Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how ChefPalz ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you use our marketplace app connecting private chefs with customers. By using ChefPalz, you agree to the practices described here.

2. Information we collect

• Account information: name, email address, phone number, password.
• Booking information: event dates, guest counts, addresses, cuisine preferences, dietary restrictions, and any notes you provide to a chef.
• Payment information: processed and stored by Stripe, our payment processor — ChefPalz does not store full card numbers.
• Chef-specific information: service areas, pricing, banking details for payouts (via Stripe Connect), and background check status (via our partner Checkr, for chefs who choose to complete one).
• Photos: profile and dish photos you choose to upload.
• Location: approximate location if you grant permission, to help find nearby chefs or set your service area.
• Usage data: app interactions, device type, and log data collected automatically to help us maintain and improve the service.

3. How we use your information

• To create and manage your account and bookings.
• To process payments, deposits, balances, and chef payouts.
• To facilitate communication between customers and chefs through in-app messaging.
• To verify chef eligibility, including background checks where completed.
• To send booking-related notifications, receipts, and customer support responses.
• To maintain platform safety, prevent fraud, and enforce our Terms of Service.

4. How we share your information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We share information only as needed to operate the platform:

• With Stripe, to process payments, deposits, refunds, and chef payouts.
• With Checkr, to run background checks for chefs who opt in.
• With the other party to a booking (e.g., a customer's name and event details are shared with the chef they book, and vice versa) — only as needed to fulfill the booking.
• With service providers who help us operate the app (e.g., cloud hosting).
• When required by law, legal process, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of ChefPalz, our users, or the public.

5. Data retention

We retain account and booking information for as long as your account is active, and for a reasonable period afterward to comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations (including financial records related to payments and payouts). When you delete your account, we deactivate and anonymize your profile; some records tied to completed transactions are retained as required by law.

6. Your rights and choices

• You can review and update your profile information at any time within the app.
• You can delete your account at any time from your Profile settings. This deactivates your login and anonymizes your profile; it does not delete financial records we're required to retain.
• You can contact us at chefpal.connect@gmail.com with any questions about your data or to request access to the information we hold about you.

7. Children's privacy

ChefPalz is not intended for anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

8. Security

We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect your information, including encrypted data storage and secure payment processing through Stripe. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of ChefPalz after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact us

Questions about this Privacy Policy or your data can be sent to chefpal.connect@gmail.com.