Privacy Policy & User Agreement

Introduction

This Privacy Policy and User Agreement governs your use of customsockstudio.com (the "Site") and the custom sock design and manufacturing services provided by Custom Sock Studio (the "Company", "we", "us", or "our"). By accessing or using our Site, you agree to be bound by this Agreement and our privacy practices.

This Site is intended for use by institutions, corporations, schools, organizations, and individuals seeking to design and purchase custom socks. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with the utmost care and transparency.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Name, email address, phone number, and shipping address
• Payment information (processed securely through Stripe)
• Account credentials (email and password)
• Design files, logos, images, and text uploaded for sock customization
• Order history and preferences
• Communications with customer support

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain information:

• Device information (browser type, operating system, IP address)
• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, navigation patterns)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Cookie Policy below)
• Referral source and search terms used to find our Site

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Order Processing: To fulfill your custom sock orders, process payments, and ship products
• Communication: To send order confirmations, shipping updates, and respond to inquiries
• Service Improvement: To enhance our design tools, improve user experience, and develop new features
• Marketing: To send promotional emails about new products and special offers (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with our Site and optimize performance

Cookie Policy

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Site. You have control over which cookies you accept:

Required Cookies (Always Active)

• Authentication: To keep you logged in and secure your account
• Security: To protect against fraud and unauthorized access
• Session Management: To maintain your design progress and cart items
• Essential Functionality: To enable core features like the design editor

Optional Cookies (Require Consent)

• Analytics: Google Analytics to understand site usage (anonymized)
• Marketing: To track campaign effectiveness and personalize ads
• Preferences: To remember your settings and preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time using the cookie settings in our banner or by adjusting your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may limit functionality.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with:

Service Providers

• Payment Processing: Stripe (for secure payment processing)
• Hosting: Vercel (for website hosting)
• Database: Supabase (for data storage with encryption)
• Email: Resend (for transactional emails)
• Shipping: Carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS (to deliver your orders)

Business Partners

We may share information with manufacturing partners and subcontractors who help produce your custom socks. These partners are contractually obligated to protect your information.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, to respond to legal process, to protect our rights, or to ensure the safety of our users.

Intellectual Property Rights

Your Designs: You retain ownership of the intellectual property in designs you upload. However, by using our service, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use your designs solely for the purpose of manufacturing your custom socks and displaying them in your account.

Our Content: All content on the Site, including text, graphics, logos, the design editor software, and templates, is owned by Custom Sock Studio and protected by copyright and trademark laws.

Design Exclusivity: Custom designs created by customers are not exclusive to them. We reserve the right to create variations or similar designs for other customers. However, we will not use your exact design for other customers without permission.

Right to Refuse: We reserve the right to reject orders containing inappropriate, offensive, or infringing content at our sole discretion.

Data Security

We take data security seriously and implement industry-standard measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using SSL/TLS
• Secure Storage: Personal data is stored in encrypted databases with access controls
• Payment Security: We never store credit card details; all payments processed via PCI-compliant Stripe
• Authentication: Passwords are hashed using bcrypt; we support two-factor authentication
• Regular Audits: We conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Employee Training: Our team is trained on data protection and privacy best practices

While we implement strong security measures, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

All Users

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and personal data
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time

EU/UK Users (GDPR)

• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for marketing purposes
• Automated Decisions: We do not use automated decision-making or profiling
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

California Users (CCPA/CPRA)

• Know: Know what personal information we collect and how it's used
• Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-Out of Sale: We do not sell personal information
• Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@customsockstudio.com

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:

• Active Accounts: Data retained while your account is active
• Order History: Order data retained for 7 years (tax and legal compliance)
• Deleted Accounts: Most data deleted within 30 days; some records retained for legal purposes
• Marketing Data: Removed immediately upon unsubscribe

Payment & Delivery

Accepted Payment Methods: We accept credit cards, debit cards, and ACH transfers via Stripe. All payments are processed securely and encrypted.

Minimum Order Quantity: 300 pairs per size (sizes cannot be mixed to meet MOQ).

Lead Time: Standard production time is 14-21 business days after design approval. Shipping time depends on your location.

Rush Orders: Rush production may be available for an additional fee, subject to availability.

Returns & Cancellations

Custom Products: Due to the custom nature of our products, orders are generally non-returnable. However, we will provide replacement or partial refund for:

• Manufacturing defects or material flaws
• Poor print or knitting quality
• Designs materially different from approved proofs

Cancellation Policy: Standard orders may be cancelled within 24 hours of placement for a full refund. After production begins, orders cannot be cancelled.

Quality Guarantee: We stand behind our quality. If you're not satisfied with the final product due to our error, we'll make it right.

Ethical Manufacturing

Custom Sock Studio is committed to ethical manufacturing practices. We work exclusively with vetted suppliers who:

• Comply with fair labor standards and local employment laws
• Provide safe working conditions and fair wages
• Prohibit child labor and forced labor
• Respect workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively
• Implement environmental sustainability practices

We regularly audit our manufacturing partners to ensure compliance with these standards.

Communications & Marketing

Transactional Emails: You will receive order confirmations, shipping updates, and account-related emails. These cannot be disabled as they are necessary for service delivery.

Marketing Emails: With your consent, we may send promotional emails about new products, special offers, and company updates. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the email.

SMS/Text Messages: If you opt in, we may send order notifications and promotional offers via text. Reply STOP to opt out. Standard messaging rates apply.

Children's Privacy

Our Site is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately. If you believe we have information about a child, please contact us at privacy@customsockstudio.com

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our Site, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries. We implement appropriate safeguards to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Custom Sock Studio shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Site errors, interruptions, or transmission failures
• Unauthorized access to or alteration of your transmissions or data
• Delays or failures in production or delivery due to circumstances beyond our control

Our total liability for any claim arising from your use of the Site shall not exceed the amount you paid for the specific order giving rise to the claim.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top will reflect when changes were made. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on our Site. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts located in New York County, New York.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us: