1. Who we are
encore-haus ("we", "us", "our") is an Australian women's pre-loved fashion exchange platform operated from Australia. We can be contacted at hello@encore-haus.com.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
2. Information we collect
We collect the following types of information when you use encore-haus:
- Account information: your name, email address, password and suburb/city
- Profile information: clothing sizes, style preferences and profile photo
- Listing information: photos and descriptions of items you list
- Identity verification: government-issued ID documents (passport or driver's licence) and selfie photos, processed securely by Stripe Identity on our behalf. We never store your raw ID documents — we receive only a verified/not verified result.
- Transaction information: records of swaps, sales and purchases arranged through the platform
- Communications: messages sent between members through our in-app messaging system
- Usage data: how you interact with the app, including pages viewed and features used
- Device information: device type, operating system and browser
3. How we use your information
We use your information to:
- Create and manage your encore-haus account
- Enable you to list items, propose swaps and communicate with other members
- Verify your identity to maintain a safe and trusted community
- Show you relevant listings based on your size, style and location preferences
- Send you notifications about swap requests, matches and platform updates
- Improve the platform through usage analytics
- Comply with our legal obligations
4. How we share your information
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Other members: your public profile (name, suburb, listings, ratings) is visible to other verified members
- Stripe Identity: identity verification documents are processed by Stripe Identity. Stripe's privacy policy applies to this processing.
- Service providers: we use trusted third-party services to operate the platform (hosting, analytics, email). These providers are bound by confidentiality obligations.
- Legal requirements: we may disclose information if required by law or to protect the safety of our members
5. Identity verification and sensitive information
encore-haus requires all members to verify their identity before transacting on the platform. This verification is conducted by Stripe Identity, a third-party service. We take this seriously:
- Your identity documents are processed by Stripe and are never stored on encore-haus servers
- We receive only a confirmation of verified or not verified status
- Verification data is handled in accordance with Stripe's privacy policy and applicable law
6. Data storage and security
Your data is stored on secure servers. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorised access, misuse or disclosure. However, no internet transmission is completely secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as required by law. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymise your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.
7. Your rights
Under the Australian Privacy Act, you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your account and associated data
- Opt out of marketing communications at any time
- Complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you believe we have mishandled your information
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@encore-haus.com.
8. Cookies and tracking
Our website uses essential cookies to function correctly. We may also use analytics tools to understand how visitors use our site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect some functionality.
9. Children's privacy
encore-haus is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or in-app notification. Continued use of encore-haus after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact us
For any privacy-related questions or concerns, contact us at hello@encore-haus.com.