Privacy Policy

Appalachia Research Direct

Effective Date: June 9, 2026

Appalachia Research Direct ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your personal data when you visit our website or place an order with us.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information when you use our website or place an order:

Information you provide directly:

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Billing and shipping address (U.S. only)

  • Payment information (processed securely through our payment processor — Appalachia Research Direct does not store full card numbers)

  • Any communications you send to us

Information collected automatically:

  • IP address and approximate location

  • Browser type and device information

  • Pages visited, time on site, and referring URLs

  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Process and fulfill your orders

  • Communicate with you about your order, including shipping and support

  • Verify eligibility and compliance with our Terms of Sale

  • Prevent fraud, misuse, and unauthorized purchases

  • Improve our website and customer experience

  • Comply with applicable legal obligations

We do NOT use your information to send unsolicited marketing emails unless you have explicitly opted in.

3. How We Share Your Information

Appalachia Research Direct does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

  • Service providers: We share information with trusted third parties who assist in operating our website, processing payments, and fulfilling orders (e.g., payment processors, shipping carriers). These parties are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

  • Legal compliance: We may disclose information if required to do so by law, court order, or governmental authority, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights or the safety of others.

  • Business transfer: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you if this occurs.

4. Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and remember your preferences. You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect certain website functionality.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Order records are generally retained for a minimum of 5 years.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your state of residence, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

  • The right to access the personal information we hold about you

  • The right to request correction of inaccurate information

  • The right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal obligations

  • The right to opt out of any marketing communications

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.

8. California Residents — CCPA

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. Appalachia Research Direct does not sell personal information. To submit a CCPA request, contact us at [email protected].

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to individuals under the age of 21. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 21. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. Third-Party Links

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

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the effective date at the top of this page. Your continued use of the website following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us at:

[email protected]