Privacy Policy
How we handle your information. No legalese gymnastics — just honest talk about your data.
IslandBarter is operated by Terry Arthur Consulting ("Company", "we", "us") based in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect from members and visitors, how we use it, and what choices you have. We believe in transparency — your trust is currency we don't trade lightly.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide
When you apply for membership or use our services, you may provide:
- Name, business name, and contact information (email, phone, address)
- Business type, services offered, and trade preferences
- Tax identification number (EIN or SSN, required for IRS Form 1099-B reporting)
- Payment information for membership fees (processed by our payment provider)
- Communications you send to us or other members through the Exchange
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect:
- Browser type, operating system, and device information
- IP address and approximate location
- Pages visited, time spent, and referring URLs
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 5)
1.3 Transaction Records
We maintain records of all Trade Dollar transactions between members, including the parties involved, amounts, dates, and descriptions of goods or services exchanged.
2. How We Use Your Information
2.1 Exchange Operations
We use your information to:
- Process your membership application and maintain your account
- Record and process Trade Dollar transactions
- Publish your business listing in the member directory
- Facilitate communication between members
- Send you Exchange updates, trade opportunities, and account notifications
2.2 Legal Obligations
We are required by federal law to:
- File IRS Form 1099-B reporting barter exchange income for each member annually
- Maintain transaction records for the period required by law
- Respond to valid legal requests from government authorities
2.3 Business Improvement
We may use aggregated, non-identifying data to improve our services, understand trading patterns, and develop new features for the Exchange.
3. Information Sharing
3.1 Member Directory
Your business name, general business description, and contact information are shared with other Exchange members through the member directory. This is essential to the functioning of the Exchange. Your tax identification number is never shared with other members.
3.2 Transaction Partners
When you engage in a trade, the other party can see your business information and transaction details relevant to that trade.
3.3 Service Providers
We share information with trusted service providers who help us operate the Exchange, including payment processors, email services, and website hosting. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information.
3.4 Legal Requirements
We will share information when required by law, including IRS reporting obligations, court orders, and valid subpoenas.
3.5 No Sale of Data
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Period.
4. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections (SSL/TLS), secure password storage, access controls, and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Cookies
Our website uses cookies for:
- Essential cookies — Required for login, account access, and site functionality
- Analytics cookies — Help us understand how visitors use our site (we use privacy-respecting analytics)
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may prevent you from accessing your member account.
6. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information we hold
- Correct inaccurate information in your profile
- Request deletion of your information, subject to our legal retention obligations (tax records must be maintained as required by law)
- Opt out of non-essential communications
- Export your transaction history
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected].
7. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as your membership is active, plus any period required by law. Transaction records and tax-related information are retained for a minimum of 7 years after the calendar year in which the transaction occurred, as required by IRS regulations. After membership termination, non-essential data is deleted within 90 days.
8. Children
The Exchange is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from minors. If we learn that we have collected information from a person under 18, we will delete it promptly.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify members of material changes via email at least 30 days before the changes take effect. The "Last Updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.
10. Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy or your data? Contact us:
IslandBarter (operated by Terry Arthur Consulting)
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (340) 725-1233