Privacy Policy

The Marketplace For Chocolate Makers

Effective Date: April 3, 2025

Welcome to Cocoa Makers (cocoamakers.com), a classified ads platform dedicated to buying and selling used chocolate-making equipment. Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our website.

1. Information We Collect

We collect limited personal information to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers and to improve our platform. This may include:

Contact Information: Such as name, email address, and optional phone number when you create an account or post a listing.
Listing Details: Including product descriptions, photos, location (city/state), and any other information voluntarily submitted.
Communications: Messages sent via our platform between users may be stored to support moderation and safety.
Technical Data: Such as IP address, browser type, device information, and usage data collected through cookies and analytics tools.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Allow you to create, edit, and manage listings
Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
Monitor for fraudulent or inappropriate content
Improve site performance, features, and user experience
Send important service-related notifications or updates
We do not process payments or store payment information. All transactions are handled directly between users outside our platform.

3. Sharing of Information

We do not sell or rent your personal data.

We may share your data in limited circumstances:

With other users: When you post a listing or send a message, your name and contact details (as provided) may be visible to the other party.
With service providers: Who help us run and maintain the site (e.g. hosting, analytics) under confidentiality agreements.
For legal reasons: If required by law, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of Cocoa Makers, its users, or the public.

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

Maintain your login session
Understand how users interact with the site
Improve the platform experience

You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

5. User Content and Communications

All listings and messages should be respectful, lawful, and related to chocolate-making equipment. We reserve the right to moderate, remove, or restrict content that violates our Terms of Use or this policy.

Please use caution when communicating with other users, and avoid sharing sensitive personal information.

6. Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data, but no system is 100% secure. Use discretion when sharing information with others through the platform.

7. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or external listings. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.

8. Children’s Privacy

Cocoa Makers is intended for users 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18.

9. Your Rights and Choices

You may:

Edit or delete your account and listings at any time
Contact us to request data access or deletion
Unsubscribe from any optional communications

To make a request, email us at: privacy@cocoamakers.com

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we do, we will update the “Effective Date” at the top of this page. Material changes will be communicated via the website or email.