Intruduction
At Washington Merchant Services, safeguarding your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal and business information is our highest priority. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you interact with our website or use our payment processing solutions. By accessing our site or utilizing our services, you agree to the practices detailed in this policy. We encourage you to read this Privacy Policy carefully and reach out if you have any questions.
Our commitment to transparency and compliance with all applicable privacy regulations reflects our goal of providing reliable, secure merchant services to businesses across Washington State. Whether you’re a new client or a long-time partner, we want you to be fully informed about your rights and our responsibilities regarding your data.
Information We Collect
When you engage with Washington Merchant Services, we collect various types of information to ensure the effective delivery of our payment processing solutions. This includes personally identifiable information such as your name, business name, mailing address, email, phone number, and billing details. Additionally, we may collect payment transaction data, account preferences, and other relevant details needed to provide our merchant services.
We also automatically collect certain technical and usage data when you visit our website. This can include your IP address, browser type, device information, site navigation patterns, and the date and time of your visit. This information helps us understand how visitors use our site and assists us in optimizing the user experience for Washington-based businesses.
How We Use Your Information
Your information is used primarily to set up, manage, and maintain your merchant account, process payments, and deliver customer support. For Washington businesses, this means creating a seamless payment experience, ensuring regulatory compliance, and resolving any technical or transactional issues that arise. We use your data to provide you with tailored recommendations and to inform you of updates that may impact your business.
Beyond core service delivery, we may use your information for internal analysis and business development. This allows us to improve our services, develop new features, and better understand the evolving needs of Washington businesses. From time to time, we may also send you important notifications, service announcements, or marketing communications (with your consent), all designed to keep you informed and supported.
Sharing and Disclosure of Information
Washington Merchant Services respects your privacy and will never sell your personal or business data to unrelated third parties. However, to deliver our payment processing solutions efficiently, we may need to share your information with trusted service providers such as payment gateways, banking partners, equipment vendors, or regulatory agencies as required by law. All third-party partners are contractually bound to handle your information securely and to use it solely for the purpose of providing the contracted services.
We may also share your data to comply with legal obligations, enforce our Terms of Service, protect our rights and property, or investigate potential fraud or security issues. In rare cases, if our business undergoes a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction. Should this occur, you will be notified and given an opportunity to review any new privacy practices.
Data Security and Protection
We take the security of your data seriously and employ industry-standard security technologies and protocols to safeguard your information. This includes data encryption, secure socket layer (SSL) connections, firewalls, and regular vulnerability assessments. We also maintain robust access controls, ensuring only authorized staff members can access sensitive data necessary to perform their duties.
Despite our best efforts, no system can be entirely immune from security risks. That’s why we encourage you to follow safe practices, such as using strong passwords and keeping your login credentials confidential. In the unlikely event of a data breach or security incident, we will notify affected parties and relevant authorities promptly, following all applicable legal requirements.
Your Rights and Choices
As a valued client of Washington Merchant Services, you have the right to access, update, correct, or request the deletion of your personal information. You may also opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by following the instructions in our emails or by contacting our support team directly.
We are committed to honoring your privacy rights and will respond promptly to all requests. If you have concerns about the accuracy of your information or wish to restrict how your data is used, please reach out to our privacy office. We will take every reasonable step to ensure your preferences are respected, subject to any legal or contractual requirements.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may revise or update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page, with a revised effective date at the top. If significant changes are made, we will notify you by email or through a prominent notice on our website.
We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed about how your information is protected. Continued use of our services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.