Privacy Policy

Effective date: May 2026  ·  Last updated: May 2026

We're an independent bookstore, and we take your privacy as seriously as a well-kept reading list. This policy explains, in plain language, what information we collect and how we use it.

Who we are

Paper Boat Booksellers is an independent bookstore located at 4522 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116. You can reach us at info@paperboatbooksellers.com or (206) 743-8283. We are the data controller for any personal information you share with us through our website.

Newsletter signups

WHAT WE COLLECT
When you sign up for our newsletter, we collect your email address and, optionally, your name.

HOW WE USE IT
To send you our newsletter – new arrivals, events, staff picks, and bookstore news. We do not sell, rent, or share your email address with third parties for marketing purposes.

YOUR CHOICES
You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of any newsletter, or by emailing us directly. We'll remove you promptly.

Online purchases (gift cards & books)

WHAT WE COLLECT
When you make a purchase on our website, you may be asked for your name, email address, billing address, and payment information.

HOW PAYMENTS ARE HANDLED
All payment processing is handled securely by Stripe, a trusted third-party payment processor. We do not store your credit card number, CVV, or full payment details on our servers. Stripe processes your payment in compliance with PCI-DSS standards. You can read Stripe's privacy policy at stripe.com/privacy.

HOW WE USE OUR PURCHASE INFO
To fulfill your order and send confirmation emails. To provide customer support if something goes wrong. To comply with tax and legal record keeping requirements.

Website usage data

Like most websites, ours may collect basic technical information when you visit — such as your browser type, the pages you view, and general geographic region. This data is used only to understand how our site is being used so we can improve it. We do not use this information to identify you personally.

We may use cookies or similar tools to keep the site functioning (for example, maintaining your shopping cart). We do not use advertising tracking cookies.

Do we share your information?

We share your data only when necessary:

  • Stripe — to process your payments securely.

  • Squarespace — to send newsletters. They are only permitted to use your data to send our emails.

  • Legal compliance — if required by law or to protect our rights.

We do not sell your personal information. Ever.

How we protect your data

Our website uses SSL encryption (the padlock you see in your browser). Payment processing is handled entirely by Stripe's secure infrastructure. We keep your personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described here, or as required by law.

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Ask what personal information we hold about you.

  • Request that we correct or delete your information.

  • Opt out of our newsletter at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, just reach out to us directly — we're a small shop and we're happy to help.

Changes to this policy

If we ever make meaningful changes to this privacy policy, we'll post the updated version on this page with a new effective date. We'll never make changes that compromise the trust you place in us.

Questions?

Get in touch. We're real people at a real bookstore — if you have any questions about your privacy or this policy, please don't hesitate to contact us.

info@paperboatbooksellers.com
(206) 743-8283
4522 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116