Privacy Policy

1. Scope

We explain how we collect, use, and protect personal data across our website, booking flows, review forms, and SMS one-time codes (OTP) used to verify phone numbers and confirm appointments.

2. Information We Collect

• Identity & contact data (name, email, phone number).
• Booking details (service type, date/time, preferred barber).
• Review content and ratings.
• Device/usage data (cookies, IP, analytics).
• Verification data for SMS OTP (phone number and status).

3. How We Use Data

• To provide services: scheduling, confirmations, reminders, and review verification.
• To send one-time verification codes (OTP) to confirm your phone number.
• To communicate about appointments or account-related issues.
• To improve our website, services, and customer experience.
• To protect against fraud, abuse, or unlawful activity.

4. SMS/OTP Program Disclosures (A2P 10DLC)

Opt-in: You opt in when you check the consent box on our forms or click “Send code” to verify your number. We only send messages related to verification and appointments.

Message frequency: Message frequency varies and is limited to verification, confirmations, and essential account/appointment notices.

Fees: Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile plan.

Opt-out: Reply STOP to any message to unsubscribe from non-essential SMS. You may still receive critical messages if required to complete a transaction you initiated (e.g., a one-time code you requested).

Help: Reply HELP for assistance or contact us at privacy@element-barbershop.com or (224) 584-3568.

No purchase required: Consent to receive SMS is not a condition of purchase.

Links: Our verification/appointment messages do not contain marketing links.

5. Sharing of Data

We share data only with service providers acting on our behalf to deliver the services described above, including:

• Twilio (SMS delivery and number verification).
• Payment/booking and hosting providers (e.g., Square, site hosting, analytics).

We do not sell personal data. We require processors to protect data and use it only for our instructions.

6. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary for the purposes above or as required by law. OTP logs are retained for security and audit with limited access.

7. Security

We use technical and organizational measures appropriate to the risk (encryption in transit, access controls, least-privilege, and monitoring). No method is 100% secure; please contact us if you believe your account was compromised.

8. Your Rights

You can request access, correction, deletion, or portability of your data, and object or restrict certain processing. To exercise rights, email privacy@element-barbershop.com.

9. California Privacy Notice (CCPA)

We do not sell or share personal information as defined by the CCPA. California residents may exercise the rights above and will not receive discriminatory treatment for doing so.

10. Children

Our services are intended for individuals 16+ and are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13.

11. International

If you are in the EEA/UK, Element is the controller for site/booking data. We rely on contractual safeguards and recognized transfer mechanisms for cross-border processing by our providers (e.g., Twilio).

12. Contact

ELEMENT BARBERSHOP CO., 1142 W Lake Cook Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 · privacy@element-barbershop.com · (224) 584-3568

13. Updates

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be noted on this page.