Privacy Policy

LocalMart ("we", "our", "us") operates the LocalMart website and related services (the "Service"), which provide digital storefronts, classifieds, and community message boards for home entrepreneurs and small businesses based in Pune, India. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of LocalMart, including visitors, registered Buyers, Sellers, Professionals, and other users of the Service. It covers data collected through our website, mobile applications, and related services.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information directly from you, automatically through your use of the Service, and from third parties.

A. Information You Provide Directly

• Account registration: name, email address, mobile/WhatsApp number, password (hashed), business/brand name, address, GST/VAT number (where provided), and other profile details.
• Seller listings and storefronts: product/service descriptions, prices, photos, video links, stock/availability, shipping options, return policies, and other listing metadata. Listings and storefront information are public by default.
• Communications: messages you send to other users, including Buyer–Seller messages transmitted via our in-app features or via third-party messaging services (e.g., WhatsApp), and responses to customer support inquiries.
• Billing and subscription: for Sellers/Professionals who purchase subscriptions, we collect billing contact information and transaction records. We do not process on-platform buyer payments for marketplace transactions; payment data for subscriptions may be processed by third-party payment providers.
• User-generated content: reviews, ratings, comments, images, and other content you post publicly on the Service.

B. Information Collected Automatically

• Usage data: pages visited, search queries, clicks, time spent on pages, and other interaction data.
• Device & technical information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device identifiers, screen size, language, and crash logs.
• Location data: approximate location inferred from IP address or precise location when you grant permission on your device.

C. Information From Third Parties

• Third-party services: if you sign in using third-party accounts (e.g., Google, Facebook), we may collect basic profile information from those services per your authorization.
• Public sources & partners: publicly available information and information from partners or data providers.

3. WhatsApp Integration and Message Handling

LocalMart provides features that enable Users to send order details directly to Sellers via WhatsApp (or similar third-party messaging platforms). Important points:

• Transmission facilitator. When you choose to send order details via WhatsApp, LocalMart facilitates the transmission by opening or composing a message in the WhatsApp application and (if you confirm) sending it to the Seller's number.
• Message content. LocalMart does not read, access, or store the content of messages sent directly through the WhatsApp client on your device unless you explicitly choose to send the message through an in-app relay that LocalMart operates or if you copy the message into our messaging UI. If you use our in-app message-sending feature that relays messages through our servers, we may temporarily log or store message content for moderation, fraud prevention, or regulatory compliance.
• Metadata. Whether or not message content is stored, LocalMart may collect and retain metadata about the message transmission (e.g., sender and recipient phone numbers, timestamp, delivery status, message identifiers) for troubleshooting, analytics, abuse prevention, and compliance.
• Third-party terms. WhatsApp and other messaging services have their own privacy policies and processing practices. You should review those policies; LocalMart is not responsible for how third parties process your messages or data.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use personal data for the following purposes:

• To provide, operate, and maintain the Service.
• To create and manage your account and authenticate access.
• To enable Sellers’ storefronts, publish Listings, and present search results and recommendations.
• To facilitate the sending of order messages to Sellers (when you choose that option).
• To process subscriptions and billing for Sellers/Professionals and to maintain payment records (using third-party payment processors where applicable).
• To communicate with you about your account, transactions, updates, promotions (with consent), and legal notices.
• To provide customer support and respond to inquiries or disputes.
• To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, security incidents, or other illegal activities.
• To comply with legal obligations, court orders, or governmental requests.
• For research, analytics, and improvements to our Service (aggregated/anonymized where possible).

We will not use your personal data for purposes materially different from those disclosed at the time of collection without obtaining your consent, unless otherwise permitted by law.

5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We may share personal information with:

• Other Users. Information you make public in listings, storefronts, classifieds, message boards, or profiles (e.g., business name, public contact methods) is visible to other Users and the public.
• Service providers and subprocessors. Hosting providers, analytics providers, payment processors (for subscriptions), email and messaging vendors, and other vendors that perform services on our behalf. These parties receive only the data necessary to perform their services and are contractually bound to protect it.
• Affiliates and business transfers. In connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or restructuring, provided that the acquiring entity agrees to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
• Legal and safety disclosures. When required by law, legal process, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, property, safety, or that of others; to detect or prevent fraud; or to investigate security breaches.
• With consent. We may share data with third parties when you consent to such sharing.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to provide the Service, fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and for legitimate business purposes. Specific retention periods:

• Account and profile data: retained for the lifetime of the account plus a reasonable period for backup, accounting, or legal compliance.
• Subscription billing records: retained for financial and tax purposes as required by applicable law.
• Message metadata and logs: retained for a period necessary for fraud prevention, moderation, and compliance; retention periods may vary and are disclosed in internal data retention schedules.
• User-generated content (public listings, reviews): retained until you remove it; copies may remain in backups or archival systems.

If you request deletion of your account, we will deactivate or remove your public profile and listings, subject to legal or contractual exceptions (for example, billing records that must be retained for tax or audit purposes).

7. Cookies, Analytics, and Tracking Technologies

We and our service providers use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to provide and improve the Service, remember preferences, analyze usage, and serve relevant content. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings or opt-out tools where available. Note that disabling cookies may limit certain features of the Service.

8. Third-Party Services and Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. When you use third-party services (including WhatsApp, payment gateways, or social logins), you are subject to those providers’ terms and policies.

9. Data Security

We implement reasonable organizational, technical, and administrative safeguards designed to protect personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Measures may include encryption, access controls, secure hosting environments, and regular security reviews.

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, and you accept the inherent risks of internet transmission.

10. International Transfers

LocalMart operates in India and may transfer personal information to countries other than where you reside for processing (for hosting, analytics, support, or other purposes). We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards (e.g., contractual clauses, standard contractual clauses where applicable) when transferring data internationally.

11. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without parental consent. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 18 without consent, we will take steps to delete the information promptly.

12. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Request deletion of your personal data (subject to retention exceptions).
• Object to or restrict processing of your personal data.
• Request data portability.
• Withdraw consent where our processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, contact us at the contact details below. We may ask you to verify your identity before fulfilling requests and may decline requests that are frivolous or which conflict with legal obligations.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you via the Service or by email and update the "Last updated" date above. Continued use of the Service after notification constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. How to Contact Us

If you have questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our practices, contact us at: