Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Merkado ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, including our SMS messaging services.

Merkado is an all-in-one platform for small business owners, offering a storefront, marketing tools, payment processing, customer communication, and AI-powered assistance.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us and information collected automatically when you use our services:

Direct Collection

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and business address
• Business Information: Business name, industry, size, and other operational details
• Payment Information: Processed securely through our payment processing partners
• Account Credentials: Username, password, and authentication preferences
• Communication Data: Messages, support requests, and feedback you provide

Automatic Collection

• Device and usage information (IP address, browser type, pages visited)
• Interaction data with our platform and SMS services
• Analytics related to SMS message delivery and engagement

3. SMS Messaging Use

Merkado uses SMS (text message) services for legitimate business purposes only:

Permitted Uses

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Verification codes for account security
• Account Notifications: Order confirmations, shipment updates, and important account alerts
• Customer Care: Support messages, status updates, and customer service communications related to your account and services
• Platform Updates: Critical service notifications and maintenance alerts

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted vendors (payment processors, SMS delivery partners) who assist in operating our platform and are bound by confidentiality agreements
• Legal Compliance: When required by law, regulation, or legal process (subpoenas, court orders)
• Business Transitions: In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (you will be notified)
• Safety: To protect against fraud, security threats, or other harm

Phone numbers are never shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Retention periods include:

• Account Data: Maintained while your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter
• SMS Records: Retained in accordance with carrier requirements and applicable law (typically 6-12 months)
• Transaction Data: Maintained as required for accounting, tax, and regulatory compliance purposes
• Deleted Accounts: Personal information is securely deleted upon account closure, except where retention is legally required

6. Data Security

Merkado implements industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption in transit (SSL/TLS) for all data transmissions
• Secure storage of sensitive information (encrypted at rest)
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Compliance with PCI DSS standards for payment information

While we employ robust security practices, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, and you use our services at your own risk.

7. Your Rights and Opt-Out Options

SMS Opt-Out

You can opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying "STOP" to any SMS message from Merkado. Once you opt out, we will no longer send marketing SMS messages, though we may continue to send transactional messages (2FA codes, critical account alerts) required to maintain your account and services.

Data Access and Deletion

• Access: You have the right to request a copy of your personal information we hold
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and associated personal data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Correction: You may update or correct inaccurate information in your account settings
• Portability: You have the right to request your data in a portable format

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below.

8. Children's Privacy

Merkado is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will promptly delete such information and terminate the child's account. If you believe a child under 13 has used our service, please contact us immediately.

9. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

10. Policy Changes

Merkado may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date below and, where required, by providing additional notice. Your continued use of our services constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

11. Contact Us

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

We will respond to inquiries within 30 days or as required by applicable law.