Privacy Policy

Last updated: 11/16/25

Appalachia Research Direct (“ARD,” “we,” “our,” “us”) is a restricted-access membership website. We provide products and information exclusively to approved members. Protecting your privacy and safeguarding your information is a core priority for us.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to the terms outlined below.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

1.1 Information You Provide to Us

When you request access, register an account, log in, or place an order, we collect:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Shipping address

  • Phone number (if provided)

  • Account credentials (stored securely using industry-standard hashing)

  • Any information submitted through forms (support, access requests, etc.)

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our site, certain data may be collected automatically:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device information

  • Pages visited and interactions

  • Login activity

  • Basic analytics cookies

1.3 Order & Transaction Data

If you place an order, we collect:

  • Products purchased

  • Order totals

  • Shipping information

  • Payment confirmation (handled by third-party processors)
    We do not store full payment card information.

2. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used for:

  • Verifying membership eligibility and access

  • Fulfilling and shipping orders

  • Providing customer support

  • Improving website performance and security

  • Preventing fraud or unauthorized access

  • Sending necessary account or order notifications

We do not sell, rent, or trade your information.

3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to:

  • Maintain login sessions

  • Secure your account

  • Remember site preferences

  • Enable basic analytics

You may disable cookies in your browser, but core site features (login, checkout, membership access) may stop working.

4. Membership & Account Data

Because ARD operates as a private-access platform:

  • User accounts are created only after manual review

  • Administrators can see and update user profile details

  • Members can access, edit, or request deletion of their personal data at any time (except username)

5. Comments, Reviews & Uploaded Media

If comments or product reviews are enabled:

  • Your IP address and browser information may be stored for spam protection

  • Uploaded images should not contain embedded location data

  • Approved profile photos may appear publicly with your comment/review

6. Embedded Content & External Services

Our site may include embedded content such as videos, images, or external resources.
These external sites may collect data about you in accordance with their own privacy policies.

Examples include:

  • Embedded videos

  • Payment processors

  • Shipping integrations (e.g., Pirate Ship)

  • Anti-spam tools

We do not control third-party privacy practices.

7. Who We Share Your Data With

We only share data with trusted third-party providers necessary to operate the website, including:

  • Payment processors (for secure transactions)

  • Shipping partners (to purchase labels & deliver orders)

  • Email delivery services (to send order updates and account messages)

  • Security and anti-fraud tools

  • Hosting provider

We do not sell or share data for advertising purposes.

If you request a password reset, your IP address may be included in the reset email for security.

8. How Long We Retain Your Data

  • Account information: retained while your account remains active

  • Orders: retained for legal, accounting, and auditing purposes

  • Comments/reviews: retained indefinitely unless removed by you or an admin

  • Access requests and support inquiries: retained as needed to provide service

You may request deletion of your data at any time (except data required for legal or compliance purposes).

9. Your Rights

You may:

  • Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of your personal data

  • Request restriction of data processing

  • Request that we deactivate or remove your account

To submit a data request, contact us at:
📧 cs@appalachiaresearchdirect.com

10. Data Security

We use technical and administrative safeguards to protect your information, including:

  • SSL encryption

  • Secure login & password hashing

  • Limited administrative access

  • Manual membership approval

  • Regular security updates

  • Anti-spam and anti-bot protection

While no system can be 100% secure, we take all reasonable steps to protect your data.

11. Children’s Privacy

This site is not intended for individuals under 18.
We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in practices or legal requirements. The “Last Updated” date will always indicate the most current version.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, contact:

📧  cs@appalachiaresearchdirect.com

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