Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 27, 2026

1. Introduction

EZ Thrift ("the App," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share information when you use the EZ Thrift application on iOS devices.

By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use the App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you use the App, you may provide the following types of information:

  • Store Submissions: Store names, addresses, hours of operation, website URLs, phone numbers, and categories that you contribute to the community directory.
  • Photos for Valuation: Images you capture or select for the AI valuation feature.
  • Find History: Records of items you've scanned, including photos, valuation results, and any notes you've added.
  • Favorites: Stores you've saved to your favorites list.
  • Preferences: App settings, display preferences, and notification preferences.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

The App may automatically collect the following information:

  • Location Data: With your permission, the App collects your device's location to find thrift stores near you and to sort results by distance. Location data is used only while the App is in active use and is not tracked in the background.
  • Device Information: Device type, operating system version, and app version for compatibility and support purposes.
  • Usage Data: General app usage patterns, feature interactions, and crash reports to help us improve the App's performance and reliability.

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

  • We do not collect your name, email address, or other personal contact information unless you voluntarily contact us for support.
  • We do not track your location in the background or when the App is not in use.
  • We do not access your contacts or personal files on your device.
  • We do not track you across other apps or websites.

3. How We Use Your Information

  • Store Finding: To display thrift stores near your current location, sorted by distance.
  • AI Valuations: To process photos you submit and return estimated market valuations for items.
  • Community Directory: To add store listings you submit to the App's directory and make them available to other users.
  • Syncing Data: To synchronize your favorites, find history, and preferences across your Apple devices using Apple's iCloud service.
  • Improving the App: To analyze anonymized usage patterns and crash reports to fix bugs, improve performance, and develop new features.
  • Customer Support: To respond to your support requests and troubleshoot issues.

4. AI Valuation and Photo Data

When you use the AI valuation feature, your photos are handled as follows:

  • Processing: Photos are sent to a third-party AI service for analysis and valuation. The photo data is transmitted securely over encrypted connections.
  • Retention: Photos sent for AI processing are used solely for generating the valuation result and are not permanently stored by the AI service provider beyond the time needed to process the request.
  • No Training: Your photos are not used to train AI models or algorithms.
  • Local Storage: Valuation results and associated photos are stored locally on your device and, if iCloud sync is enabled, within your personal iCloud account.
  • No Sharing: Your photos and valuation results are never shared with other users, advertisers, or data brokers.

5. Location Data

The App uses location data to provide its core store-finding functionality:

  • Permission: Location access is requested only when needed and requires your explicit permission through the iOS location prompt.
  • While Using: Location data is collected only while the App is actively in use ("While Using" permission). We do not request "Always" location access.
  • Local Processing: Your location is used locally to calculate distances to stores and is not transmitted to our servers for storage or tracking.
  • Optional: You can use the App without granting location permission, though the store finder will not be able to sort by distance or show nearby results.
  • Control: You can change or revoke location permissions at any time through your device's Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

6. Data Storage and Security

6.1 Local Storage

Your find history, favorites, and personal data are primarily stored locally on your device.

6.2 iCloud Sync

If you choose to enable iCloud sync, your data will be stored in your personal iCloud account. This data is managed by Apple and subject to Apple's Privacy Policy. We do not have access to your iCloud credentials or data outside of the App.

6.3 Security Measures

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including encryption of data in transit and at rest, use of Apple's security frameworks, and regular review of our data handling practices. However, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure.

7. Community Store Listings

When you submit a store listing, the following information may be made publicly available to other EZ Thrift users:

  • Store name, address, hours of operation, phone number, website URL, and category.
  • The date the listing was added.

Your personal identity is not associated with store submissions. Other users will not be able to see who submitted a listing. However, please do not include any personal information in store listing fields.

8. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share limited information only in the following circumstances:

  • AI Service Providers: Photos submitted for valuation are sent to third-party AI services for processing. These providers are contractually bound to handle your data securely and not use it for other purposes.
  • Analytics Providers: We may use third-party services that collect anonymized, aggregated data to help us improve the App.
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change.

9. Third-Party Services

The App may interact with the following third-party services:

  • Apple iCloud: For data synchronization. Subject to Apple's Privacy Policy.
  • Apple Location Services: For store finding functionality. Subject to Apple's Privacy Policy.
  • AI Valuation Services: For photo analysis and item valuation. Processed securely with data protections as described in Section 4.
  • Apple App Store: For processing in-app purchases and subscriptions. Subject to Apple's Privacy Policy.

10. Your Rights and Choices

  • Access: You can view all your find history, favorites, and submitted stores within the App at any time.
  • Deletion: You can delete individual finds, favorites, or your entire data from within the App. Deleting the App removes all locally stored data.
  • Location: You can enable, disable, or change location permissions at any time through your device's Settings.
  • Camera: You can manage camera permissions through your device's Settings.
  • iCloud Data: Manage your iCloud data through your device's Settings under Apple ID > iCloud.
  • Analytics Opt-Out: Limit analytics via Settings > Privacy & Security.

11. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so that we can take appropriate action.

12. International Data Transfers

If you use the App outside of the United States, please note that your data (including photos submitted for AI valuation) may be transferred to, stored in, or processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers are located. By using the App, you consent to such transfer, storage, and processing.

13. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete your personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of your personal information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your rights, contact us below.

14. European Privacy Rights

If you are in the EEA or UK, you may have additional rights under the GDPR, including the right to access, rectify, erase, or port your personal data. To exercise these rights, contact us below.

15. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as you use the App. When you delete the App or your data, we will delete or anonymize your information within a reasonable timeframe, unless required to retain it for legal or regulatory purposes. Community store listings may persist in the directory after your account or app is deleted, as they serve the broader user community.

16. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you through the App or by other reasonable means prior to the changes taking effect. Your continued use of the App constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

17. Apple App Store Compliance

This App complies with Apple's App Store Guidelines regarding data collection and privacy. Our App Privacy details are available on our App Store listing, in accordance with Apple's App Tracking Transparency framework.

18. Contact Us

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

EZ Thrift
Email: privacy@ezthriftapp.com

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe.