas Directory, its affiliates, or their service providers be liable for damages of any kind, under any legal theory, arising out of or in connection with your use, or inability to use, the Website.

8. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Encinitas Directory from and against any claims, liabilities, or damages arising out of or relating to your violation of these Terms or your use of the Website.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

All matters relating to the Website and these Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Any legal suit shall be instituted exclusively in the federal or state courts located in the County of San Diego.

10. Contact Information (Terms)

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us by email at: admin@encinitasdirectory.com