Template note (remove before publishing): This is a general template for a small informational website, not legal advice. Before publishing, check every statement against your actual setup (hosting provider, plugin settings, Google Analytics configuration, affiliate programs). Privacy laws vary by state and country and change over time; consider having it reviewed by a qualified professional. Update this page whenever your tools or practices change.
Last updated: October 5, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains what information First Hive Gear ("we," "us," or "our") collects when you visit https://firsthivegear.com/ (the "Site"), how we use it, and the choices you have.
First Hive Gear is a small informational website run by Corey in the United States. We don’t sell products on the Site, we don’t offer user accounts to visitors, and the Site has no comments section or newsletter.
Information we collect
Information you send us
If you email us, we receive your email address, your name (if you include it), and whatever you write in your message. We use it only to read and reply to your message and keep a record of the conversation. We don’t add you to any mailing list.
Analytics (Google Analytics)
We use (or plan to use) Google Analytics 4, connected through the Site Kit by Google plugin for WordPress, to understand how visitors use the Site, for example which pages are popular and how people find us.
Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies to collect information such as pages visited, time on page, the referring website, general location (such as country or city), device and browser type, and other usage data. Google provides this information to us in aggregated reports. We don’t use it to identify individual visitors.
Google processes this data under its own policies. You can learn more at How Google uses information from sites that use its services. To opt out of Google Analytics on all websites, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings.
Affiliate links and cookies
Some links on the Site are affiliate links (see our Affiliate Disclosure). When you click one, you leave our Site, and the merchant or affiliate network may place a cookie or use similar tracking on your browser. This lets them know that you came from First Hive Gear so they can credit us with a commission if you make a purchase. Using an affiliate discount code may also be credited to us.
These cookies are set and controlled by the merchants and networks, not by us. We receive reports such as clicks, sales, and commission amounts. We don’t receive your name, payment details, or full purchase details from these programs. Our current affiliate partners include Blythewood Bee Company and Beekeeping Made Simple.
Please review the privacy policy of any store you visit, because its practices apply once you leave our Site.
Server logs
Like most websites, our web host, Namecheap, automatically records standard server log information when you visit, such as your IP address, browser type, the pages you request, the referring page, and the date and time of your visit. This information is used to run the Site, troubleshoot problems, and protect against abuse. Logs are kept for as long as our hosting provider’s settings allow, and are not used to identify individual visitors except where needed for security.
Security (Wordfence)
We use the Wordfence security plugin to protect the Site from hacking attempts, spam, and other abuse. To do this, Wordfence processes information such as IP addresses, browser details, the pages requested, and the date and time of visits, and may keep logs of traffic and login attempts. It may block access from IP addresses associated with malicious activity. Wordfence may share information such as IP addresses with its provider, Defiant, Inc., to check for known threats. For more information, see Wordfence’s privacy policy.
Caching (LiteSpeed Cache)
We use the LiteSpeed Cache plugin to make pages load faster. It stores copies of pages to serve visitors more quickly. It may set technical cookies needed for caching to work correctly, mainly for logged-in site administrators. It is not used to track visitors.
Cookies summary
The Site may use:
- Analytics cookies set by Google Analytics, to measure how the Site is used.
- Affiliate cookies set by merchants or affiliate networks after you click an affiliate link.
- Technical cookies used by WordPress, caching, or security tools to make the Site work and keep it secure.
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. Blocking cookies won’t stop you from reading the Site.
How we use information
We use the information described above to:
- run, maintain, and improve the Site;
- understand which content is useful to readers;
- keep the Site secure and prevent abuse;
- reply to messages you send us; and
- track affiliate referrals and commissions.
Sharing of information
We don’t sell your personal information, and we don’t share it for advertising except as described above (for example, affiliate tracking when you click an affiliate link). Information may be processed by the service providers that help us run the Site, including our hosting provider, Google (analytics), and Wordfence (security). We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect the Site, our rights, or the safety of others.
Data retention
We keep emails for as long as needed to respond and keep a reasonable record of the conversation, then delete them when no longer needed. Analytics, server log, and security log data are kept according to the settings of the relevant service.
Your choices and rights
- You can block or delete cookies in your browser and opt out of Google Analytics using Google’s opt-out add-on.
- You can choose not to click affiliate links.
- You can ask us what personal information we hold about you (generally limited to any emails you’ve sent us) and ask us to delete it.
Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under local privacy laws, such as the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information, or to opt out of certain uses. To make a request, email us at coreysharrow@rocketmail.com. We’ll respond within a reasonable time and as required by applicable law.
Children’s privacy
The Site is intended for a general adult audience and is not directed at children under 13. We don’t knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has sent us personal information, please contact us and we’ll delete it.
Links to other websites
The Site links to other websites, including merchants, university extension services, and other resources. We aren’t responsible for the privacy practices of those sites, so please review their policies.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we’ll change the “Last updated” date at the top of this page.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, email us at coreysharrow@rocketmail.com.