1. Who we are
FlashMarket ("we", "us", "our") is an online classifieds marketplace operated in New Zealand. We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.
2. Information we collect
We collect the following types of information:
- Account information: your name, email address, phone number, and region when you register.
- Listing information: ad titles, descriptions, photos, prices, and location details you provide when posting ads.
- Messages: conversations between buyers and sellers conducted through our platform.
- Usage data: pages visited, search queries, listing views, and device/browser information.
- Verification data: email and SMS verification codes used to confirm your identity.
3. How we use your information
We use your information to:
- Provide and improve FlashMarket services
- Verify your identity and prevent fraud
- Enable communication between buyers and sellers
- Send transactional emails (verification codes, message notifications)
- Moderate listings and enforce our Terms of Use
- Respond to your inquiries and support requests
- Comply with legal obligations
4. How we share your information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:
- Other users: your name and chosen contact phone number are visible on your listings. Your email is never publicly displayed.
- Service providers: trusted third parties who help us operate the platform (cloud hosting, email delivery, SMS verification, image storage). These providers are bound by confidentiality obligations.
- Law enforcement: when required by law or to protect the safety of our users.
5. Third-party services
We use the following third-party services to operate FlashMarket:
- Cloudinary — image storage and delivery
- Resend — transactional email delivery
- Twilio Verify — phone number verification via SMS
- Google OAuth — optional sign-in via Google account
Each of these services has their own privacy policy governing how they handle data.
6. Data retention
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active, or as needed to provide services. If you delete your account, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it by law.
7. Your rights
Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your account and data
- Complain to the Privacy Commissioner if you believe we have breached the Act
To exercise these rights, please contact us via our Contact page.
8. Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain your login session and improve your experience. We do not use advertising cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect the functionality of the site.
9. Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorised access, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), hashed passwords, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
10. Children
FlashMarket is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify registered users of significant changes by email. Continued use of FlashMarket after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.