The Privacy Policy is currently under review, please use this version as a guideline. This Privacy Policy explains how GrainStories / The Grain Studio (“GrainStories,” “we,” “us,” “I,” “our,”) collects, uses, shares, and protects your information when you visit our website (the “Site”), contact us, or purchase goods/services from us. By using the Site, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1) Information We Collect

We collect information in three main ways: (a) information you provide, (b) information collected automatically, and (c) information from service providers.

A) Information you provide directly

When you contact us, request a quote, place an order, or commission Custom Work, you may provide:

• Contact details: name, email, phone number

• Order details: billing/shipping address, items purchased, communications about your order

• Project details (custom work): dimensions, design preferences, budget range, timeline goals, materials preferences

• Site/install info (optional): photos of your space, measurements, fireplace/wall substrate info, install constraints

• Other details you choose to share: notes, inspiration links, sentimental material backstory (if you share it)

B) Information collected automatically

When you browse the Site, we may collect:

• Device and usage data: IP address, browser type, pages viewed, time spent, referring pages

• Cookie/analytics data: interactions with the Site, approximate location (city/state), and site performance data

C) Information from third parties

If you purchase through the Site, our payment/shipping partners may provide:

• Payment confirmation and transaction metadata (we do not typically receive your full payment card number)

• Shipping and delivery updates (when applicable)

2) How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide quotes, invoices, order confirmations, and customer support

• Create, build, and deliver your purchased item(s) or commissioned work

• Communicate about lead times, material availability (especially reclaimed wood), and design approvals

• Process payments and help prevent fraud

• Coordinate shipping, delivery, and (when offered) local installation

• Improve the Site (performance, content relevance, user experience)

• Send marketing emails only if you opt in, and allow you to unsubscribe anytime

• Maintain records required for tax, accounting, and operational purposes

3) Cookies and Analytics

We may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep the Site working properly

• Understand how visitors use the Site (analytics)

• Improve content and navigation

You can usually control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking cookies may affect certain site functions.

4) How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share your information with trusted service providers only as needed to operate our business, such as:

• Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, Square — depending on what you use)

• E-commerce/website hosting platforms

• Shipping carriers and freight partners

• Email/communications tools (for order confirmations and support)

• Analytics tools (to understand site traffic and performance)

We may also share information:

• To comply with legal obligations, enforce agreements, or respond to lawful requests

• To protect the rights, safety, and property of GrainStories, our customers, or others

• In connection with a business transfer (e.g., merger, acquisition), where allowed by law

5) Payment Information

Payments are processed by third-party payment providers. We typically do not store full credit card numbers on our servers. Your payment provider’s handling of your payment data is governed by their own policies.

6) Photos, Install Images, and Storytelling Content

If you share photos of your home, your installation space, or sentimental materials, we use them only to:

• Plan and execute your build and/or install

• Communicate design options and progress

We will not publicly post identifiable home details or personal information without permission.
If we want to share build photos/videos for portfolio or marketing, our Terms & Conditions explain the opt-out process.

7) Data Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill orders and provide support

• Maintain business, tax, and accounting records

• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

When information is no longer needed, we delete or anonymize it where reasonably possible.

8) Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9) Your Privacy Rights (Virginia and Other U.S. Residents)

GrainStories operates from Virginia, and certain privacy laws may provide rights depending on where you live (including the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA) for qualifying residents).

Depending on applicability, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you

• Request correction of inaccurate data

• Request deletion of certain data

• Obtain a copy of your data (portability)

• Opt out of targeted advertising or certain profiling (if applicable)

To make a request, contact us using the details in Section 13. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

10) Children’s Privacy

The Site is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

11) “Do Not Track” Signals

Some browsers send “Do Not Track” signals. Because there is no uniform industry standard, we do not currently respond to these signals in a standardized way.

12) Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The updated version will be posted on the Site with a revised Effective Date. Continued use of the Site after changes means you accept the updated policy.

13) Contact Us

For privacy questions or requests, contact us.

Note:Site is hosted by SquareSpace. Privacy policy of SquareSpace can be reviewed here