Privacy Policy — The Maker Tools

Who we are

The Maker Tools is operated by AshCat Creative LLC (St. Albans, Vermont). If you have questions about privacy, email support@themakertools.com.

What this policy covers

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect and why, how it’s used, and the choices you have. It applies to themakertools.com, our tools and pages, and any related Chrome extension(s) published under The Maker Tools/AshCat Creative.

Local-first tools (your files)

Many Maker Tools are designed to run in your browser on your device (“local-first”). When a tool is local-first:

Your uploaded files are processed in your browser and are not sent to our servers.
We do not store your uploaded files.
When you close the tab, any in-memory processing data is typically cleared by your browser.

Note: If a specific tool requires server processing in the future, we will clearly disclose that on the tool page before you use it.

Information we collect

1) Email signups (MailerLite)

If you join a waitlist, request free tools, or subscribe for updates, we collect the information you submit (typically your email, and any optional fields you choose to provide). This is processed by MailerLite to manage subscriptions and send emails you requested.

What we collect: email address (and optional fields you submit).
Why: to send the email(s) you asked for (updates, waitlists, access links, etc.).
How long: until you unsubscribe or request deletion, unless we must keep a minimal record for compliance.

2) Payments (Stripe)

When you purchase a subscription or product, payments are handled by Stripe. We do not receive or store your full card number. Stripe may collect payment and billing details needed to process the transaction and prevent fraud.

What we receive: limited purchase info (e.g., customer email, payment status, product/plan purchased).
What Stripe handles: card details and payment processing.
Why: to provide access to paid features and customer support.

3) Basic website logs

Like most websites, our hosting and infrastructure may record basic logs (for example: IP address, user agent, and timestamps) for security, debugging, and performance. We use this to keep the site stable and prevent abuse.

4) Support messages

If you email support, we’ll receive your email address and whatever you include in the message. We use that information only to respond and provide support.

Chrome extension privacy notes

If you use a Maker Tools Chrome extension, it may store settings locally (for example in Chrome storage) to remember your preferences. The extension is built to avoid collecting personal data unless it is required for a feature you explicitly use.

Local storage: preferences and settings may be saved on your device.
File handling: if the extension processes files, it is designed to do so locally unless clearly stated otherwise.
No selling: we do not sell personal information.

If an extension feature ever requires network access (for example, to validate a subscription or fetch an update), it will be limited to what’s necessary to provide that feature.

Cookies and tracking

We try to keep tracking minimal. Some third-party services we use (like MailerLite and Stripe) may set cookies or use similar technologies for core functionality (forms, fraud prevention, checkout).

MailerLite: supports embedded forms and subscription management.
Stripe: supports secure checkout and fraud prevention.

If we add analytics in the future, we’ll update this policy and (when appropriate) provide a choice.

How we use information

Provide and maintain the site and tools.
Send updates you requested (waitlists, access emails, product updates).
Process payments and manage subscriptions.
Respond to support requests.
Prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents.

How we share information

We share information only with service providers needed to run the business, such as:

MailerLite (email lists and form submissions)
Stripe (payments and subscriptions)
Hosting/infrastructure providers (to deliver the website)

We do not sell your personal information. We do not share your data with third parties for their own marketing.

Data retention

We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described above, unless a longer retention period is required by law (for example, tax or accounting records).

Your choices

Unsubscribe: use the unsubscribe link in any email.
Access/Deletion: request a copy or deletion of your information by emailing support@themakertools.com.
Browser controls: you can disable cookies in your browser, but some features (like checkout/forms) may break.

Security

We use reasonable safeguards to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, but we aim to minimize collection and reduce exposure by default.

Children’s privacy

The Maker Tools are not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as the site and tools evolve. When we do, we’ll update the date below.

Effective date: January 6, 2026