Privacy & Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy & Cookie Policy ("Policy") explains how Common Cent LLC ("we," "us," "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you visit our website (the "Site").

2. Scope

This Policy applies to information collected through the Site, including:

• newsletter signup forms;
• analytics and cookies;
• affiliate link tracking;
• communications you send to us.

It does not apply to Third-Party Sites (e.g., merchants) that you may visit via our links. Those sites have their own privacy practices.

3. Who We Are (Controller Information)

For GDPR purposes, Common Cent LLC is generally the data controller for personal data collected through the Site.

• Company: Common Cent LLC
• Email: contact@commoncentllc.com

4. Types of Data We Collect

We collect data in two main ways: information you provide and information collected automatically.

4.1 Information You Provide

• Newsletter signup data: email address, and optionally name and preferences.
• Messages you send: if you email us, we collect the contents of your message and your contact details.

4.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the Site, we may automatically collect:

• IP address (which may indicate approximate location);
• device and browser information (OS, browser type, language);
• usage data (pages viewed, time on page, referring URL, clicks);
• cookie identifiers and similar tracking signals.

4.3 Affiliate Link and Conversion Tracking

Affiliate networks and merchant partners may use tracking technologies to attribute a click or purchase to our Site. This may involve:

• a unique click ID;
• cookies or similar storage;
• device/browser data.

Example:

If you click a "Buy on Retailer X" link, the affiliate network may store a cookie so Retailer X can report that the purchase originated from our link.

5. How We Use Your Data

We use information for the following purposes:

5.1 Provide and Improve the Site

• operate the Site and deliver Content;
• analyze performance and improve usability;
• troubleshoot issues and secure the Site.

5.2 Newsletter and Communications

• send newsletters and updates you requested;
• send promotional content (including affiliate-related recommendations) consistent with your subscription;
• respond to inquiries and provide support.

5.3 Monetization and Attribution

• measure affiliate link performance;
• understand which articles lead to clicks or purchases;
• detect fraud or abnormal traffic.

5.4 Legal and Security Purposes

• comply with legal obligations;
• enforce our Terms;
• prevent abuse, spam, and malicious activity.

6. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)

If you are in the EU/EEA/UK, we rely on the following legal bases:

• Consent: for newsletter signups and certain non-essential cookies where required.
• Legitimate Interests: for analytics, Site improvement, security, and measuring affiliate performance (balanced against your rights).
• Legal Obligation: where processing is required by law (e.g., tax, compliance, lawful requests).
• Contract (limited): may apply when you request specific communications (e.g., you email us and we respond).

7. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies (e.g., pixels, local storage) to operate and measure the Site.

7.1 Categories of Cookies

• Strictly Necessary: essential to site functionality and security.
• Analytics/Performance: helps us understand usage (e.g., page views, traffic sources).
• Affiliate/Advertising Attribution: tracks clicks and potential commissions.
• Functionality: remembers preferences (if implemented).

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies by:

• using browser settings to delete or block cookies;
• using device-level advertising settings where applicable;
• using any cookie banner or preference tool we provide (if implemented).

Blocking cookies may affect Site functionality and may reduce relevance of content and tracking accuracy.

7.3 Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies may be set by third parties (analytics providers, affiliate networks, social widgets). These parties may collect information under their own policies.

8. Google Analytics (If Used)

If we use Google Analytics, it may collect usage data such as pages visited and time spent. Where available and appropriate, we may enable features such as IP anonymization and configure retention settings to limit stored data.

You may opt out of certain Google Analytics tracking using tools provided by Google and/or by adjusting cookie preferences where available.

9. Social Media Widgets

If the Site includes social sharing buttons or embedded content (e.g., Instagram/TikTok/YouTube embeds), those providers may collect data when you interact with the widget or load the embedded content, even if you do not click.

10. Email Marketing Practices (CAN-SPAM + GDPR)

10.1 What We Send

Emails may include:

• new posts and shopping guides;
• curated product recommendations;
• seasonal buying tips;
• promotional content and affiliate links.

10.2 Opt-In / Opt-Out

• You opt in by submitting the signup form (and, where implemented, confirming via a double opt-in email).
• You can opt out anytime via the unsubscribe link.
• We do not require you to create an account to unsubscribe.

10.3 Frequency

Frequency varies. Some weeks may include more emails during major shopping periods (e.g., holidays). We aim to avoid excessive emailing but cannot guarantee a specific schedule.

10.4 CAN-SPAM Compliance

We include: accurate sender information; a clear unsubscribe mechanism; an identifiable promotional nature when applicable.

11. Data Sharing

We may share information with:

11.1 Service Providers (Processors)

Vendors who help operate the Site, such as:

• email newsletter platforms;
• hosting and infrastructure providers;
• analytics providers;
• security and fraud prevention tools.

They may access data only to perform services for us under contractual obligations.

11.2 Affiliate Networks and Merchants

When you click an affiliate link, affiliate partners may receive technical identifiers needed for attribution (e.g., click ID). Any purchase information is typically handled by the merchant and may be reported to us in aggregated or limited form (e.g., "sale occurred," order value, category), depending on the program.

11.3 Legal Disclosures

We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, court order, or to protect rights, safety, and security.

11.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

12. Data Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary for the purposes described:

• Newsletter subscriber data: kept until you unsubscribe, and then may be kept for a limited period to maintain a suppression list (to honor opt-outs) and for compliance.
• Analytics data: typically retained for a limited period (often 14–26 months depending on configuration) and may be aggregated or anonymized.
• Security logs: retained as needed to detect and prevent abuse.

When data is no longer needed, we delete, de-identify, or anonymize it where feasible.

13. Security Measures

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards, which may include:

• encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS);
• access controls and least-privilege practices;
• vendor risk review;
• staff training on data handling (where applicable);
• monitoring and protective tools to reduce malicious traffic.

No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. You use the Site at your own risk.

14. International Data Transfers

If you access the Site from outside the United States, your data may be processed in the U.S. and other countries where our vendors operate.

For EU/EEA/UK visitors, where required we rely on appropriate safeguards such as: Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent mechanisms; and/or other lawful transfer bases recognized by applicable law.

15. Your Privacy Rights

15.1 GDPR Rights (EU/EEA/UK)

Subject to conditions and exceptions, you may have the right to:

• access your personal data;
• rectify inaccurate data;
• delete your data ("right to be forgotten");
• restrict processing;
• data portability;
• object to processing (including based on legitimate interests);
• withdraw consent at any time (does not affect prior lawful processing);
• lodge a complaint with your supervisory authority.

15.2 California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA Notice)

If you are a California resident, you may have rights to:

• know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose;
• request deletion (subject to exemptions);
• correct inaccurate personal information;
• access information about our data practices;
• not be discriminated against for exercising your rights.

Sale/Sharing for Cross-Context Behavioral Advertising

We do not intentionally "sell" personal information in the traditional sense. However, some tracking technologies (e.g., third-party analytics/affiliate/ad tools) may be considered "selling" or "sharing" under California law in certain contexts.

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information: If we provide a site mechanism for this (e.g., footer link or cookie preference tool), you can use it to limit certain tracking. You can also reduce tracking via browser cookie controls and opt-out signals where supported.

15.3 How to Submit a Request

Email us at contact@commoncentllc.com with the subject line: Privacy Request.

To protect you, we may need to verify your identity (e.g., by confirming access to the email address used for newsletter signup). Authorized agents may submit requests where permitted, but we may require proof of authorization.

16. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers send "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. Because there is no consistent industry standard, we may not respond to DNT in all cases. Where we offer cookie controls, those controls are the primary method for managing tracking preferences.

17. Children's Privacy (COPPA)

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child provided information, contact us at contact@commoncentllc.com and we will take reasonable steps to delete it.

18. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the Effective Date and post the updated Policy on the Site. For material changes, we may provide additional notice (e.g., via newsletter if you are subscribed).

19. Contact; Data Protection Officer

For privacy questions, requests, or concerns, contact:

Data Protection Officer (DPO) / Privacy Contact: Common Cent LLC (Privacy Contact)

Email: contact@commoncentllc.com

(If you appoint a specific individual or third-party DPO service, you can replace this section with their name and contact details.)

20. Practical Examples (How This Works in Real Life)

• Reading an article: We may collect basic analytics (page visited, device type) to learn what content helps users.
• Clicking an affiliate link: An affiliate partner may set a cookie to track that your visit came from our Site.
• Joining the newsletter: We store your email to send updates. You can unsubscribe anytime.
• Visiting a merchant: The merchant's privacy policy controls what happens on their site, including payment and shipping details.

21. Glossary

• Analytics: Measurement tools that help understand site usage and improve content.
• Controller/Processor: GDPR roles—controller decides why/how data is processed; processor acts on controller's behalf.
• Cookies: Small files stored on your device to remember information and enable tracking/analytics.
• Personal Information/Personal Data: Information that identifies or relates to an identifiable person.
• Affiliate Attribution: Tracking used to credit referrals and calculate commissions.
• SCCs: EU-approved contractual clauses used to safeguard international transfers.