Privacy Policy
MLP Software, LLC ("MLP Software", "we", "us", or "our") develops MakerBean ("MakerBean", the "App") — accounting and sales analytics software for makers and crafters who sell physical products. This Privacy Policy explains what information the App and our related website process, how we use it, and the choices you have.
MakerBean is an independent application. We are not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by Etsy, Shopify, Apple, Google, or Microsoft. If you have questions about this policy, contact us at support@mlpsoftwarellc.com.
1. Overview
MakerBean is designed so your books stay on your computer. Company files — including parts inventory, sales, channel statements, journal entries, expenses, and reports — are stored in local SQLite database files on your device. There is no mandatory cloud sync and no activation server that must reach our servers for you to use the App.
You enter financial data yourself, such as sales, inventory, and monthly settlement summaries from Etsy, Shopify, craft fairs, and other channels. MakerBean helps you organize that data into accounting records and analytics. As of the date above, we do not routinely upload your company file or its contents to MLP Software servers.
Because your data stays local, you are responsible for backing up your company files. MakerBean includes one-click backup and restore tools for this purpose.
2. Information we collect
Depending on how you use MakerBean and this website, the following information may be processed:
Data stored on your device
MakerBean stores the following locally in your company file(s):
- Business and company information — Company name, fiscal year settings, and related preferences you configure
- Parts and products — Inventory parts, product recipes, variations, standard costs, and related catalog data
- Sales and channel data — Orders, channel fees, settlement statements, receivables, and related figures you enter from Etsy, Shopify, craft fairs, or other sources
- Accounting records — Journal entries, chart of accounts, receivables, expenses, fixed assets, and other ledger data generated or entered in the App
- Reports and exports — Report configurations and files you export (for example, CSV or PDF), saved where you choose on your device
- Backups — Copies of company files you create through MakerBean's backup feature, stored where you direct them
- App settings — Preferences such as display options, Advanced Mode, and similar choices
This data is used to provide App features on your device. We do not upload your company file contents to MLP Software servers as part of normal App operation.
Information we do not collect through the App
As of the date above, MakerBean does not:
- Require you to create an MLP Software account
- Connect to Etsy, Shopify, or other marketplaces on your behalf to download orders or statements automatically
- Use third-party advertising networks
- Routinely transmit your company file, financial records, or sales data to our servers
- Sell your personal information
Optional diagnostic or analytics features may be introduced in a future version. If we add them, we will update this policy and describe what is collected before or when that feature is enabled.
Support communications
If you email us at support@mlpsoftwarellc.com, we receive the information you choose to include — such as your email address, name, device type, and the content of your request. If you attach a company file, backup, or export for troubleshooting, we use that information only to help resolve your issue and delete it when no longer needed, unless you ask us to retain it or law requires otherwise.
Purchases through app stores
If you purchase MakerBean Pro or other paid features, payment is handled entirely by the platform through which you acquired the App — for example, the Mac App Store or Microsoft Store. We do not receive or store your payment card details. The store may provide us with purchase status on your device so we can unlock paid features.
Website
If you visit our website (including this privacy policy page), standard web server logs may record your IP address, browser type, and pages viewed. Our website host may process those logs for security and operational purposes.
3. How we use information
We use the information described above to:
- Provide App features you request, such as tracking inventory, recording sales, reconciling channel statements, generating reports, and maintaining your books
- Validate purchases through app stores, where applicable
- Respond to support requests and communicate with you about MakerBean
- Comply with legal obligations
- Improve MakerBean, including debugging if optional diagnostic tools are enabled in a future version
4. How we share information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in these circumstances:
- App stores — The Mac App Store, Microsoft Store, or other distribution platforms process payments and may provide us with purchase status on your device.
- When you export or share — CSV, PDF, and backup files you create are under your control. If you send them to an accountant, cloud storage, or email, that sharing is directed by you, not by us.
- Legal requirements — We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, users, or safety.
- Business transfers — If MLP Software is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, information we hold (such as support emails) may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this policy. Your local company files would remain on your device unless you choose to share them.
Because financial data stays on your device, there is no routine transfer of your books or sales data to MLP Software servers.
5. Marketplace and sales channel data
MakerBean is built for makers who sell through Etsy, Shopify, craft fairs, and direct channels, but it is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Etsy, Inc., Shopify Inc., or other marketplaces.
You enter sales and settlement figures manually based on reports and exports you obtain from each channel. Each marketplace's own privacy policy and seller terms apply to data at source. MakerBean does not access your seller accounts on your behalf as of the date above.
6. Retention and deletion
Your company files, backups, and exports remain on your device until you delete them or uninstall the App.
Delete company data — You can remove a company file through MakerBean or by deleting the file from your device using your operating system's file manager.
Backups — Backup files you create are stored where you save them. Delete backups you no longer need using your file manager.
Uninstall — Removing MakerBean from your device does not automatically delete company files you saved outside the App's default location. Review your documents folder and any backup locations before uninstalling.
Support emails and any attachments you send us are retained only as long as needed to handle your request and for reasonable business record-keeping, unless a longer period is required by law.
7. Security
We design MakerBean so sensitive financial data remains on your device rather than on our servers. Because the App works without a mandatory cloud account, there is no central MLP Software database of your books.
You should protect your device with a strong login, disk encryption where available, and secure backup storage. Financial exports and backups you store in cloud services or send by email are subject to those services' security practices.
No method of electronic storage or transmission is completely secure. You use MakerBean at your own risk and should keep your device and backups protected.
8. Your privacy rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export personal information, or to object to or restrict certain processing.
Because most App data is stored on your device, you can access, export, or delete it directly through MakerBean or by managing the files on your computer. For other requests — including questions about support emails you have sent us — contact support@mlpsoftwarellc.com. We will respond within a reasonable time, generally within 30 days.
If you are in the European Economic Area or United Kingdom and believe we are unlawfully processing your information, you may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
9. Children
MakerBean is business software directed at makers and small craft businesses and is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through the App. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
10. International users
MLP Software is based in the United States. MakerBean is designed to store your company data locally on your device without sending it to our servers during normal use.
If you access our website from outside the United States, web server logs may be processed in the United States or where our hosting provider operates.
11. California residents
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended, California residents may have the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion, and not be discriminated against for exercising privacy rights.
We do not sell personal information. We do not share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. Most data processed by MakerBean stays on your device and is not held in a centralized MLP Software database.
To make a privacy request, email support@mlpsoftwarellc.com with "California Privacy Request" in the subject line.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top will change when we do. If we make material changes — for example, if we introduce optional cloud sync or analytics — we may notify you through the App, by posting a notice on our website, or through an app store listing. Continued use of MakerBean after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy, where permitted by law.
13. Contact us
Questions about this Privacy Policy or MakerBean may be directed to:
MLP Software, LLC
1664 3 Lakes Dr
Troy, MI 48085
United States
Email: support@mlpsoftwarellc.com