Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2024
1. Introduction
SmartSell Africa Limited ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our SmartSell platform and services.
By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:
- • Name, email address, and phone number
- • Business information (company name, address, industry)
- • Payment information (processed securely by third-party providers)
- • Profile information and preferences
- • Communications with our support team
2.2 Business Data
When you use SmartSell, we collect and process business data you input into the platform:
- • Product and inventory information
- • Sales and transaction data
- • Customer information you choose to store
- • Employee and user management data
- • Financial and reporting data
2.3 Technical Information
We automatically collect certain technical information when you use our services:
- • IP address and device information
- • Browser type and version
- • Operating system and platform details
- • Usage patterns and feature interactions
- • Log files and error reports
- • Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Service Provision
We use your information to:
- • Provide and maintain the SmartSell platform
- • Process transactions and manage subscriptions
- • Enable multi-business and multi-user functionality
- • Synchronize data across devices and locations
- • Provide customer support and technical assistance
3.2 Communication
- • Send service-related notifications and updates
- • Respond to your inquiries and support requests
- • Send marketing communications (with your consent)
- • Notify you of important changes to our services
3.3 Improvement and Analytics
- • Analyze usage patterns to improve our services
- • Develop new features and functionality
- • Monitor and ensure service security and performance
- • Generate aggregated and anonymized analytics
4. How We Share Your Information
4.1 Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform, including payment processors, cloud hosting providers, and customer support tools. These providers are contractually bound to protect your information.
4.2 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the business transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your information.
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities, such as a court order or government agency.
We Never:
- • Sell your personal or business data to third parties
- • Share your data with competitors
- • Use your business data for our own commercial purposes
- • Access your data without legitimate business reasons
5. Data Security
5.1 Security Measures
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:
- • End-to-end encryption for data transmission
- • Encrypted data storage with industry-standard protocols
- • Multi-factor authentication options
- • Regular security audits and penetration testing
- • Employee access controls and security training
- • Continuous monitoring for security threats
5.2 Data Breach Response
In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify affected users within 72 hours and take immediate steps to contain the breach and prevent further unauthorized access.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information and business data for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Specifically:
- • Account information: Retained while your account is active
- • Business data: Retained according to your subscription terms
- • Transaction records: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
- • Support communications: Retained for 3 years
- • Marketing data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion
After account termination, we may retain certain information for legal, regulatory, or legitimate business purposes, but will delete or anonymize personal information within 90 days unless otherwise required by law.
7. Your Privacy Rights
7.1 Access and Portability
You have the right to access your personal information and request a copy of your data in a portable format. You can export most of your business data directly from the SmartSell platform.
7.2 Correction and Updates
You can update your personal information and business data through your account settings. For assistance with data corrections, contact our support team.
7.3 Deletion
You may request deletion of your personal information. Note that some information may need to be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes.
7.4 Marketing Communications
You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in emails or updating your communication preferences in your account.
8. International Data Transfers
SmartSell is designed to serve businesses across Africa. Your data may be processed and stored in various African countries where we operate or where our service providers are located.
When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including standard contractual clauses and adequacy decisions where applicable.
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
9.1 Types of Cookies
We use the following types of cookies:
- • Essential cookies: Required for basic platform functionality
- • Performance cookies: Help us analyze usage and improve performance
- • Functional cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
- • Analytics cookies: Provide insights into user behavior (anonymized)
9.2 Cookie Management
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our platform.
10. Children's Privacy
SmartSell is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of material changes by:
- • Sending an email notification to your registered email address
- • Posting a notice on our platform and website
- • Updating the 'Last Updated' date at the top of this policy
Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
General Privacy Inquiries
Email: privacy@smartsell.africa
Phone: +234 (0) 123 456 7890
Response time: Within 48 hours
Data Protection Officer
Email: dpo@smartsell.africa
Address: 123 Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
For formal data protection requests
This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 1, 2024, and was last updated on January 15, 2024.