Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 6, 2025
Last Updated: September 6, 2025
Website: www.watersbydesign.com
Contact: Watersgw18@gmail.com

This document provides general information and a practical template for small businesses. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Please consult an attorney to tailor these terms and the policy to your specific operations.

1) Who We Are

Waters By Design ("WBD," "we," "our," or "us") provides custom apparel, laser engraving, and sublimation printing services. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information we collect and process when you visit www.watersbydesign.com (the "Site"), place an order, or interact with us by email, phone, or social media.

2) Scope

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you:

browse the Site;
submit a contact, quote, or order form;
upload artwork or other files;
subscribe to emails or marketing;
leave feedback or a review; or
communicate with us in any other way.

The policy applies regardless of device or method of access. If you disagree with the policy, please do not use the Site.

3) Information We Collect

Information you provide directly:

Contact details (name, email, phone, shipping/billing address).
Account details (if accounts are offered): username/password.
Order details (products, quantities, sizes, notes).
Artwork/files you upload and related specifications.
Payment details processed by our payment providers (we do not store full card numbers).
Messages, inquiries, feedback, and reviews.

Information collected automatically:

Device and usage data (IP address, browser type, pages viewed, referring/exit pages, date/time stamps).
Cookie and similar technology data (see Cookies & Similar Technologies).

Information from third parties:

Payment processors, shipping carriers, analytics/advertising partners, and social networks may provide limited information to help us process orders, detect fraud, or measure site performance and marketing effectiveness.

4) How We Use Information

We use your information to:

provide, operate, and improve the Site and our services;
process and fulfill orders and provide customer support;
create and send proofs; manage approvals, production, pickup, and shipping;
communicate with you about orders, quotes, updates, and support;
personalize content and recommendations;
send marketing communications (with your consent where required) and measure campaign performance;
maintain security, detect/prevent fraud, and comply with legal obligations; and
maintain business records and perform internal reporting.

5) Legal Bases (EEA/UK users)

If you are located in the EEA/UK, we process personal data under one or more of the following legal bases: (a) performance of a contract; (b) legitimate interests (e.g., site security, product improvement, marketing to existing customers); (c) consent (e.g., certain marketing, cookies); and (d) compliance with legal obligations.

6) Cookies & Similar Technologies

We (and partners) may use cookies, pixels, and local storage to operate the Site, remember preferences, analyze traffic, and measure advertising. You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Blocking cookies may impact Site functionality. If we use third‑party analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) or advertising pixels (e.g., Meta/Facebook), these providers may set their own cookies and process data per their privacy policies.

7) Sharing Your Information

We may share information with:

Service providers performing services on our behalf (e.g., payment processing, hosting, analytics, shipping, email/SMS).
Business transfers (e.g., merger, acquisition, asset sale).
Legal reasons (to comply with law, enforce our terms, protect rights, safety, or property).

We do not sell personal information. We do not share personal information with third parties for their own direct marketing without your consent.

8) Payments

Payments may be processed by third‑party processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) subject to their privacy policies. WBD does not store full payment card numbers.

9) User‑Generated Content (Feedback/Reviews)

If you submit a review or feedback, you authorize us to display your submission (typically using first name and last initial) on the Site and in marketing, consistent with the consent you provide at submission. We may moderate submissions per our Terms.

10) Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, comply with legal obligations (including tax/audit), resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Retention periods vary based on record type and legal requirements.

11) Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12) Children’s Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe we have collected such information, contact us at Watersgw18@gmail.com so we can delete it.

13) Your Choices & Rights

Marketing: You can unsubscribe from marketing emails by using the link in those emails or by contacting us.
Cookies: Manage via browser settings; see Cookies & Similar Technologies.
Access/Correction/Deletion: You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information (subject to legal exceptions) by emailing Watersgw18@gmail.com. We may ask you to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.

California (CPRA) Notice: If you are a California resident, you may request: (a) to know the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collected, the sources, purposes, and categories of third parties we disclosed to; (b) deletion of personal information (subject to exceptions); (c) correction of inaccurate information; and (d) to opt‑out of the sharing of personal information for cross‑context behavioral advertising (if applicable). We do not sell personal information. We will not discriminate against you for exercising these rights.

14) International Transfers

If you access the Site from outside the United States, your information may be processed in the U.S. and other countries, which may have different data protection laws than your country. We take appropriate measures when transferring data internationally.

15) Third‑Party Links

The Site may contain links to third‑party websites or services. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.

16) Do Not Track

The Site may not respond to Do Not Track signals due to the lack of a uniform industry standard.

17) Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date indicates the latest revision. Material changes will be noted on the Site and/or sent to you when required by law.

18) How to Contact Us

For questions or privacy requests, email Watersgw18@gmail.com.

Terms & Conditions (Terms of Use / Sale)

1) Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using www.watersbydesign.com (the "Site") and/or placing an order with Waters By Design ("WBD," "we," "our"), you agree to these Terms & Conditions (the "Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use the Site or place orders. These Terms include important limitations of liability and dispute provisions.

2) Eligibility & Accounts

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your location) to use the Site or place orders. If we offer accounts, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of login credentials and for all activity under your account.

3) Quotes, Orders, and Proofs

Quotes: Quotes are estimates based on information provided and are valid for a limited period stated on the quote (or 30 days if not specified).
Orders: Orders are accepted when we confirm in writing (e.g., email or order confirmation). We may decline or cancel orders (e.g., for suspected fraud or policy violations).
Proofs: For custom work, we usually provide a digital proof. Production begins after you approve the proof in writing. Your approval is final; please review sizes, colors, spelling, placements, and quantities carefully.

4) Artwork & Intellectual Property

Customer‑Supplied Artwork: You represent and warrant that you own or have all rights necessary to use, reproduce, and modify submitted artwork/files and that your materials do not infringe any third‑party rights. You grant WBD a limited license to use your materials solely to produce your order. You will indemnify WBD from claims arising out of the use of customer‑supplied materials.
WBD‑Created Designs: Unless otherwise agreed in a written assignment, WBD retains all right, title, and interest (including copyright) in original designs, templates, mockups, and production files created by WBD. Upon full payment, WBD grants you a non‑exclusive, non‑transferable license to use the final printed/engraved/sublimated output for its intended purpose. Source files are not included unless explicitly purchased/licensed.
Prohibited Content: We may refuse orders that include unlawful, defamatory, hateful, infringing, or otherwise objectionable content at our discretion.

5) Materials, Colors, and Tolerances

Color Variations: Due to screen settings, material differences, and print methods, minor color and placement variations may occur between proofs and final products.
Tolerances: Reasonable production tolerances (e.g., size/placement ±0.25", thread/print registration, laser engraving depth/contrast, and sublimation transfer variability) are considered acceptable within industry standards.
Garment/Item Availability: Specific brands, styles, and colors may be substituted with comparable alternatives if supply issues arise; we will notify you when feasible.

6) Turnaround Times & Rush Orders

Standard turnaround for most orders is 3–5 business days after proof approval and receipt of payment/required materials. Turnaround is an estimate and not guaranteed. Rush services may be available for an additional fee; contact us for availability.

7) Shipping, Pickup & Risk of Loss

We offer local pickup and ship nationwide via common carriers. Risk of loss transfers to you upon delivery to the carrier or upon pickup. Shipping dates are estimates; carrier delays are outside our control. Inspect packages upon receipt and notify us promptly of issues.

8) Pricing, Taxes & Payment

Prices are in U.S. dollars and may change without notice before order acceptance. Advertised promotions may be subject to terms. You are responsible for applicable taxes and shipping. Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due at order acceptance; for custom work, deposits or full prepayment may be required. We may charge late fees on overdue balances as permitted by law.

9) Returns, Reprints & Cancellations

Custom Items: Because custom products are made to your specifications, they are non‑returnable and non‑refundable except in cases of material defects or our error.
Defects/Errors: You must notify us within 7 calendar days of delivery/pickup with photos and order details. If we confirm a defect or error, our sole obligation is, at our option, to repair, replace, or reprint the affected items or issue a refund/credit for the defective portion.
Cancellations: Orders may be canceled prior to proof approval/production. If artwork, materials, or labor have begun, you are responsible for associated costs incurred to date.

(Customize these windows/terms to match your operational policy.)

10) Feedback & Reviews

If you submit feedback or a review, you grant WBD a non‑exclusive, worldwide, royalty‑free license to use, reproduce, and display the content (using first name + last initial unless otherwise agreed) for marketing and Site display. We may moderate or remove submissions that violate these Terms or applicable law.

11) Acceptable Use

You agree not to misuse the Site, including by: reverse‑engineering; scraping; interfering with security; introducing malware; spamming; or violating intellectual property or privacy rights.

12) Third‑Party Services

The Site may reference or integrate third‑party services (e.g., payment processors, analytics, social platforms). We are not responsible for third‑party services and disclaim liability for their acts or omissions. Your use of those services is governed by their terms.

13) Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SITE, CONTENT, AND PRODUCTS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE." EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED, WBD DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON‑INFRINGEMENT. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties; some limitations may not apply to you.

14) Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WBD AND ITS OWNERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES; LOST PROFITS; LOSS OF DATA; BUSINESS INTERRUPTION; OR COST OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE SITE OR PRODUCTS, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY. WBD’S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE ORDER GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

15) Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless WBD from and against claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of (a) your use of the Site or products; (b) your breach of these Terms; or (c) infringement or violation of any third‑party rights by your materials or conduct.

16) Governing Law; Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to conflict‑of‑laws rules.

Informal Resolution. Before filing a claim, the parties will attempt to resolve disputes informally by contacting Watersgw18@gmail.com. If not resolved within 30 days, the dispute may proceed as permitted by law.

Arbitration/Class Action Waiver (Optional – customize or remove): Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the products shall be resolved by binding arbitration on an individual basis administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. You and WBD waive any right to a jury trial and to participate in a class action. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. This section does not apply to small‑claims matters or claims for injunctive relief regarding intellectual property rights.

If you do not wish to agree to arbitration, remove this clause and specify courts of competent jurisdiction (e.g., state and federal courts located in Baltimore, Maryland) as the exclusive venue.

17) Force Majeure

We are not responsible for delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, labor disputes, supplier failures, epidemics, or carrier disruptions.

18) Changes to the Site or Terms

We may update the Site and these Terms at any time. The "Last Updated" date reflects the latest revision. Your continued use after changes indicates acceptance of the revised Terms.

19) Severability; Assignment; Entire Agreement

If any provision is deemed unenforceable, it will be limited or removed to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions remain in effect. You may not assign these Terms without our consent. We may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset transfer. These Terms, together with any order‑specific documentation, constitute the entire agreement between you and WBD.

20) Contact

Questions about these Terms or your order? Contact Watersgw18@gmail.com.