The short version. We collect only what a deal needs to work, names, emails, the item and price, and a meetup location if you add one. We don't require accounts, we don't sell your data, and we don't build a marketing profile of you. We use your information to run your deal, keep both sides updated, and keep the service safe.
1. Who this applies to
This policy explains how SettleUs, operated by 17529724 Canada Inc. ("Settle", "we", "us"), handles personal information when you use our website and service. We handle personal information in line with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
2. What we collect
We deliberately collect as little as possible. For a deal, that typically means:
- Names of the people in the deal (usually a first name), so each side knows who they're dealing with.
- Email addresses, used to send deal updates and, for the seller, to send the payout notification.
- Deal details: the item description and the price.
- A meetup location, if the people in the deal choose to add one.
- Basic technical data your browser sends automatically (such as general device and usage information) so the site works and stays secure.
We do not ask you to create an account, and we do not collect more than a deal requires.
3. What we don't collect or do
- We don't require accounts or passwords, so there is no standing profile of you.
- We don't sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
- We don't use your information to build advertising profiles.
- We don't store payment card numbers; payments move by Interac e-transfer.
4. Why we use it
We use the information you provide only to:
- Set up and run your deal, including holding and releasing or refunding funds.
- Send both sides updates about the deal by email.
- Respond to questions or help resolve a dispute if you contact us.
- Keep the service secure and prevent fraud or misuse.
- Meet our legal and record-keeping obligations.
5. Who we share it with
We share information only where needed to run the service:
- The other person in your deal sees the limited details needed to complete it (such as the name you provide and the deal details).
- Service providers that help us operate, such as our hosting and email-delivery providers, who process data on our behalf under appropriate safeguards.
- Where required by law, such as a valid legal request, or to protect against fraud or harm.
We do not otherwise disclose your personal information to third parties.
6. How long we keep it
We keep deal records for as long as needed to provide the service, resolve any disputes, and meet legal and financial record-keeping requirements. After that, we delete or anonymize the information. You can ask us about deletion using the contact below.
7. How we protect it
We use reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect personal information, and we limit the data we collect in the first place, which is one of the best protections of all. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure, but we take protecting your information seriously.
8. Your choices and rights
Subject to applicable law, you can ask us to access the personal information we hold about you, correct it if it's wrong, or delete it where we're not required to keep it. To make a request, email us at hello@settleus.ca.
9. Cookies and similar technologies
We keep this to a minimum. We use only what's needed for the site to function and to understand basic, aggregate usage. We don't use advertising trackers.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The "last updated" date shows when it last changed. Significant changes will be reflected here.
11. Contact
Questions about your privacy or this policy can be sent to hello@settleus.ca.
Note: This is a plain-language starting point, not legal advice. It may be updated and expanded with professional review to fully reflect applicable privacy law.