How we handle your data.

1. Who we are

Backyard Buddy is a web and mobile application operated by Linda Godlewsky Ugi ("we," "us," "our"). You can reach us any time at hello@backyardbuddy.app.

2. What we collect

• Account info: your name, email, and a hashed password when you sign up.
• Usage data: anonymized page views, clicks, and feature usage via Google Analytics 4 so we can improve the app.
• Payment data: handled entirely by Stripe. We never see or store your full credit card number — only a transaction ID and your subscription plan.
• Photos you upload for AI Design or Plant ER: sent to our AI provider (Google Gemini) for processing and stored against your account if you save the design. You can delete any design at any time.
• Pro Network data (for landscape pros only): business name, phone, zip code, services, and optional photo — all shown publicly on your listing.

3. What we don't collect

• We do not sell your data. Ever.
• We do not track you across other websites.
• We do not use advertising trackers or third-party ad networks.
• We do not access your device contacts, microphone, or location unless you upload a photo yourself.

4. How we use your data

• To run the app — login, save designs, process payments, show you personalized tips.
• To improve the app — aggregate usage patterns help us decide what to build next.
• To contact you — only account-related emails (password reset, payment receipts). No marketing spam.

5. Who we share with

We only share data with the service providers that make the app work:

• Stripe — payment processing
• Google (Gemini AI) — to generate your AI designs and plant diagnoses
• Google Analytics — anonymous site analytics
• Emergent — our hosting provider

We never share your data with anyone else — not advertisers, not data brokers, not landscape companies. Period.

6. Your rights

You can at any time:

• Download a copy of your data — email us and we'll send it within 30 days.
• Delete your account and all associated data — email us and we'll process it within 7 days.
• Cancel your subscription — from your Profile page or Stripe portal.
• Withdraw consent for analytics — block cookies in your browser.

7. Data security

All data is transmitted over HTTPS. Passwords are hashed with bcrypt (we ourselves cannot read them). Payment data never touches our servers. We use industry-standard security practices but no system on the internet is 100% secure — please use a unique password.

8. Children

Backyard Buddy is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 13. If you believe we have, contact us and we'll delete it immediately.

9. Changes to this policy

If we make changes, we'll update the "Last updated" date above. For significant changes, we'll email registered users.

10. Contact

Questions, concerns, or data requests — reach us at hello@backyardbuddy.app. We read every one.