Read my Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for information on how your services and personal information will be handled if you enjoy legalese.
Terms of Services
IMPORTANT NOTICE: These Terms of Service apply only to “remote services,” which means Bufalo Computer Services performs technology services for you over the telephone at (205)789-9185 and/or (205)267-1059 or via the Internet. Please note that different Terms of Service apply to services rendered at Bufalo Computer Services locations and other establishments or from Bufalo Computer Services Technicians who visit your home or business.
Terms and Conditions
REMOTE SERVICES
(a) General Services: Bufalo Computer Services will attempt to diagnosis your technology problem, provide an estimate of applicable service fees (plus applicable taxes), and then provide you with a technology solution over the telephone or via the Internet. In certain cases, however, problem diagnosis and support may not be completed because of a problem with your computer or its configuration that is beyond our control.
(b) Remote Support Services: Remote support services may be offered to you over the telephone or via the Internet if your PC was built within the last four years, you have a working cable or DSL high speed Internet connection, and your operating system is Microsoft Windows 2000 or newer or Mac OS X 10.3 or newer. If you elect to receive remote support, then Bufalo Computer Services remotely logs on through your high-speed Internet connection to view your computer desktop from the Bufalo Computer Services Operations Center. Bufalo Computer Services stays in contact with you to keep you fully briefed on every step of the process as your technology problem is resolved. Remote support may involve the installation of software on your computer that will allow Bufalo Computer Services to provide the remote support services. By electing to receive remote support, you agree to allow Bufalo Computer Services to use whatever tools deemed necessary to repair your computer, including remote access. You understand that if remote access is used on your computer there may be residual software from the remote session and there may be a text file placed on your computer that will explain the work that was done on your computer. If such a program and/or text file is placed on your computer, you have the option to either save the file for future reference or to delete it from your computer.
(c) Your Responsibility: You understand and agree that prior to contacting or allowing Bufalo Computer Services to perform diagnostic repair or other services on your computer, it is your responsibility to back-up the data, software, information or other files stored on your computer disks and/or drives. You acknowledge and agree that Bufalo Computer Services shall not be responsible under any circumstance for any loss or corruption of data and/or software.
SERVICE LIMITATIONS; LIABILITY
(a) LIMITATIONS TO SERVICE: Bufalo Computer Services RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFRAIN FROM PROVIDING ANY OR ALL REQUESTED REMOTE SERVICES AND INSTEAD REFUND YOUR PAYMENT, WHOLLY OR IN PART, ON THE BASIS THAT YOUR TECHNICAL NEEDS OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS ARE UNUSUAL OR EXTENSIVE AND BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THIS SERVICE AGREEMENT AS REASONABLY DETERMINED BY Bufalo Computer Services.
(b) FORCE MAJEURE: If Bufalo Computer Services ’s ability to render remote services is impaired by you or circumstances beyond the control of Bufalo Computer Services, Bufalo Computer Services may choose not to provide or to discontinue remote services.
(c) LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: To the extent permitted by law, you agree that Bufalo Computer Services’ total liability for damages related to its remote services is limited to the total amount you pay for the remote services, and you release Bufalo Computer Services from liability for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages. Bufalo Computer ServicesIS NOT LIABLE FOR LOSS, ALTERATION, OR CORRUPTION OF ANY DATA OR FOR YOUR INABILITY TO USE YOUR COMPUTER EQUIPMENT OR OTHER PRODUCT.
SERVICE WARRANTY
If you are not satisfied with remote services received from Bufalo Computer Services, please call (205)789-9185 for resolution. We warrant our remote services for 3 days following the date you received remote service; however, for repairs necessitated by a virus or spyware, the service warranty is valid only if the anti-virus and anti-spyware protection for your product is installed or updated during the repair or promptly thereafter (i.e., before you connect again to the Internet). If there is a problem with the service provided by Bufalo Computer Servicesand if you notify us within the warranty period, we will work to remedy your problem quickly and at no additional cost.
PRIVACY POLICY
For information about the collection and use of your information, please refer to Bufalo Computer Services’s Privacy Policy, which is available at http://www.bufalocomputerservices.com or by contacting Bufalo Computer Services at (205)383-3283.
LEGAL NOTICE
LAST UPDATED: March 16, 2008
IMPORTANT NOTICE: These terms of service apply to services (“On-Site Repairs” and “Remote Assistance Sessions”) ordered from Bufalo Computer Servicesby phone at (205)383-3283 or on the internet. Services ordered at a Bufalo Computer Services establishment may differ from the terms of service defined here.
Terms and Conditions
Remote Assistance Sessions
(a) Services: Bufalo Computer Services will attempt to diagnose and solve problems over the telephone for an applicable fee. In certain cases, however, this may not be possible because of problems with your computer or its configuration that are beyond our control.
(b) User Responsibility: You understand and agree that before Bufalo Computer Servicesperforms diagnostic repair on your computer, it is your responsibility to back up the data, software, information, or other files stored on your computer disks and/or drives. You acknowledge and agree that Bufalo Computer Servicesshall not be responsible under any circumstance for any loss or corruption of data and/or software.
ON-SITE REPAIRS
SCHEDULING
Standard service hours are Monday — Friday 10 A.M. to 7 P.M., Saturday 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. Additional charges may apply for rapid response or service outside of standard hours.
SERVICE JURISDICTION
Bufalo Computer Services sets the Service Jurisdiction for each city and establishment. If a location lies beyond Bufalo Computer Services ’s standard Service Jurisdiction, additional travel charges may apply. To determine if your location is within a Bufalo Computer Services standard Service Jurisdiction, inquire at by calling (205)789-9185.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
These are available only to customers who have already purchased one on-site service and must be one of the following: software installation, software service, memory installation, sound/video card installation, network card installation, modem installation, CD/DVD-RW installation, or CD/DVD-ROM installation.
INSTALLATION AUTHORIZATION
For on-site services, a person at least 18 years of age must be present during the entire time period services are provided. If no adult is present when the Bufalo Computer Services Technician arrives, services will be denied and a $150 cancellation charge will be assessed.
RESPONSIBILITY
It is your responsibility to back up all software and data on your computer’s hard drive(s) and/or any other storage devices before the Bufalo Computer Services agent arrives. Bufalo Computer Services and/or its third-party service provider shall not be responsible at any time for any loss, alteration, or corruption of any software, data, or files.
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
(wireless home networking only)
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At least 10MB free hard disk space and 32 MB RAM on each computer
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Operating system and/or ISP passwords must be available
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Microsoft Windows 98 SE operating system or later
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Operating system discs and key codes must be available
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All computers and/or peripherals must be in good working order and spyware free
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Broadband services, if any, must be installed and operational before service, including modem connections.
ACCESS
The Bufalo Computer Services Agent must have 1) access to your residence or business and the computer(s) and/or peripheral(s) to be serviced, 2) your consent and cooperation to enter your residence or business, 3) a safe working environment, work space, and 4) electrical power. If the Bufalo Computer Services Technician determines that these conditions have not been met, services will be denied and a $150 cancellation charge assessed.
REMOTE ASSISTANCE SESSIONS AND ON-SITE REPAIRS TERMS
SERVICE LIMITATIONS
Bufalo Computer Services and/or its third-party service providers reserve the right to refrain from providing any or all services ordered and refund the customer’s payment, wholly or in part, if minimum system requirements are not met or if technical conditions (such as wiring difficulties or physical barriers) or customer requirements are unusual, extensive, or beyond the scope of this service agreement as reasonably determined by Bufalo Computer Services and/or its third-party service provider.
FORCE MAJEURE
If Bufalo Computer Services and/or its third-party service provider’s ability to render services is impaired by circumstances beyond the control of Bufalo Computer Services and/or its third-party service provider, Bufalo Computer Services and/or its third-party service provider may choose not to provide services.
LIMITATION OF REMEDY
Under no circumstances shall Bufalo Computer Services and/or its third-party service provider be liable to you or any other person for any damages, including without limitation any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, expenses costs, profits, lost savings or earnings, lost or corrupted data, or other liability arising out of or related to the services provided by Bufalo Computer Services and/or its third-party service provider or out of the installation, de-installation, use of, or inability to use your computer equipment, hardware, peripherals, or the network as a result of the services provided hereunder.
Bufalo Computer Services shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to any cause beyond its control. If Bufalo Computer Services’ ability to render services is impaired by your failure to cooperate or circumstances beyond the control of Bufalo Computer Services, Bufalo Computer Services may choose not to provide services. Service can also be denied if dangerous or unhealthy conditions are present including possible code violations. For any un-installation services provided, Bufalo Computer Services shall not be responsible for repairing any damage or changes made to your residence.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY & RELEASE
By signing these terms of service on the opposite side of this page, you agree to release and hold harmless Bufalo Computer Services, and/or its third-party service provider from and against any loss, liability, or damage, including without limitation, any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, expense, costs, profits, lost savings or earnings or liability that you, the owner, or lessee may suffer arising out of, or related to, the services provided by Bufalo Computer Services. This includes but is not limited to data loss or lack of function in any component or element of your computer system and/or peripherals, any changes or alterations to your residence (for example, changes to walls, baseboards, floors, etc.) as a result of Bufalo Computer Services and/or its third-party service provider’s Technicians, partners, and/or third-party service providers, regardless of the warranties, disclaimers, and waivers particular service and shall constitute liquidated damages and are a reasonable estimate of damages to you. Some states do not allow limitations or release of certain damages or liability, so the above limitation of liability and release may not apply to you.
CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
To change your order: You must contact Bufalo Computer Services at (205)383-3283.
To cancel your order: You must contact Bufalo Computer Servicesat (205)383-3283 at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled service. The payment amount will be fully refunded.
If you are not satisfied with your service: Call (205)789-9185 for resolution. We stand behind our Remote Assistance Sessions for 3 days. We stand behind our On-Site Repairs for 5 days. If there is a problem with the service we provided and you notify us within the allotted time period, we will work to remedy the problem quickly and at no additional cost.
LEGAL NOTICE
Bufalo Computer Services refers to a line of technology services provided by Bufalo Computer Services (all subsidiaries and affiliates of Bufalo Computer Services are referred to as “Bufalo Computer Services”). Any reference to Bufalo Computer Services in these Terms of Service is a reference to Bufalo Computer Services.
FOR IN-HOME SERVICES PROVIDED IN CALIFORNIA
An estimate as required (Section 9844 of the California Business and Professions Code) for repairs shall be given to the customer by Bufalo Computer Services in writing, and Bufalo Computer Services may not charge for work done or parts supplied in excess of the estimate without prior consent of the customer. Where provided in writing, Bufalo Computer Services may charge a reasonable fee for services provided to determine the nature of the malfunction when preparing a written estimate for repair. For information contact the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Department of Consumer Affairs, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Privacy Policy
The following privacy policy describes the information and privacy practices for Bufalo Computer Services, services provided at your home or office, and/or Bufalo Computer Services establishments. This privacy policy describes how Bufalo Computer Services Technicians will collect and use your information. When you provide a Bufalo Computer Services Technician with your personal information, you consent to the information practices described in this policy.
This privacy policy may not apply to Web sites that are accessible through the http://www.bufalocomputerservices.com website and may contain links to other sites operated by third parties including, but not limited to, third-party sites that display Bufalo Computer Services trademarks. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of those other sites to learn how they collect, use, share and secure your information.
This privacy policy applies to Bufalo Computer Services operations and locations in the United States.
To assist you with reading through our privacy policy, we have provided questions and answers below that you may find helpful in understanding our privacy practices:
When does Bufalo Computer Services collect information from me?
When using products or services available from Bufalo Computer Services, you may be asked to provide personal information. For example, you may be asked to provide personal information when you schedule an appointment for services; bring in your product for service; purchase products; contact Bufalo Computer Services call centers; initiate a chat session; participate in a sweepstakes, promotion, or survey; and/or participate in other activities with Bufalo Computer Services entities.
How is my information used?
Bufalo Computer Services uses the information you provide to fulfill requests for service or information; provide customer service; administer sweepstakes, promotions or surveys; offer new products or services; improve the effectiveness of our Web site, marketing endeavors and offers; conduct research and analysis; send marketing communications; or perform other business activities.
Does Bufalo Computer Services share my personal information with others?
Bufalo Computer Services does not sell or rent your personal information to third parties, although we may need to share your personal information with certain third parties such as our service providers and other representatives for limited purposes. For example, Bufalo Computer Services may share personal information with third parties to send marketing communications; service products; conduct research, analysis or administer surveys; send mail and e-mail; process credit card payments, administer sweepstakes, provide call-center, data storage, and hosting services.
The third parties with whom Bufalo Computer Services conducts business are only authorized to use your information to perform the service for which they were hired. As part of our agreement with them, they are required to follow the privacy guidelines given to them and to take reasonable measures to ensure your personal information is secure.
Bufalo Computer Services may also share your personal information with companies who have referred you to us for goods and services, or have provided space in their store locations for Bufalo Computer Services to offer its goods and services, or have allowed us to have a presence on their Web sites.
From time to time, we may be required to share personal information in response to a valid court order, subpoena, government investigation, or as otherwise required by law. We also reserve the right to report to law enforcement agencies any activities that we, in good faith, believe to be unlawful. Bufalo Computer Services may share certain personal information when we believe that such release is reasonably necessary to protect the rights, property, and safety of ourselves and others. Bufalo Computer Services may also transfer personal information in the event of a corporate sale, merger, acquisition, dissolution or similar event.
Third-Party Ad Providers
Our Web sites use third-party service providers to serve ads across the Internet and analyze Web site traffic on our behalf. They may collect anonymous information about your visits to our Web site, and your interaction with our ads. These companies may use technologies similar to those outlined above to measure the effectiveness of ads and e-mails. They may also use information about your visits to this and other Web sites so that we can provide advertisements about goods and services.
No personally identifiable information is collected in this process. We may share anonymous information with this service provider in an aggregate form, for purposes of analysis and improvement of our site.
If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by our third-party advertiser, visit https://www.google.com/adsense/localized-terms and/or http://www.google.com/privacy.html.
Can I control the use of my information for marketing purposes?
Bufalo Computer Services is an opt-out organization. Once we receive your information, we may send you marketing communications that contain valuable offers, promotions, and other Content. You always have the ability to opt out of receiving future marketing communications from Bufalo Computer Services.
To stop receiving marketing communications from Bufalo Computer Services:
- Follow the directions on any of our marketing e-mail or direct mail marketing communications.
- Call (205)383-3283.
- Send an e-mail request with your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address to contact@bufalocomputerservices.com.
- Send a request with your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address to Bufalo Computer Services, 504 Chace Lake Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244.
If you send an e-mail or letter request, please be sure to include your current contact information, and indicate specifically what type of marketing communication(s) (for example, e-mail, direct mail and/or phone) that you wish to stop receiving. This helps identify you correctly in Bufalo Computer Services systems so agents can process your request. Please note that due to production, mailing and system timelines, and the form in which we received your request, it may take up to ten business days for e-mails, 30 calendar days for phone calls, and six weeks for direct mail to remove you from Bufalo Computer Services marketing lists. Until the change takes effect, you may still receive marketing communications from us. Also, please note that even though you may have requested not to receive future marketing communications, you may still receive business-related notices such as appointment confirmation calls, billing information, or other organization-related information. Further, opting out of Bufalo Computer Services marketing communications does not remove you from our parent company’s marketing lists. You must contact them directly if you wish to stop receiving their marketing communications. If you have never provided your personal information and would like to be added to our marketing list, please use the contact information above.
How does Bufalo Computer Services secure my personal information?
Whether you receive services or purchase products in Bufalo Computer Services locations, use BufaloComputerServices.com, have services performed at your location, or contact the Bufalo Computer Services call center, we take reasonable precautions to protect against the loss, misuse and unauthorized access of your personal information. This includes personal information that you provide to complete a purchase. We cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit by e-mail, and you do so at your own risk.
Please note that while Bufalo Computer Services is able to protect personal information that is provided during the course of business, we cannot take responsibility for data loss on the products or systems serviced. You must remove or back up this information to safeguard it.
Blogs
When posting information on Bufalo Computer Services blogs, please use caution when providing any personal data about yourself, since this information may be viewed by others. We recommended that you do not provide your name, address, or any other personal information in this area. Bufalo Computer Services will monitor blog content and make every effort to remove this type of information before posting. However, if you choose to include personal data in your content, you do so at your own risk and you accept full responsibility for those posts and any consequences that may arise.
Remote Access
Bufalo Computer Services Technicians use remote access to diagnose and resolve system problems. This lets us access your computer to determine the problem and either repair it or provide advice on possible repair options. By taking advantage of this service, you give permission to a Bufalo Computer Services Technicians to log into your computer, which may contain personal information. He or she will only search your computer to determine the cause of the problem and will attempt to minimize interaction with your data. It is your responsibility to ensure that all of your files, especially those containing personal information, are secure to prevent any type of data loss or corruption.
Does Bufalo Computer Services use cookies to collect information about me?
A cookie is a small data file that a Web site or e-mail may send to your browser, which may then be stored on your hard drive. Bufalo Computer Services e-mails and Web sites may use cookies to create a more personalized user experience for visitors. These simulate a continuous connection, letting us remember information about your preferences and session.
Bufalo Computer Services uses a third party to place cookies on your computer. Although these may contain a unique user ID, they do not collect or store any identifiable personal information.
The Bufalo Computer Services web server automatically collects clickstream information such as the address (URL) of the Web site that you came from before visiting BufaloComputerServices.com, which pages you visit on our site while you’re there, which browser you used to view our site, and any search terms you may have entered, among other things. BufaloComputerServices.com may also use anonymous clickstream data to track which pages visitors view. This helps us understand how visitors use our sites.
How can I update my information?
Bufalo Computer Services wants your information and marketing preferences to be complete and accurate. To update your information, call (205)267-1059, send an e-mail to contact@bufalocomputerservices.com, or write to Bufalo Computer Services , Inc., Attention: Privacy Manager, 504 Chace Lake Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244.
If you send an e-mail or letter request please include your current contact information and list the requested changes you would like to have made.
Who can I contact with questions about the security of my information?
Please contact our privacy manager to report any known or suspected privacy or security breaches or to submit privacy or security-related questions or complaints. After receiving your inquiry, we will respond within five business days. You may call (205)267-1059, e-mail a request to: contact@bufalocomputerservices.com, or send a letter to Bufalo Computer Services, Inc., Attention: Privacy Manager, 504 Chace Lake Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244.
Will this privacy policy change?
Because Bufalo Computer Services will continue to implement new technologies and improve the services and features provided, this policy is subject to change. If there are changes or additions to this privacy policy, we will post them here or in other formats. If we change our information practices or this privacy policy in such a way that your personal information may be used or shared in a different manner, we will give you the opportunity to opt out of having your information used or shared in that new manner.
Effective date: August 1, 2009
Update date: August 5, 2009