Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At BalkanTrade, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our marketplace platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Profile information and photos
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
• Listing information (descriptions, photos, pricing)
• Communication data (messages, reviews, comments)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you use our Service:

• IP address and location data
• Device information (browser type, operating system)
• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, clicks)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Provide, operate, and maintain our marketplace platform
• Process transactions and manage your account
• Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
• Improve our services and user experience
• Send you updates, notifications, and marketing communications
• Ensure security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and provide customer support

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Other Users

When you create listings or communicate through our platform, certain information becomes visible to other users, including your name, profile photo, and listing details.

4.2 With Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing
• Data analytics and website optimization
• Customer support services
• Marketing and communication services
• Cloud hosting and data storage

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Investigate potential violations of our terms
• Prevent fraud or illegal activities

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Employee training on data protection

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Types of cookies we use include:

• Essential cookies: Required for basic functionality
• Performance cookies: Help us analyze site usage
• Functionality cookies: Remember your preferences
• Marketing cookies: Deliver personalized advertisements

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Specific retention periods include:

• Account information: Until account deletion
• Transaction records: 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Communication logs: 3 years for dispute resolution
• Marketing data: Until you opt out

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during such transfers.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Through our contact form on the website
• By email at our support address
• Through our customer support channels

14. GDPR Compliance

For users in the European Union, we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You have additional rights under GDPR, including the right to object to processing and the right to file complaints with supervisory authorities.