Privacy Policy
Version 2.0 — November 2025
Effective Date: November 8, 2025
Entity: BookHeart, LLC (North Carolina, USA)
Contact: theteam@thebookheart.com
1. Overview
This Privacy Policy explains how BookHeart, LLC ("BookHeart," "we," or "us") collects, uses, and shares information when you use our website, marketplace, and related services. By using BookHeart, you agree to this Policy.
2. Information We Collect
a. Account Information
- Name, email, password, and display name
- Profile photo, background image, and social links
b. Transaction Information
- Shipping address and order details
- Stripe checkout identifiers (no card numbers stored)
- Purchase history and messages with other users
c. Content You Upload
- Book photos, listing descriptions, and ratings
- Optional profile and background images
- Any other content you voluntarily share on BookHeart
d. Technical Information
- Device type, IP address, browser version
- Cookie and analytics data (e.g., Google Analytics)
3. How We Use Information
We use your information to:
- Operate and improve the BookHeart marketplace;
- Process and support transactions;
- Display and promote listings publicly;
- Detect and prevent fraud or misuse;
- Communicate about orders, messages, or support;
- Send updates or marketing (with opt-out option); and
- Comply with legal obligations.
4. Promotional Use of Public Content
If you upload public-facing content (such as book photos, usernames, or listings), you grant BookHeart permission to display or promote that content on:
- The BookHeart Platform itself;
- BookHeart's official social media accounts (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest); and
- BookHeart's marketing materials, newsletters, or ads promoting the community.
You retain ownership of your content. If you prefer not to have your listing or photo featured, you may request removal at theteam@thebookheart.com. We never share private information (addresses, payment details, messages) for marketing purposes.
5. How We Share Information
We share limited information with:
- Stripe, Inc. for payment processing;
- Cloudinary for image hosting;
- Shipping partners (if shipping integration is used);
- Analytics providers for site performance; and
- Law enforcement if legally required.
We do not sell your personal information.
6. Cookies and Analytics
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Maintain sessions and authentication;
- Analyze site traffic and performance; and
- Remember user preferences.
You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings.
7. Data Retention
We retain user and transaction data as long as necessary for business, legal, or accounting purposes. During beta, data may be reset or deleted as part of testing.
8. Data Security
We use HTTPS encryption, token-based authentication, and Cloudinary-signed uploads to protect your information. However, no system is 100% secure; use BookHeart at your own discretion.
9. Children's Privacy
BookHeart is not directed to individuals under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.
10. Your Rights
You may:
- Access, correct, or delete your information;
- Request account deletion;
- Opt out of marketing emails; and
- Request details on how your data is used.
Contact us at theteam@thebookheart.com for any such requests.
11. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Policy periodically. The latest version will always appear at bookheart.com/legal/privacy.