Legal
Privacy Policy
The Vinyl Map is a record-store directory. This policy explains what we collect, why, who we share it with, and the choices you have. We keep data collection to the minimum needed to run the site.
Who we are
"The Vinyl Map" ("we", "us") operates the website at thevinylmap.com. You can reach us any time at hello@thevinylmap.com.
What we collect
We collect only a few categories of data:
- Usage & device data (analytics). When you visit, we collect standard analytics such as pages viewed, referring site, approximate location (country/region), browser and device type, and interactions like outbound clicks. This is handled by Google Analytics 4. IP addresses are anonymized before storage.
- Information you submit in a form. If you add or report a shop, or claim a listing, we receive what you type — for example a shop name, address, website, and an optional contact email. Claiming a shop also records the email address used to verify ownership.
- Owner accounts & content. If you are a verified shop owner using the "Manage this shop" tools, we store your verified email (from your approved claim), a short-lived sign-in session, and any events or photos you post. We never ask for or store a password.
- Security signals. To block spam and abuse we use Cloudflare Turnstile and standard server logs (including IP address), retained briefly.
We do not collect payment information on this site, and we do not sell your personal information.
How we use it
- To operate, maintain, and improve the directory and understand which content is useful.
- To verify shop claims and let verified owners manage their own listings.
- To send transactional email you request or that keeps the service running — for example a sign-in link or a claim-verification link.
- To detect, prevent, and respond to spam, abuse, and security issues.
Service providers we share data with
We use a small number of processors, each only for the purpose listed:
- Cloudflare — hosting, content delivery, spam protection (Turnstile), and access control for our admin tools.
- Google Analytics — website analytics (anonymized).
- Resend — delivery of transactional emails (sign-in and verification links).
We share data with these providers only to run the service, and we do not permit them to use it for their own purposes beyond what their own terms require. We may also disclose information if required by law.
Cookies & analytics
We use cookies and similar technologies for two things: keeping you signed in to the owner tools (a strictly necessary session cookie), and analytics (Google Analytics). You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings; blocking the session cookie will sign you out of the owner tools, but the rest of the site works normally.
Affiliate links & advertising
Some pages may contain affiliate links (for example to record-care products), and we may show advertising in the future. If we earn a commission from a purchase you make through an affiliate link, it comes at no extra cost to you. Any advertising or affiliate partners we add will be disclosed, and this policy will be updated to describe any additional data they collect.
Data retention
We keep form submissions and claim records for as long as needed to maintain the directory and an audit trail. Owner content (events, photos) stays until you or we remove it. Sign-in links expire quickly and sessions expire on their own. Analytics data is retained according to Google Analytics' default retention settings.
Your choices & rights
You can opt out of analytics by using your browser's tracking controls or a Google Analytics opt-out tool. To access, correct, or delete personal information we hold about you — including a shop claim or owner content — email hello@thevinylmap.com and we'll respond. Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under laws such as the GDPR or CCPA; we honor those requests.
Children
The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children under 13.
Changes
We may update this policy as the site evolves. Material changes will be reflected by an updated "last updated" date on this page.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email hello@thevinylmap.com.