Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 17, 2025

At Pattern Swap Spot, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

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1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Name and username
• Email address
• Password (encrypted and securely stored)
• Profile information you choose to provide

1.2 Transaction Information

In order to facilitate the sale and trade of sewing patterns, we collect transaction-related information:

• Shipping addresses - Required to complete physical pattern sales
• Payment information - Processed securely through Stripe (we do not store full credit card numbers)
• Order history and transaction details
• Communication between buyers and sellers related to transactions

1.3 Pattern and Project Information

When you list patterns or share projects, we collect:

• Pattern descriptions, photos, and pricing
• Project photos and descriptions
• Categories, tags, and other metadata

1.4 Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information about how you use our service:

• IP address and browser information
• Pages visited and features used
• Search queries and browsing patterns
• Device information and operating system
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers
• Process payments and maintain transaction records
• Enable shipping by sharing necessary address information with sellers
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Improve and personalize your experience on our platform
• Send transactional emails (order confirmations, shipping updates, etc.)
• Send optional promotional emails (you can opt out at any time)
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security issues
• Comply with legal obligations
• Analyze usage patterns to improve our service

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 We DO Share Information With:

• Sellers (when you make a purchase): Your shipping address and contact information necessary to fulfill your order
• Buyers (when you make a sale): Your username and any information necessary to complete the transaction
• Payment processors (Stripe): Information necessary to process payments securely
• Service providers: Third-party vendors who help us operate our platform (hosting, email delivery, analytics) under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal authorities: When required by law, subpoena, or to protect our rights and the safety of our users

3.2 We DO NOT:

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

• All data transmission is encrypted using SSL/TLS
• Passwords are hashed and salted using bcrypt
• Payment information is processed through PCI-compliant providers (Stripe)
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls limiting who can view sensitive information

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you logged in between visits
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how our service is used
• Prevent fraud and improve security

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of Pattern Swap Spot.

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your data: Request a copy of the personal information we have about you
• Correct your data: Update or correct inaccurate information in your account settings
• Delete your data: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Export your data: Receive a machine-readable copy of your information
• Opt out of marketing: Unsubscribe from promotional emails at any time
• Object to processing: In certain circumstances, object to how we use your data

To exercise these rights, please contact us through the platform's messaging system or support channels.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. Even after account deletion, we may retain certain information:

• Transaction records for accounting and legal compliance (typically 7 years)
• Information necessary to resolve disputes or enforce our agreements
• Anonymized data for analytics purposes

8. Children's Privacy

Pattern Swap Spot is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover that a child has provided us with personal information, we will delete it immediately. If you believe a child has provided information to us, please contact us.

9. International Users

Pattern Swap Spot is based in the United States. If you are accessing our service from outside the U.S., please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located. By using our service, you consent to this transfer.

10. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information to them.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via email or prominent notice on our platform. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised.

12. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• The right to know what personal information we collect and how we use it
• The right to request deletion of your personal information
• The right to opt out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell your data)
• The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through:

• The platform's messaging system
• Our support channels

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