Who we are and what this covers

ExpertBowler ("we," "us," "our") operates expertbowler.com and provides editorial reviews, buying guides, and technique content for bowlers. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you use our site, how we use it, and what rights you have over your data.

This policy applies to all visitors and readers of our site. If you don't agree with how we handle data, please don't use our site.

What we collect

We collect information in two ways: information you provide directly, and information that's collected automatically when you browse our site.

Information you provide:

• Your name and email when you submit a contact form, leave a comment, or sign up for our newsletter
• Any feedback or messages you send us directly

Information collected automatically:

• Your IP address, approximate location (city/region), and device type
• Browser type and version, operating system, and language preference
• Pages you visit, time spent on pages, and how you arrived at our site
• Affiliate link clicks (we track which affiliate links visitors click, but this data is anonymized)

What we do with your data

We use the information we collect to:

• Run and improve the site (security, performance, fixing bugs)
• Understand which content readers find useful (editorial decisions)
• Respond to your comments, questions, or feedback
• Send you our newsletter if you've signed up (with the option to unsubscribe at any time)
• Comply with legal obligations

What we do NOT do: we don't sell your personal data to third parties. We don't share your email with advertisers. We don't use your data for purposes other than running this editorial site.

Cookies and tracking technologies

Like most websites, we use cookies and similar tracking technologies to make the site work and to understand how it's used. The main types of cookies we use:

• Essential cookies: required for the site to function (e.g., remembering your cookie preferences)
• Analytics cookies: we use Google Analytics to understand which content readers engage with. This data is aggregated and anonymized.
• Affiliate tracking cookies: when you click an affiliate link (e.g., to Amazon or a manufacturer), the affiliate network may set a cookie so they can credit us a commission if you purchase. We don't see your purchase details — only that someone made a qualifying purchase via our link.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but parts of the site may not work properly without them.

Third parties that may collect data

We use a few trusted third-party services to run the site. These services have their own privacy policies. The main ones:

• Google Analytics — for traffic and engagement analytics. Google's privacy policy
• Amazon Associates — affiliate program for product links. Amazon's privacy notice
• WordPress & hosting provider — for site infrastructure
• Email/newsletter service (if you've subscribed) — for delivering newsletters

We do not control how these third parties handle data. Please review their respective privacy policies if you're concerned.

Affiliate marketing transparency

ExpertBowler participates in affiliate marketing programs. When you click certain product links and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We disclose this on every page that contains affiliate links and detail our editorial independence in our Affiliate Disclosure.

Affiliate commissions never determine our editorial picks. Products are selected based on spec sheets, USBC research, manufacturer data, and pro shop feedback — not commission rates. Read our editorial standards.

Your rights and choices

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

• Access: request a copy of the data we have about you
• Correction: ask us to fix inaccurate data
• Deletion: ask us to delete your data (subject to legal exceptions)
• Opt-out: unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time via the unsubscribe link in any email
• Cookies: control cookie preferences via your browser settings

EU/UK residents (GDPR): you have the right to lodge a complaint with your data protection authority if you believe we've mishandled your data.

California residents (CCPA): you have the right to know what data we collect and to request deletion. We don't sell personal data.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at admin@expertbowler.com.

Visitors under 13

Our site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we've inadvertently collected such data, contact us and we'll delete it promptly.

How we protect data

We use reasonable security measures to protect data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes secure HTTPS connections, regular software updates, and limited access to any data we collect.

However, no online service is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we can't guarantee absolute security. If we ever experience a data breach affecting your information, we'll notify you as required by law.

How long we keep data

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. Analytics data is typically retained for up to 26 months. Newsletter subscriber data is kept until you unsubscribe. Comment data is kept as long as the comment is published.

Where data is stored

Our hosting infrastructure and many of the third-party services we use are based in the United States. If you visit our site from outside the US, your data may be transferred to and processed in the US. By using the site, you consent to this transfer.

Updates to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we'll update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Significant changes will be communicated through a notice on the site. Continued use of the site after changes means you accept the updated policy.