Last Updated: January 19, 2026

TopShelfRatings.com ("we," "us," or "our") operates this website to provide product research and recommendations. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our site.

Overview

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This policy describes:

  • What information we collect and why
  • How we use cookies and tracking technologies
  • Your rights under California privacy law (CCPA)
  • How to contact us with questions

By using TopShelfRatings.com, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

Email Subscriptions:
If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect:

  • Email address
  • Subscription preferences
  • Date of subscription

We use Ghost CMS's native subscription system. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email we send.

Information Collected Automatically

Website Analytics:
We use Google Analytics 4 and Ghost's built-in analytics to understand how visitors use our site. This includes:

  • Pages you visit
  • Time spent on pages
  • Device type (mobile, tablet, desktop)
  • General location (city/state level)
  • Referral source (how you found us)

Affiliate Link Tracking:
We participate in affiliate programs (primarily Amazon Associates). When you click affiliate links, we may track:

  • Which links are clicked
  • General user behavior (not personally identifiable)
  • Conversion data (whether a purchase was made)

This tracking is done through Genius Link and Amazon's systems and does not identify you personally.

Search Console Data:
We use Google Search Console to monitor site performance in search results. This includes:

  • Search queries that lead to our site
  • Click-through rates
  • Site indexing status

This data is aggregated and does not identify individual users.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better experience and understand how our site is used.

When you first visit our site, you'll see a banner allowing you to accept or decline cookies. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

  • Clearing cookies through your browser settings
  • Using browser extensions that block tracking cookies
  • Contacting us at info@topshelfratings.com to opt out of tracking

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies:
Required for basic site functionality. These cannot be disabled.

  • Session management
  • Security features
  • Basic site navigation

Analytics Cookies:
Help us understand site performance (Google Analytics 4, Ghost Analytics).

  • Page views and navigation patterns
  • Device and browser information
  • General geographic data

Affiliate Cookies:
Track affiliate link performance (Amazon Associates, Genius Link).

  • Affiliate link clicks
  • Purchase conversions
  • Commission tracking

Third-Party Cookies:
Set by external services we use.

  • Google Analytics
  • Amazon Associates
  • Genius Link

You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings. Note that blocking cookies may affect site functionality.

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for:

Site Improvement:

  • Analyzing traffic patterns
  • Identifying popular content
  • Improving user experience
  • Optimizing site performance

Email Communications:

  • Sending newsletters (if you subscribe)
  • Sharing new content updates
  • Responding to inquiries

Affiliate Revenue:

  • Tracking affiliate link performance
  • Measuring conversion rates
  • Optimizing product recommendations

Compliance:

  • Meeting legal obligations
  • Responding to legal requests
  • Protecting our rights

We will NEVER:

  • Sell your personal information
  • Share your email with third parties for marketing
  • Use your data for purposes not disclosed here

Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect information:

Google Analytics 4:

Ghost CMS:

Amazon Associates:

Genius Link:

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Your Rights Under CCPA

Right to Know:
You can request information about:

  • Categories of personal information we collect
  • Sources of that information
  • How we use and share it
  • Specific pieces of information we have about you

Right to Delete:
You can request deletion of your personal information, with certain exceptions (e.g., completing transactions, legal compliance).

Right to Opt-Out:
You can opt out of the "sale" of personal information. Note: We do not sell personal information for monetary compensation, but affiliate link tracking may be considered a "sale" under CCPA.

Right to Non-Discrimination:
We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights.

Categories of Information We Collect

Under CCPA, we collect these categories:

Identifiers:

  • Email address (if you subscribe)
  • Cookie identifiers
  • IP address

Internet Activity:

  • Browsing behavior
  • Page visits
  • Affiliate link clicks

Geolocation Data:

  • General location (city/state level from IP address)

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your CCPA rights:

  • Email us: info@topshelfratings.com
  • Subject line: "California Privacy Request"
  • Include: Your email address (if you subscribed) and specific request

We will verify your identity and respond within 45 days.

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

While we don't "sell" data in the traditional sense, affiliate tracking may be considered a sale under CCPA. To opt out:

  • Adjust your browser settings to block third-party cookies
  • Contact us at info@topshelfratings.com with "Do Not Sell Request"

Data Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary:

Email Subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion

Analytics Data: 26 months (Google Analytics default), aggregated indefinitely

Affiliate Data: As required by affiliate program terms (typically 24 months)

Legal Compliance: As required by law

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information:

  • Secure hosting (Ghost Pro)
  • HTTPS encryption
  • Limited access to personal data
  • Regular security updates

However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children's Privacy

Our site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, contact us immediately at info@topshelfratings.com.

International Users

Our site is operated in the United States and intended for U.S. audiences. If you access our site from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States. By using our site, you consent to this transfer.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated via:

  • Prominent notice on our homepage
  • Email notification (if you're subscribed)

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Contact us:

Email: info@topshelfratings.com

For California residents exercising CCPA rights, please include "California Privacy Request" in your subject line.

Additional Resources:

This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 19, 2026 and applies to all information collected on or after this date.