1. Introduction

Welcome to Shedd ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our auction platform and services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Name, email address, and phone number
• Shipping and billing addresses
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Profile information and photos
• Communications with us

2.2 Auction Activity

When you participate in auctions, we collect:

• Bidding history and preferences
• Items listed for sale
• Transaction history
• Photos and descriptions of items you upload

2.3 Automatically Collected Information

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Usage data and analytics
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process transactions and send confirmations
• Facilitate auctions and bidding
• Send notifications about your bids and auctions
• Process payments and prevent fraud
• Provide customer support
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Improve our services and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We may share your information with:

• Other Users: Limited information is visible to buyers and sellers during transactions
• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist with payment processing, shipping, SMS delivery (e.g., Twilio), and platform operations — solely to provide our services to you
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or acquisition

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We use encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits to safeguard your data.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access and review your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Opt out of marketing communications
• Opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP
• Disable cookies through your browser settings
• Request a copy of your data

6A. SMS/Text Messaging

We offer two separate categories of SMS/text messages you may opt into during registration. Each category requires its own explicit consent via a separate, unchecked checkbox:

Category 1: Delivery & Auction Notifications

If you opt in to this category, you may receive recurring automated SMS messages including:

• Auction & Bidding Notifications: Outbid alerts, auction won/lost notifications, and auction ending soon reminders
• Delivery Notifications: Shipping confirmations, tracking updates, and delivery status changes

Category 2: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) & Account Security

If you opt in to this category, you may receive SMS messages including:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): One-time passcodes for verifying your identity during sign-in
• Account Security Alerts: Suspicious activity notifications and account recovery codes

General SMS Terms (apply to both categories)

Consent: By checking each respective SMS opt-in box during registration, you expressly consent to receive recurring automated text messages from Shedd in that category at the phone number you provide. Each consent is independent—opting in to one category does not opt you in to the other. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

Message Frequency: Notification message frequency varies based on your auction activity and preferences. 2FA messages are sent only when you perform a security-sensitive action (e.g., sign-in).

Message & Data Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan.

Opt-Out: You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. After opting out, you will receive a one-time confirmation message. You may also manage your SMS preferences in your account notification settings.

Help: Reply HELP to any message for assistance, or contact us at support@shedd.app.

No Third-Party Sharing: We do not share your phone number or SMS consent with third parties for their marketing purposes. Your phone number is shared only with our SMS service provider (Twilio) for the sole purpose of delivering messages on our behalf.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage patterns, and personalize content. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though some features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

8. Third-Party Links

Our platform 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.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information.

10. International Users

If you are accessing our services from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: