Terms of Use / Privacy Policy

At Blackstone Laboratories, Inc., we consider the information you choose to share with us personal and confidential. As such, it is our policy not to distribute, sell, rent, or in any way make available, your name, email address, or any other personal information to any third party. Further, participation in site features such as newsletters, report sharing, etc. is consent for communication from Blackstone Laboratories via telephone, e-mail, or postal mail, but not from third parties.

We use your name, shipping and billing addresses, and credit card number(s) in order to provide you with the goods that you purchase from Blackstone Laboratories. We will only use your e-mail address for personal communications with us, to provide you electronic versions of your oil analysis results, and to send you our newsletters.

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SMS Messaging (coming soon!)

We take your privacy seriously. By opting into our SMS services, you agree to this Privacy Policy and the terms outlined below, which are in compliance with the latest regulations under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Campaign Registry guidelines. Your phone number and interaction data will only be used for the purpose of delivering the SMS messages outlined in this agreement.

1. Information We Collect

When you opt-in to receive SMS messages from us, we collect the following information:

• Phone Number: The mobile number provided during the opt-in process.

• Message Interaction Data: Includes information such as delivery status, response data, and message engagement rates.

• Consent Data: We maintain records of when and how you provided consent to receive SMS messages, including the method of opt-in (e.g., web form, keyword, or verbal consent).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Send text messages based on the preferences you indicated when opting in, such as, updates, notifications, and alerts.

• Ensure compliance with federal regulations, including the TCPA.

• Monitor and improve our SMS services by tracking engagement metrics.

Your information will only be used for the purpose specified at the time of opt-in and will not be used to send unrelated messages.

3. Opt-In Consent

In line with FCC regulations, your SMS opt-in applies to communications from Blackstone Laboratories only. Your consent to receive SMS messages is specific to our company and does not extend to third-party businesses or affiliates. By opting in, you acknowledge that your consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of any purchase. You may receive informational messages as specified at the time of opt-in.

To join our SMS program, you may opt in through the following methods:

• Web Form: Provide consent by checking the checkbox on the Free Test Kits form.

• Verbal Consent: Offer verbal consent by agreeing to SMS participation after being read an SMS consent disclosure on the phone.

• Paper Form: Check the box on the paper oil slip that accompanies your sample and provide the phone number you wish to use for SMS messaging.

You may receive messages that track a sample’s process through the lab. Otherwise, you will not receive regular messages. You may request help at any time by texting HELP. You may opt-out at any time by texting STOP.

We have included every message you may receive via text in messages 1 through 3 below.

1. Your Oil Report is finished! Click here for results. Reply HELP for help. STOP to opt out.
2. We’ve received your sample! Our current turnaround time is 6-8 business days. Track your sample’s progress by logging in to your account at blackstone-labs.com. Reply HELP for help. STOP to opt out.
3. We’ve received your sample, but we have a question. Please call us at 260-744-2380 to resolve this issue. Your sample will be processed once we hear from you, Reply HELP for help. STOP to opt out.

4. Message Frequency and Data Rates

The SMS message frequency will vary but will not be more than two messages per report per day unless there is a notification event. Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan.

5. Opt-Out Instructions

You can opt out of our SMS service at any time by replying with “STOP” to any message you receive from us. Once you opt out, you will immediately cease receiving further messages unless you opt back in. For help, you can reply with “HELP” or contact us directly at 260/744-2380 or bstone@blackstone-labs.com.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We will never share or sell your information to third parties for marketing purposes.

In compliance with Do Not Call (DNC) Registry regulations, you have the right to register your number with the National DNC Registry (www.donotcall.gov). If you are on the DNC Registry, we will not send you SMS messages unless you have provided express consent to do so.

7. Security of Your Information

We take reasonable measures to protect the information you provide from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data during transmission or storage.

8. Record-Keeping and Proof of Consent

As required by the TCPA and Campaign Registry guidelines, we maintain records of all opt-ins and opt-outs, including timestamps and the method of consent. These records are kept securely and may be used to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements if needed.

9. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any significant changes will be communicated via SMS or on our website. Continued use of our SMS service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the revised policy. Please check back periodically to stay informed of any updates.

10. Disclaimers and Liability Limitations

Blackstone Laboratories is not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages. Delivery of SMS messages is subject to effective transmission from your mobile carrier and network provider. We cannot guarantee that SMS services will always be available in all areas.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to update your SMS preferences, you can contact us at:

• Email: bstone@blackstone-labs.com

• Phone: 260-744-2380

• Address: 416 E Pettit Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46806

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hCaptcha

We use the hCaptcha security service (hereinafter “hCaptcha”) on our website. Sometimes it doesn’t recognize an actual human as human – sorry about that. Try clearing your cache, using a different browser, or not being in incognito mode.

hCaptcha is provided by Intuition Machines, Inc., a Delaware US Corporation (“IMI”). hCaptcha is used to check whether user actions on our online service (such as submitting a login or contact form) meet our security requirements. To do this, hCaptcha analyzes the behavior of the website or mobile app visitor based on various characteristics. This analysis starts automatically as soon as the website or mobile app visitor enters a part of the website or app with hCaptcha enabled. For the analysis, hCaptcha evaluates various information (e.g. IP address, how long the visitor has been on the website or app, or mouse movements made by the user). The data collected during the analysis will be forwarded to IMI. hCaptcha analysis in the “invisible mode” may take place completely in the background. Website or app visitors are not advised that such an analysis is taking place if the user is not shown a challenge. Data processing is based on Art. 6(1)(b) of the GDPR: the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the website visitor is party (for example, the website terms) or in order to take steps at the request of the website visitor prior to entering into a contract. Our online service (including our website, mobile apps, and any other apps or other forms of access offered by us) needs to ensure that it is interacting with a human, not a bot, and that activities performed by the user are not related to fraud or abuse. In addition, processing may also be based on Art. 6(1)(f) of the GDPR: our online service has a legitimate interest in protecting the service from abusive automated crawling, spam, and other forms of abuse that can harm our service or other users of our service. IMI acts as a “data processor” acting on behalf of its customers as defined under the GDPR, and a “service provider” for the purposes of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). For more information about hCaptcha’s privacy policy and terms of use, please visit the following links: https://www.hcaptcha.com/privacy and https://www.hcaptcha.com/terms

If you have questions about our privacy policy or believe we have acted inconsistently with this statement, please contact us at 260-744-2380.

Unlike most companies nowadays who make money off of shipping costs, we do not charge to send you kits. Not ever! Any time we send you kits or you buy something from us, we will cover the cost of shipping it to you. Shipping your samples back to us is also covered by Blackstone if you live within the United States. International customers are responsible for the cost of shipping samples to the lab.

In the event that you are unhappy with your purchase, please call us within 30 days and we will be happy to arrange a refund. You must call us at 260-744-2380 prior to returning the item. Returns may be charged a restocking fee.

You should assume that everything you see or read on this Site is copyrighted and may not be used except as provided in these Terms and Conditions. You may download one copy of the contents of the Site to a computer for your personal and non-commercial home use provided you do not change any copyright or other proprietary notice. If you modify or use the materials for any other purpose, you will be violating the intellectual property rights of Blackstone Laboratories, which it vigorously protects.

Blackstone Laboratories has used reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information on the Site; however, it makes no warranties or representation as to the accuracy of its contents. Blackstone Laboratories does not assume any liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the contents of the Site.

This Blackstone Laboratories Site and all content, included or available therein, are provided “As Is” and “As Available” with all faults. THE CONTENT IS PROVIDED WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, SECURITY AND ACCURACY (ALL OF WHICH ARE DISCLAIMED) . Blackstone Laboratories does not represent or warrant that your use of the Blackstone Laboratories Site will be uninterrupted, error free, secure, free of viruses or other harmful components, or that any content is accurate or correct. Your use of this Blackstone Laboratories Site is solely at your own risk. Because some jurisdictions do not permit the exclusions of certain warranties some of these exclusions may not apply to you. Under no circumstance shall Blackstone Laboratories or its officers, employees, agents, contractors, counsel, successors and assigns be liable for any damages or injury whether direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential that results from the use of or inability to use this Blackstone Laboratories Site or any portion thereof including, without being limited thereto, any offering that may be made therein. This limitation of liability applies whether the alleged liability is based on contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or any other basis, even if Blackstone Laboratories had been advised of the possibility of such liability. The total liability of Blackstone Laboratories to you for all losses, damages and causes of action (in contract, tort, including without limitation, negligence, or otherwise) will not be greater than the amount you paid to access the Blackstone Laboratories Site. You may bring no claim against Blackstone Laboratories more than one (1) year after the action arose. Because some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages the liability of Blackstone Laboratories in such jurisdiction shall be limited to the extent permitted by the law thereunder.

Blackstone Laboratories makes no representation about any other site that you may access through its Site and is not responsible for the contents of any other site. Unless expressly stated, Blackstone Laboratories does not endorse any products or services offered by any company or person linked to its Site.

You are prohibited from posting or transmitting any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene , scandalous, inflammatory, pornographic, or profane material or any material that could constitute or encourage conduct that would be considered a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, or otherwise violate any laws. Blackstone Laboratories will fully cooperate with any law enforcement authorities or court order requesting or directing it to disclose the identity of anyone posting any such information or materials.

This Site is controlled by Blackstone Laboratories from its offices within the United States of America. Blackstone Laboratories makes no representation that all of the contents of the Site are appropriate or available for use in other locations, and access to the Site is prohibited from locations where some or all of the content is illegal. If you choose to access this site from other locations, you do so on your own initiative and you are responsible for compliance with applicable local laws. You may not use or export any contents of the Site in violation of U.S. export laws and regulations. Any claim relating to the Site content shall be governed by the internal substantive laws of the State of Indiana without regard to its conflict of law principles. You agree and hereby submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction and venue of the Federal and State Courts located in Allen County, Indiana, USA.

Any failure by Blackstone Laboratories to enforce any of its rights under these Terms and Conditions or under applicable law shall not constitute a waiver of such rights. If any provision of the Terms and Conditions shall be deemed unlawful by a Court of competent jurisdiction, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severed from these Terms and Conditions and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions hereunder. These terms and conditions contain the entire agreement between you and Blackstone Laboratories relating to your use of the Blackstone Laboratories website.

Blackstone Laboratories may, at any time, revise these Terms and Conditions by updating this posting. You are bound by any such revisions and should therefore periodically visit this page to review the then-current Terms and Conditions. Hey, if you read this far you are an amazing individual. Have a nice day!