Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Shoal Marketplace ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.

By using Shoal Marketplace, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and password when you create an account
• Profile Information: Profile pictures, location, and preferences you choose to share
• Transaction Information: Purchase history, payment details, and shipping addresses
• Communication Data: Messages between buyers and sellers, customer support interactions
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers

2.2 Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information about your use of our services:

• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Search queries and browsing behavior
• Click patterns and user interactions
• Referral sources and exit pages

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide Services: Create and manage your account, process transactions, and facilitate buying/selling
• Communication: Send transaction confirmations, shipping updates, and customer support messages
• Security: Prevent fraud, verify identities, and maintain platform security
• Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve our services and develop new features
• Legal Compliance: Meet legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
• Marketing: Send promotional offers and newsletters (with your consent)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Other Users

When you buy or sell on Shoal, certain information is shared with the other party:

• Your name and contact information
• Shipping address (for buyers)
• Transaction details

4.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our platform:

• Payment processors (Stripe)
• Shipping companies
• Cloud hosting providers
• Customer support tools

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights and safety.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure data storage with regular backups
• Access controls and employee training
• Regular security audits and updates
• Incident response procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Restriction: Limit how we process your information

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@shoalmarketplace.bs

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our site
• Marketing Cookies: Used to show relevant advertisements
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

8. International Data Transfers

Shoal Marketplace is based in The Bahamas. Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will delete it immediately.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Email notification
• Prominent notice on our website
• Update to the "Last updated" date

Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: