Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 12, 2025
Effective Date: November 12, 2025

HerdMart ("we," "our," or "us") operates the HerdMart online marketplace platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services. By accessing or using HerdMart, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you directly provide when you:

• Create an account (name, email address, password)
• Post listings (descriptions, photos, location, contact information)
• Make payments (processed securely through Stripe)
• Communicate with other users or customer support
• Update your profile or account settings
• Participate in surveys, promotions, or contests

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our platform, we automatically collect:

• Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
• Usage data (pages viewed, time spent, clickstream data)
• Location data (approximate location based on IP address)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain our marketplace services
• Process transactions and send transaction confirmations
• Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
• Send administrative information, updates, and security alerts
• Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
• Improve our services and develop new features
• Prevent fraud, enforce terms, and ensure platform safety
• Analyze usage patterns and user behavior
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 Public Information

When you create a listing, certain information becomes publicly visible, including:

• Listing title, description, photos, and price
• General location information (city/state)
• Contact information you choose to provide in listings
• Your public profile information

3.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with trusted service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing (Stripe)
• Authentication services (Google)
• Cloud hosting and data storage
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Email delivery and customer communications
• Security and fraud prevention

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:

• Valid legal requests (subpoenas, court orders, government inquiries)
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Enforcement of our Terms of Service
• Investigation of potential violations or fraud
• Emergency situations involving danger or security threats

3.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control.

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Employee training on data protection practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Maintain your login session
• Analyze site traffic and usage patterns
• Personalize content and advertisements
• Improve site performance and user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our platform.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Object: Object to certain processing of your information

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@herdmart.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except as required by law or legitimate business purposes.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take immediate steps to delete such information. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us at support@herdmart.com.

9. California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Note: HerdMart does not sell personal information to third parties. To exercise your California privacy rights, contact us at support@herdmart.com.

10. International Users

Our services are operated from the United States. If you are accessing our platform from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.

11. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: