Book a Repair

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy: Your Geek Friend Computers

I’ve been doing this for over 25 years, so I know that your data is just as important as your hardware. This policy explains what happens when you use the website or bring a device to the shop at 21 Chequers Road, Gloucester.

1. Who We Are

Our website address is: https://www.yourgeekfriend.co.uk. The business is owned and operated by Shaun Darch. When you deal with Your Geek Friend, you’re dealing with me directly, not a faceless national chain.

2. The Tools We Use & Your Data

I only collect the information I need to fix your computer, answer your questions, or get you booked in. Here is exactly where that data goes:

  • MGR (Manage My Repairs): Even though it’s embedded on this site, your repair details, device passwords, and contact info are stored securely in my repair management system. This is how I track your job from “broken” to “fixed.”
  • Calendly: If you book an appointment, Calendly handles your name and email so we both know when the meeting is happening.
  • Tawk.to (Live Chat): If you use the chat bubble, Tawk.to keeps a transcript so I can remember what we talked about. It also shows me your general location and IP address so I know I’m talking to a human (preferably a local one).
  • Contact Forms & Akismet: When you send a message via the site, your details are checked by Akismet to make sure you aren’t a spam bot.

3. Repair Privacy & Data Handling

I respect your privacy. I don’t snoop, and I don’t look at your personal files unless it’s strictly necessary for the repair (for example, testing a user profile or performing a data recovery).

  • Passwords: Any passwords you provide are stored securely within MGR and are only used to perform the requested work.
  • Backups: If a backup is required during a repair, it is stored on an encrypted local drive and wiped once you’ve confirmed you’re happy with the results.

4. Cookies

We use standard cookies to make the site work properly. Tawk.to uses them to remember you if you return to the chat, and WordPress/Jetpack uses them to show me basic site stats, like how many people are visiting the site each day.

5. No Third-Party Selling

I don’t sell your data to third parties. That’s a rubbish way to do business. Your information is only shared with the essential services mentioned above (Calendly, Tawk.to, MGR, PayPal) because the shop can’t function without them.

6. How Long We Keep Your Data

  • Invoices & Records: I keep customer records and financial data for 7 years. This isn’t because I’m clingy, it’s because HMRC requires it for tax purposes.
  • Inquiry Data: General emails or chat logs are kept for as long as necessary to provide good customer service.

7. Your Rights

You can ask me what info I have on you at any time. You can also ask me to delete your contact info, provided I don’t need to keep it for legal tax records. If you have any questions, just give me a shout at the shop.

Last updated: March 2026