Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 1, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how PontoonHQ ("we," "us," or "our"), operating at pontoonhq.com, collects, uses, and protects information you provide when using our website and tools.

Information we collect

Information you provide directly

  • Dealer leads: When you submit a dealer inquiry, we collect your name, email address, phone number (optional), stated budget, brand interest, purchase timeline, and ZIP code.
  • Newsletter sign-ups: Email address only.
  • Contact form submissions: Name, email, and your message.

Information collected automatically

  • Analytics: We use Google Analytics 4 to collect anonymized data about site usage — pages visited, session duration, device type, and approximate geographic region. IP addresses are anonymized before storage. We do not use GA4 for remarketing or advertising audiences.
  • Affiliate click logs: When you click an affiliate link, we log a SHA-256 hashed version of your IP address, the source page, and the destination URL. This data is used for internal analytics only and is never sold or shared with affiliate networks beyond what's technically required for tracking.
  • Server logs: Standard web server logs (IP address, browser, pages requested, timestamps) are retained for 30 days for security purposes.

How we use your information

  • Dealer leads: Sent to the specific dealer you contacted. We do not sell or share leads with any other party. We retain lead data for 24 months for dispute resolution.
  • Newsletter email: Used only to send PontoonHQ content updates. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in every email.
  • Analytics: Used to understand which content and tools are most useful, improve site performance, and guide editorial planning. Never used for advertising targeting.

Affiliate links and third parties

PontoonHQ participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Associates and others. When you click an affiliate link, you are redirected to a third-party website subject to their own privacy policy. We have no control over third-party data practices. See our affiliate disclosure for full details.

Cookies

We use cookies for Google Analytics (anonymized), session management, and CSRF security tokens. We do not use third-party advertising cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser settings; this will not affect the core functionality of our tools.

Data retention

  • Dealer leads: 24 months
  • Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe
  • Google Analytics data: 14 months (GA4 default)
  • Server logs: 30 days
  • Affiliate click logs: 12 months

Your rights (GDPR / CCPA)

Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct, or delete personal data we hold about you. To exercise these rights, email hello@pontoonhq.com with "Privacy Request" in the subject line. We will respond within 30 days.

Children's privacy

PontoonHQ is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has submitted personal information, contact us immediately at hello@pontoonhq.com.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy periodically. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of PontoonHQ after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

Privacy questions: hello@pontoonhq.com