Privacy Policy

AfroConnect operates a marketplace that helps shoppers discover and buy from Black-owned and Black-serving businesses across Canada. This policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies whether you are browsing, shopping, or selling as a vendor.

Information we collect

• Account & profile: name, email, phone, and business details when you create a vendor account or subscribe to a plan.
• Verification: documents you upload to confirm business identity or Black-ownership status.
• Order & shipping: shipping address, contact details, and order contents, shared with the vendor so they can fulfill your purchase.
• Activity: pages you view, listings, messages, reviews, and how you interact with the marketplace.
• Payments: card details are handled by our payment processor Stripe — we never store full card numbers on our servers.
• Device & cookies: local storage for your session, cart, and preferences, plus standard analytics.

How we use it

• To run the marketplace — show listings, process orders, and connect shoppers with vendors.
• To verify vendors and keep fraudulent or prohibited listings off the platform.
• To send order updates, support messages, and (for vendors) performance summaries.
• To measure and improve the product, and to comply with Canadian law.

How we share it

We share information only as needed to operate the service: with the vendor you bought from (to fulfill your order), with Stripe and Shippo (for payments and shipping), and with email and analytics providers under appropriate contracts. We may disclose information when required by law. We never sell your personal data.

Data retention & security

We keep your information for as long as your account is active and as required for legal, tax, or accounting obligations. We use reasonable safeguards — access controls, encryption in transit, and limited internal access — but no system is perfectly secure.

Your rights

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA), you may access, correct, or withdraw consent for your personal information, and request deletion where the law allows. To exercise any of these, contact us through the Contact page.

Children

AfroConnect is not directed to anyone under 16, and we do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe we have done so, please contact us and we will delete it.

International transfers

Some providers process data outside Canada. We take reasonable steps to ensure it stays protected consistent with Canadian privacy standards.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date above reflects the most recent revision. Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Contact

Questions about privacy? Email info@afroconnect.ca or use our Contact page and we will respond as soon as we can.