Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 8, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how The Gizmo Grotto ("we," "us," "our") collects, uses and shares personal information when you visit thegizmogrotto.com (the "Site"), create an account, place an order, or contact us.
Information we collect
Information you give us
- Account details: email address, display name and password (stored only as a secure hash).
- Order details: name, email, phone number, billing and shipping addresses, items ordered, order notes, and custom-request details or files you upload.
- Optional details: birth month and day if you join our Birthday Gift program (no birth year).
- Communications: messages you send us and our replies about your orders.
Payment information
- Payments are processed by Stripe. We never see or store your full card number. Stripe shares limited details with us, such as card brand, last four digits and fraud-check results, so we can prevent fraud and answer questions about your payment.
Information collected automatically
- Cookies: we use a session cookie to keep you signed in and to remember your cart and checkout. Our hosting provider may also set a small security cookie to filter out automated traffic. We don't use advertising cookies or third-party analytics cookies on the Site.
- Logs: our servers record IP address, browser type, pages requested and security events (such as sign-ins) to keep the Site secure and working.
How we use your information
- To process, make, ship and deliver your orders, and to arrange local pickup.
- To send order emails, such as confirmations, receipts, deposit and balance-due notices, shipping updates and "ready for pickup" notices.
- If you start a checkout and don't finish it, we may send you one reminder about it.
- To respond to questions and custom-project requests.
- To prevent fraud and keep accounts secure.
- To run optional programs you join (such as Birthday Gift).
- To comply with legal, tax and accounting obligations.
How we share information
We don't sell your personal information. We share it only with service providers that help us run the business, and only as needed:
- Stripe: payment processing, fraud prevention and sales-tax calculation.
- Shipping carriers: delivering your order.
- Our web hosting provider: running the Site and sending order emails.
- Google (Google Workspace): our business email, so messages you send us are stored there.
- AI service providers (such as xAI): when you describe a custom request, we may use an AI tool to help our staff read and organize the details. We send only the request details needed for that task, not your payment information.
- Other service providers that help us operate the business, under confidentiality obligations.
We may also disclose information when required by law, or to protect the rights, property or safety of our customers, our business or others.
How long we keep information
- Order and payment records: as long as needed for tax, accounting and legal obligations, generally up to 7 years.
- Account data: while your account is active. You can ask us to delete it at any time; order records we're legally required to keep will be retained.
- Server logs: for a limited period, for security and troubleshooting.
Your choices and rights
- Access, correction, deletion: email support@thegizmogrotto.com or contact us and we'll respond. We may need to verify your identity.
- Cookies: you can block cookies in your browser, but signing in and checkout won't work without the session cookie.
- Texas residents and everyone else: we honor access, correction and deletion requests from all customers, regardless of where they live. We don't sell personal data or use it for targeted advertising or profiling.
Security
We use HTTPS encryption, hashed passwords, restricted staff access and a PCI-compliant payment processor. No internet transmission or storage system is completely secure, so we can't guarantee absolute security.
Children
The Site isn't directed to children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect their personal information. If you believe a child has given us information, contact us and we'll delete it.
Changes
We may update this policy. Changes are posted on this page with a new "Last updated" date.
Contact
The Gizmo Grotto · 9109 Dyer St, El Paso, TX 79924 · (915) 757-1530 · support@thegizmogrotto.com · Contact page