Privacy Policy

At Makers Nest ("we", "us", "our"), we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services at makersnest.ca (the "Platform").

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

When you create an account, list products, or make purchases, we collect:

• Account information: Name, email address, password, phone number
• Seller information: Business name, address (for pickup locations), payment details, tax information
• Buyer information: Shipping address, payment information, order history
• Communications: Messages between buyers and sellers, support requests
• Verification materials: Videos submitted for maker verification

Information Collected Automatically

When you use our Platform, we automatically collect:

• Device information: Browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage data: Pages visited, time spent, clicks, search queries
• Location data: General location based on IP address (used for local discovery features)
• Cookies: Session cookies and analytics cookies (see Cookie section below)

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and improve our Platform and services
• Process transactions and send related information
• Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
• Verify maker authenticity and prevent fraud
• Send administrative messages, updates, and marketing (with your consent)
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Comply with legal obligations

Information Sharing

We share your information only in these circumstances:

• Between buyers and sellers: To complete transactions (e.g., pickup addresses, contact info)
• Service providers: Companies that help us operate (payment processors, hosting, analytics)
• Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

Our Service Providers

We use the following third-party services:

• Stripe: Payment processing
• Amazon Web Services: Cloud hosting and storage
• Google Analytics: Website analytics (anonymized)
• Intercom: Customer support chat

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account deletion:

• Personal information is deleted within 30 days
• Transaction records are retained for 7 years (legal requirement)
• Anonymized analytics data may be retained indefinitely

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time
• Withdraw consent: Where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, email [email protected].

Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential cookies: Required for the Platform to function (login, shopping cart)
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our Platform
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect Platform functionality.

Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Employee training on data protection

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

Children's Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 16. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

International Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Canada, including the United States where some of our service providers are located. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

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

• Email: [email protected]
• Mail: Makers Nest Privacy Team, British Columbia, Canada