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PRIVACY POLICY

Last updated: 5/2/2023

Protecting your private information is our priority.  This privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”) applies to HelloProject USA LLC, and its subsidiaries and affiliates (hereinafter, variously “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), and our products, services, website, any mobile versions and/or applications related thereto, and any sites Company may have now or in the future, and its service platform that enables consumers to locate, select and hire service providers and contractors for home-related or office-related projects and provide reviews and ratings related to the services provided by such service provider and/or contractor (collectively, the “Services”), and outlines our principles for collecting, using and protecting information that we maintain about any person whose personal data is being collected, held or processed by us including without limitation customers and/or site visitors (hereinafter the “Individual(s)”, “you” or “your”).

Consent to Electronic Communications and SMS

  1. By using the Services, you consent to receiving certain recurring electronic communications from us as further described in this Privacy Policy. You agree that any referrals, notices, agreements, disclosures, or other communications that we send to you electronically will satisfy any legal communication requirements, including that those communications be in writing. We will send recurring ‘SMS’ messages to you via ‘SMS’ in accordance with this Section.
  2. You may receive an ‘SMS’ from HelloProject if you are referred a client project. You can stop receiving ‘SMS’ messages at any time by replying “STOP” to the message.
  3. We are able to deliver messages to the following mobile phone carriers:
    • Major carriers: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Alltel, Boost Mobile, Nextel, and Virgin Mobile.
    • Minor carriers: Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), Appalachian Wireless (EKN), Bluegrass Cellular, Cellular One of East Central IL (ECIT), Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Cricket, Coral Wireless (Mobi PCS), COX, Cross, Element Mobile (Flat Wireless), Epic Touch (Elkhart Telephone), GCI, Golden State, Hawkeye (Chat Mobility), Hawkeye (NW Missouri), Illinois Valley Cellular, Inland Cellular, iWireless (Iowa Wireless), Keystone Wireless (Immix Wireless/PC Man), Mosaic (Consolidated or CTC Telecom), Nex-Tech Wireless, NTelos, Panhandle Communications, Pioneer, Plateau (Texas RSA 3 Ltd), Revol, RINA, Simmetry (TMP Corporation), Thumb Cellular, Union Wireless, United Wireless, Viaero Wireless, and West Central (WCC or 5 Star Wireless).
  4. As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency depends on the user’s interaction. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider. Please keep all information accurate and up-to-date.  For all further questions about the electronic communications and ‘SMS’, please send an email to [email protected].

By using the Services in any manner, you indicate to Company that you have read and accept our Privacy Policy and consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.  If you do not accept this Privacy Policy or do not meet or comply with the provisions set forth herein, then you may not use the Services. We take the privacy of our users very seriously, and we will not share your personally identifiable information in ways unrelated to those described in this Privacy Policy without providing you with an opportunity to opt out of such use or otherwise prohibit such unrelated use. If required by applicable law, we will seek your express consent to process personal data (i) provided by you and/or (ii) collected during your use of the Services.  Any consent shall be entirely voluntary.  In the event you do not provide consent to use or process your personal data, then you may not access and/or use the Services.

INFORMATION WE COLLECT

When you use the Services, you may provide Company with two main types of information: (1) personally identifiable information that you knowingly choose to disclose, which is collected on an individual basis, and (2) general user information that does not contain personally identifiable information, which is collected on an aggregate basis as you browse and use the Services. We collect information from you when you (a) use and/or access the Services, (b) register an account and/or subscribe to Company, (c) open and/or respond to our emails, (d) contact Company, (e) visit any page online that displays our content, (f) make purchases through the Services, and/or (g) provide information to any of our service providers, customers, partners, and/or other users.

Personally-Identifiable Information You Choose to Provide

We may ask for certain personal information from you for the purpose of providing to you content and/or services that you request.  We collect personal information such as your: (i) personal and/or business contact information (including name, telephone number, email and address, and business website address); (ii) financial information (such as checking account information, credit card number, expiration date, verification number, and billing address); (iii) username and password; (iv) demographic information (including age, birthdate and gender); (v) location information (such as geographic location of the device you are using); (vi) property information; (vii) social security information (such as Federal EIN and Tax identification ID number); (viii) other various business information (such as services and/or products you sell, number of years in business, state identification number, business license number); (ix) insurance information (including name on policy, address on policy, policy number, insurance provider, and agent’s name, address, and phone number); (x) intellectual property uploaded by you and used in connection with the Services (such as business logos, store logos, and business taglines; and/or (xi) preferences and behaviors (such as record of comments, ratings and reviews, responses and questions asked). Once you register, you have opted in to receive electronic communications from Company.  Company may also provide you with the opportunity to participate in surveys through the Services.  If you participate, we will request certain personally identifiable information.  Participation in surveys is completely voluntary and you therefore have a choice whether to disclose such information.

Information We Collect Automatically

Cookies:  In an effort to be transparent with our data collection practice and the technologies we use to provide the Services, the following explains how we use Cookies. We use Cookies and web log files to improve the website experience and quality of the Services, and to customize your experience, by tracking website usage and trends, conducting research and development for additional services, and determining marketing efforts.  A “Cookie” is a tiny data file that resides on your computer, mobile phone, or other device, and allows Company to recognize you as a user when you return to our website using the same device and web browser and enables Company to collect information about how you use our Services.  Information gathered through Cookies may include the date and time of visits, the pages viewed, and time spent at using the Service.  If you do not agree to our use of Cookies, you should set your browser settings accordingly or not use the Services. Company uses Cookies and web log files for the following, which may include without limitation (i) to track usage and trends, (ii) to improve the quality of the Services, (iii) to customize your experience and/or (iv) to compile anonymous, aggregated information that allow us to understand how our Services are used.  Cookies are categorized by how long they are stored and their function.  The Cookies Company uses are as follows:

  • Persistent Cookies: Persistent Cookies remain on a visitor’s device for a set period of time specified in the Cookie. They are activated each time that the visitor visits the Services that created that particular Cookie.
  • Session Cookies: Session Cookies are temporary and deleted from your computer when you close your web browser. They allow Company to link the actions of a user while using the Services.
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: Strictly necessary Cookies are essential to navigate around the Services and to use its features.
  • Performance Cookies: Performance Cookies collect anonymous data for statistical purposes on how users use the Services, they don’t contain personal information and are used to improve the user experience.
  • Functionality Cookies: Functionality Cookies allow Company to operate the Services in accordance with your choices, such as ‘remembering’ you in between visits.

You may remove or block Cookies using the settings in your browser, but in some cases that may impact your ability to use the Services and/or impact your user experience while using the Services.  By accessing or using the Services, you consent to the placement of Cookies on your device as described in this Privacy Policy.  If you prefer not to receive Cookies through the Services, you may control how your browser responds to Cookies by adjusting the privacy and security settings of your web browser.

Device Data: We use device data, which is information concerning a device you use to access, use, and/or interact with the Services, such as operating system type and/or mobile device model, browser type, domain, and other system settings, the language your system uses and the country and time zone of your device, geo-location, unique device identifier and/or other device identifier, mobile phone carrier identification, and device software platform and firmware information.

Aggregate:  We may collect non-identifying and statistical information about the use of our Services, such as how many visitors visit a specific page, how long they stay on that page and which links, if any, they click on, system configuration information, and/or other interactions with the Services.  This information represents a generic overview of our users, including their collective habits. Information collected in the aggregate is not associated with you as an individual. We are not liable for any recommendations provided on the Services.

Analytics:  We use analytic software to gather statistics and usage trends for product and service improvement purposes.  The Services may record data from your phone, tablet, or computer such as how frequently you use the Services, what actions you take and performance data.

Other Tracking Technologies: We may supplement information you provide to us with information from other sources, such as information to validate and/or update your address, payment card and/or other demographic information.  This information is used to maintain the accuracy of information on our Services and for internal analysis. We may also use clear gifs, pixel tags and web beacons, which are tiny graphic images placed on website pages and/or in our emails that allow us to determine whether you have performed specific actions and are further used to track online movements of our users.  In contrast to Cookies, which are stored on your computer’s hard drive, clear gifs are embedded invisibly on web pages.  We do not tie the information gathered by clear gifs to your personally identifiable information.

Third Party Services:  To support the services we provide to you, we may use services hosted by third parties that may use cookies and various tracking technologies and may collect information sent by a browser as part of a web page request, including ‘Internet Protocol’ addresses, browser software, and/or clickstream patterns. If such third-party services collect information, they do so anonymously without identifying individual visitors.  However, we may link the information we record using tracking technology to personal information we collect.  In addition, we may allow third parties who list services to use Cookies in connection with your use of the Services.  They may collect and store the same type of information and use it similarly to Company, as described above. All such third parties are prohibited from using your personal information except to provide these services to Company, and such third parties are required to maintain the confidentiality of your information. You agree to release Company from any and all liability arising from any unauthorized disclosure of your personal information due to a third-party services data breach.

HOW WE USE INFORMATION

General Use

We use information collected as described in this Privacy Policy to provide you with the Services and/or information and/or content that you have requested, and, in some cases, to contact you about our products, features and/or other services.  We also use the information collected to take the following actions:

  • operate, maintain and improve the Services;
  • answer questions and respond to your requests;
  • perform analytics and conduct research;
  • send you reminders, support and marketing messages;
  • manage our administration of the Services;
  • improve the design and content of the Services;
  • use information for other purposes about which we will notify you;
  • analyze programs, products and services we offer;
  • market information or listings you provide to us;
  • contact you through email, social media, blog or newsletter;
  • collect feedback from you about third-party products and/or services;
  • provide tailored ads based on your information and/or preferences provided while using the Services;
  • inform you about products, events and/or other promotional purposes; and
  • use information for other purposes about which we notify you.

The information collected in the aggregate enables Company to better understand your use of the Services and to enhance your enjoyment. We may use financial information to enroll you in one of our accounts and/or other related services in which you elect to participate.  If you use the Services, you agree to receive certain communications from us including but not limited to the following:

Special Offers, Newsletters and Updates.  We will occasionally send you information on products, special deals, promotions and newsletters.  Out of respect for your privacy, you may elect not to receive these types of communications by contacting us at [email protected].

Customer Service.  Based upon the personally identifiable information you provide us, we will communicate with you in response to your inquiries and reviews, to provide the services you request and to manage your account. We will communicate with you by email or telephone, as you may elect.  Customers can reach Company by email at [email protected], and/or by phone at 800-900-7875.

Compliance with Laws.  Company will not disclose your personal information to third parties except as set forth in this Privacy Policy and in the following circumstances: (i) to investigate and defend Company members against any third party claims and/or allegations and/or otherwise to protect Company from liability, (ii) to investigate, prevent and/or take action regarding suspected and/or actual illegal activities, (iii) to assist government enforcement agencies, respond to a legal process and/or comply with the law, (iv) to exercise or protect the rights, property and/or personal safety of the users of the Services and/or (v) to protect the security and/or integrity of the Service.

Business Transfer.  If we sell or otherwise transfer part or all of Company or our assets to another organization (e.g., in the course of a transaction such as a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation, etc.), your information such as name and email address, user content and/or any other information collected through the Services may be among the items sold and/or transferred.

INFORMATION CHOICES

Your Information Choices

We respect your privacy and give you an opportunity to opt out of receiving announcements of certain information.  Although we think that you will benefit from a more personalized experience when we know more about you and what you like, you can limit the information you provide to Company, and you can limit the communications that Company sends to you.  Send opt-out requests to contact information below. If you visit the Services and volunteer personally identifiable information, you can opt out of receiving notifications, and you may review, modify, update, and/or delete such personally identifiable information by contacting and/or by changing your preferences on the Service.  Please be aware that even after your request for a change is processed, Company may, for a time, retain residual information about you in its backup and/or archival copies of its database, and reserves the right to access and utilize collected user data in the future.  Please be aware that we may still email you non-commercial emails related to your account and your transactions through the Services.  Following termination and/or deactivation of your account, Company may retain collected information and data (including without limitation your profile information) for a commercially reasonable time for backup, archival, and/or audit purposes, and reserves the right to access and utilize collected user data in the future. In some cases, if you choose not to provide Company with requested information, you may not be able to use and/or access all of the Services.
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Your California Privacy Rights

Under California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), California residents are entitled to receive the right to access and obtain a copy of your personal information. You may write us and ask for records of any and all personal information. The CCPA requires businesses to disclose (1) the categories of personal information the business collected about Individuals, (2) the categories of sources from which personal information is collected, (3) the business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information, (4) the categories of third parties with whom the business shares personal information, and (5) the specific pieces of personal information the business has collected about the Individual. To obtain such information from Company, please email your request to [email protected] and we will provide a list of categories of personal information disclosed within thirty (30) days of receiving such a request.  This request may be made no more than once per calendar year.  We reserve the right not to respond to requests submitted in ways other than those specified above. The following exceptions may prevail with respect to fulfillment of data access requests: (a) Company may not provide personal data to an Individual, if management determines that we cannot identify the Individual in our systems because the data we have has been de-identified to the extent that identification is not possible; and/or (b) Company may not provide personal data to an Individual, if the Individual is involved in a civil or criminal proceeding with Company.

Information You Share Socially

The Services may allow you to share your actions, content and information publicly or with friends.  We are not responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information you share publicly or with friends.  The Services may also allow you to connect with us on, share on, and/or use third-party websites, applications and services.  Please be mindful of your personal privacy needs and the privacy needs of others, as you choose whom to connect with and what to share and make public.  As a reminder, we do not control the privacy practices of third parties, so please contact other sites if you want to learn about their privacy practices.

SERVICE ELIGIBILITY AND CHANGES

Children and Minors. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) requires that online service providers get parental consent before they knowingly collect personally identifiable information online from children under the age of thirteen (13). Company does not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen (13). You represent and warrant that you are at least thirteen (13) years of age, provided that if you are under eighteen (18) years of age, your use of the Services is subject to requirements of parental consent. We may, in our sole discretion, refuse to offer the Services to any person and/or entity and change its eligibility criteria at any time. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under age thirteen (13), we will delete such information as quickly as possible. If you believe that a child under the age of thirteen (13) may have provided us personal information, please contact us at [email protected].

Changes to Privacy Policy.  In general, changes will be made to this Privacy Policy to address new or modified laws and/or new or modified business procedures.  However, we may update this Privacy Policy at any time, with or without advance notice, so please review it periodically.  We will update the ‘Last Modified’ date above and may provide you additional forms of notice of modifications and/or updates as appropriate under the circumstances.  You can determine when this Privacy Policy was last revised by referring to the date it was “Last Modified” above.   Your continued use of the Services after any modification to this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of such modifications and/or updates.

SECURITY

We work hard to secure your personal information from unauthorized access to and/or unauthorized alteration, disclosure and/or destruction of information we hold.  Company has adopted appropriate physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the personal information we process. We follow generally accepted industry standards to protect the personal information submitted to us, both during transmission and once we receive it. Your account is protected by password for your privacy and security.  We periodically review our information collection, storage and processing practices, including physical security measures, to guard against unauthorized access to systems.  When your bank account information is transmitted via the Services, it will be protected by encryption technology, [such as TLS encryption with an Extended Validation certificate]. Because the internet is not a completely secure environment, Company cannot warrant the security of any information you transmit to Company or guarantee that information on the Services may not be accessed, disclosed, altered, and/or destroyed by breach of any of our physical, technical and/or managerial safeguards.  Please do your part to help Company. You are responsible for maintaining the secrecy of your unique password and account information, and for controlling access to emails between you and Company, at all times.  Please limit your access to your computer and/or mobile device and/or browser by signing off after you have finished accessing your account. We are not responsible for the functionality, privacy and/or security measures of any other organization.

DATA RETENTION

We will retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes we collected it for, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. To determine the appropriate retention period for personal data, we consider the amount, nature, and sensitivity of the personal data, the potential risk of harm from unauthorized use and/or disclosure of your personal data, the purposes for which we process your personal data and whether we can achieve those purposes through other means, and the applicable legal requirements.  In some circumstances we may anonymize your personal data (so that it can no longer be associated with you) for research or statistical purposes in which case we may use this information indefinitely without further notice to you.  We may retain information (including without limitation your personally identifiable information) for a commercially reasonable time for backup, archival, audit purposes, and/or to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes and enforce agreements. In some cases, if you choose not to provide Company with requested information, you may not be able to use and/or access all of the Services. You can request further details of retention periods for different aspects of your personal data by contacting us. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company reserves the right to retain your personal data indefinitely.

DATA TRANSFERS

Please be aware that the Services are subject to United States laws, including those governing privacy and security of your information. By using the Services, you agree and consent (and represent that you have the authority to provide such consent) to the information collection, use and sharing practices described in this Privacy Policy and understand that the laws of the United States and other countries and territories related to the foregoing may differ from those of other countries and may not be as protective as the laws in the country where you reside.  Regardless of the laws in place in such countries, we will treat the privacy of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

OTHER WEB SITES AND SERVICES

We are not responsible for the practices employed by any websites and/or services linked to and/or from the Services, including the information and/or content contained therein. Please remember that when you use a link to go from the Services to another website and/or service, our Privacy Policy does not apply to such third-party websites and/or services. Your browsing and interaction on any third-party website and/or service, including those that have a link on the Service, are subject to such third party’s own rules and policies. In addition, you agree that Company is not responsible and do not have control over any third-parties that you authorize to access your personal information. If you are using a third-party website and/or service and you allow them to access your personal information, you do so at your own risk.

LANGUAGE

The governing language of this Privacy Policy is English, which shall prevail over any other languages used in any translated document.

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have questions and/or comments about this Privacy Policy, please email us at [email protected], or contact us by phone at 800-900-7875. Because email communication is not always secure, please do not include credit card or other sensitive personal information (such as race, ethnic origin, health and the like) in your emails to us.

Write to us at:
230 Northgate St.
#470
Lake Forest, IL 60045