Firsthand Stays

Privacy policy

The short version: I only collect what you choose to send me, I use it to reply to you, and I never sell it. I use analytics to see which pages help people, but no advertising or ad tracking.

Last updated October 1, 2026

1. Who I am

Firsthand Stays is run by Joshua Downey in New Braunfels, Texas. I build websites and handle search and AI visibility for small, independent lodging properties. When this policy says “I” or “me,” it means Firsthand Stays. It covers firsthandstays.com and any message you send me through it.

2. What I collect

What you send me.

  • Free site check form. Your website address, number of units, booking software, email address, and anything you write in the message box. If you came from one of my service pages, the form also notes which one.
  • Email. Anything you send to hello@firsthandstays.com.
  • Text messages. The “Text me” links open your own messaging app. Those texts go through your phone carrier, not through this website.

What's collected automatically.

  • Google Analytics. I use Google Analytics 4 to see which pages get visited, how people find the site (for example search engines or AI assistants like ChatGPT), what kind of device they use, and whether they use the contact options or calculators. It uses cookies to tell new visits from return visits. I don't use it for advertising, and Google signals and ad personalization are turned off.
  • Vercel Web Analytics. My hosting provider also counts page visits anonymously, without cookies.
  • Server logs. My hosting provider records standard technical details, like IP address, browser type and the page requested, for security and troubleshooting.

3. How I use it

  • To review your website and reply to your request
  • To follow up on a conversation you started, and to send quotes or project details if you ask for them
  • To understand which pages are useful so I can improve the site
  • To keep the site secure and prevent spam

I don't sell your information, and I don't add you to a marketing list. If you send a site check request, you'll hear back from me about that request. No automated sales sequence.

4. Services this site relies on

These companies help run the site. Each has its own privacy policy.

Some pages include buttons that open ChatGPT or Google in a new tab with a sample question filled in. Nothing is sent to them unless you choose to submit it there, and their own privacy policies apply once you do.

5. Cookies

The only cookies on this site come from Google Analytics. They help count visits and tell new visitors from returning ones. There are no advertising cookies, no retargeting and no cross-site ad tracking.

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, or use Google's Analytics opt-out browser add-on. The site works the same either way.

6. How long I keep it

I keep form submissions and emails as long as they're useful for our conversation or a project, and for reasonable business records after that. Server logs are kept for a short operating window by the hosting provider. Ask me any time and I'll delete what I have.

7. How it's protected

The whole site runs over HTTPS, so anything you send is encrypted on the way. Access to submissions is limited to me. No system is perfectly secure, but I take reasonable steps to protect what you share.

8. Your choices and rights

You can ask to see, correct or delete the information I have about you. Texas residents have these rights under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, and residents of other states may have similar rights. I don't sell personal data or use it for targeted advertising, so there's nothing to opt out of there.

To make a request, use the contact details below. I'll respond within 45 days, and usually much faster.

9. Children

This site is for business owners and isn't directed at children under 13. I don't knowingly collect information from them. If you think a child has sent me something, let me know and I'll delete it.

10. Changes to this policy

If I change how I handle information, I'll update this page and the date at the top.

11. Contact

Questions or requests about your information: