Privacy Policy
We built tools.cafe to help indie builders get discovered. Here's exactly what data we collect, why, and how we keep it safe.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
1. Who We Are
tools.cafe is an indie tool directory operated as part of The Beast Co. We help founders and makers submit, discover, and share software products. If you have any questions about this policy, reach us at support@tools.cafe.
2. Information We Collect
Information you submit directly. When you submit a product to tools.cafe, we collect the product name, website URL, tagline, description, category, screenshots, and your email address. Your email is stored privately and is never shown publicly on the directory.
Claim and account data. If you claim a listing, we store the information you provide (such as your name and contact email) to associate you with your product entry.
Usage data. We collect basic, anonymised information about how visitors interact with the site — such as pages visited, referrer source, and vote actions. This data is aggregated and not linked to individual identities.
Cookies and local storage. We use minimal cookies and browser storage to remember preferences (such as theme selection) and to prevent duplicate votes. See our Cookie Policy for details.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect solely to:
- Operate and display the tools.cafe directory
- Contact you about your submission status or listing claim
- Detect and prevent spam or abuse
- Understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it
- Send you transactional emails related to your submission or account (you can opt out at any time)
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored in a hosted relational database with industry-standard encryption at rest and in transit. Access is restricted to authorised systems and personnel only. We retain submission data indefinitely to maintain directory listings, but you may request deletion at any time by emailing support@tools.cafe.
5. Third-Party Services
To operate the site we rely on third-party infrastructure providers for hosting, database, email delivery, and analytics. These providers process data only as instructed by us and are bound by their own privacy and security obligations. We do not name specific vendors here because providers may change; however, we always choose providers that offer at least the same level of data protection required under applicable law.
6. Your Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Object to or restrict how we process your data
- Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)
To exercise any of these rights, email support@tools.cafe and we'll respond within 30 days.
7. Children
tools.cafe is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted information to us, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we'll update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Material changes will be communicated via the email address associated with your account, if applicable. Continued use of tools.cafe after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
9. Contact
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us at support@tools.cafe. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 5 business days.
Questions about this policy? support@tools.cafe
From the maker