Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 2026
BuySteel (buysteel.com), an online quoting and ordering platform for laser-cut and fabricated steel parts. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
1. Information We Collect
Account information
When you create an account we collect your email address, company name (optional), and a password (stored as a secure hash — we never store your plain-text password).
Order and quote data
When you submit a quote or place an order we collect your uploaded CAD files (DXF / STEP), the part configuration you choose (material, thickness, services, quantity), and your shipping address and contact details.
Usage data
Our web server logs standard HTTP access logs (IP address, browser type, pages visited, timestamps). These are used for security monitoring and are not shared with third parties.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To provide quoting and order fulfilment services
- To contact you about your orders and account
- To improve our manufacturing capabilities and website
- To comply with legal obligations (tax records and applicable regulations)
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
3. Cookies
BuySteel uses essential and functional cookies to operate the site, and analytics cookies (Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity) to help us understand how the site is used. We do not use advertising cookies or sell/share data with third parties for marketing purposes. The essential/functional cookies below are strictly necessary for the service to function and do not require consent under GDPR or ePrivacy rules; the analytics cookies are used to measure traffic and improve the site.
| Cookie name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
BuySteel.Customer |
Keeps you signed in to your account (essential) | 14 days (sliding) |
bs_guest_order |
Remembers an in-progress quote if you haven't created an account yet, so you can return to it (essential) | 7 days |
.AspNetCore.Antiforgery.* |
Prevents cross-site request forgery (essential/security) | Session |
_ga, _ga_* |
Google Analytics — distinguishes visitors to measure site usage (analytics) | Up to 2 years |
_clck, _clsk |
Microsoft Clarity — distinguishes visitors and sessions to measure site usage (analytics) | Up to 1 year |
4. Data Retention
Order records and associated CAD files are retained for a minimum of 7 years to satisfy financial record-keeping requirements. Account data is retained as long as your account is active. You may request deletion of your account and personal data by contacting us — note that legal record-keeping obligations may require us to retain certain order records even after account deletion.
5. Intellectual Property in Your Designs
You retain ownership
Any CAD files, drawings, specifications, or other design materials you upload to BuySteel (your "Design Files") remain your property or the property of your licensors. Submitting a Design File to request a quote or place an order does not transfer, assign, or license any ownership or intellectual property rights in that Design File to BuySteel or any affiliate.
Production use only
We use your Design Files solely to generate quotes, plan manufacturing, and produce, inspect, package, and ship the parts you order. We do not use your Design Files for any other purpose — including internal product development, marketing or portfolio materials, training machine learning or AI models, or sharing with any other customer — without your prior written consent.
Safekeeping and access
Design Files are stored on the same secured servers described in the Security section below, encrypted in transit, and access is restricted to the specific BuySteel personnel who need it to quote, review, or produce your order. We do not disclose your Design Files to third parties except manufacturing subcontractors or vendors directly involved in fulfilling your order, and only under confidentiality obligations at least as protective as this policy.
Retention and deletion
Design Files are retained under the same schedule described in the Data Retention section above. You may request earlier deletion of a Design File once your order is complete by contacting us — subject to any legal or financial record-keeping obligations that require us to retain order documentation.
6. Security
All data is transmitted over HTTPS. Passwords are hashed using industry-standard algorithms. CAD files and order data are stored on secured servers within the United States. Access to order data is restricted to BuySteel employees who need it to fulfil your orders.
7. Your Rights
Depending on where you are located, you may have the right to:
- Access a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Object to certain processing
- Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent)
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us.
8. California Residents (CCPA)
We do not sell personal information. California residents have the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion, and opt out of any sale — though no sale occurs. To submit a request, contact us.
9. Contact
For privacy enquiries: Contact form
This policy may be updated periodically. Material changes will be notified by email to registered account holders.