Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to VeggieBasket ("we," "our," or "us"). VeggieBasket is a grocery delivery application that connects users with local stores for the delivery of fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products, drinks, and snacks.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (available on Google Play Store) and our website at veggiebasket.store. Please read this policy carefully. By using our services, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please discontinue use of our application and website.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information when you use VeggieBasket:

• Phone Number: Used for account creation and authentication via OTP (One-Time Password) through Firebase Authentication.
• Email Address: Collected optionally if you choose email/password login.
• Name and Mobile Number: Collected when you place an order to facilitate delivery.
• Delivery Address: Including house number, building, street, locality, city, state, and PIN code — collected to deliver your order.
• Location Data (GPS): With your explicit permission, we collect your real-time GPS location to identify the nearest store and assign your order. Location is only accessed when you choose to share it.
• Device Identifier (Android ID): A unique device identifier used solely to track coupon usage and prevent abuse of promotional offers.
• Order History: Information about the items you order, order amounts, order status, and order dates.
• Usage Data: Anonymous app usage patterns to improve our service.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your account and authenticate your identity.
• To process and deliver your grocery orders to the correct address.
• To identify the nearest store to your location for order assignment.
• To communicate order status updates to you and to the assigned store.
• To apply promotional coupons and referral rewards to your account.
• To prevent fraud, abuse of promotional offers, and unauthorised use.
• To improve our app, services, and customer experience.
• To respond to your customer support queries sent to contactveggiebasket@gmail.com.
• To comply with applicable laws and regulations.

4. How We Share Your Information

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

• With Local Stores: Your name, mobile number, address, and order details are shared with the assigned local store so they can prepare and deliver your order.
• With Firebase (Google): We use Firebase Authentication, Firestore, Firebase Remote Config, and Firebase Cloud Messaging — all services provided by Google LLC. Your data stored in Firebase is subject to Google's Privacy Policy (policies.google.com/privacy).
• With Google Maps Platform: Your location data may be used with Google Maps to identify nearby stores.
• For Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government authority.

We do not share your information with advertisers or data brokers.

5. Location Data

Our app requests access to your device's location (fine and coarse location) to identify the nearest grocery store to you. This is entirely optional — you can also enter your PIN code manually instead.

We access your location only when you actively open the app and request it, or when you tap "Share Current Location" on the checkout screen. We do not track your location in the background.

Location data is used solely for order routing and is not shared with any third party for advertising purposes.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as necessary to provide you with our services. Order history is retained to enable you to view past orders and for dispute resolution.

If you wish to delete your account and associated data, please contact us at contactveggiebasket@gmail.com and we will process your request within 30 days.

7. Data Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously. We implement the following measures:

• All data is stored in Google Firebase, which uses industry-standard encryption at rest and in transit (TLS/HTTPS).
• Authentication is handled by Firebase Authentication with OTP verification.
• We limit access to personal data to only those systems and personnel who require it to provide the service.

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Children's Privacy

VeggieBasket is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately at contactveggiebasket@gmail.com and we will delete it promptly.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Deletion: You may request deletion of your personal data.
• Location Permission: You can revoke location permission at any time in your device's app settings.
• Notification Permission: You can disable push notifications at any time in your device settings.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contactveggiebasket@gmail.com.

10. Third-Party Services

Our app and website use the following third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:

• Google Firebase — Authentication, database, push notifications: firebase.google.com/support/privacy
• Google Maps Platform — Location and maps: policies.google.com/privacy
• Google Play Store — App distribution: policies.google.com/privacy

We do not use Meta (Facebook) Pixel or any third-party advertising SDKs within our application. Any advertising we run through Meta or Google platforms does not involve sharing user data from within the app.

11. Cookies and Tracking

Our website (veggiebasket.store) does not use tracking cookies or analytics cookies. Our mobile application does not use cookies. We do not engage in cross-site tracking.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

We encourage you to review this page periodically. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of India. Any disputes arising from this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of India.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us: