1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how Homeward ("Homeward", "we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, stores, and shares personal data when you use the Homeward platform and related shipment services.
Homeward is committed to protecting personal data and complying with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 ("GDPR").
By using the Homeward platform or services, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
2. Who We Are
Homeward is operated by:
- RAPOSA MINIMALISTA - SOCIEDADE UNIPESSOAL LDA
VAT Number: PT519322290 - Rua Bernardino de Oliveira 17, 1º Esquerdo
- support@homeward-shipping.com
For any privacy-related questions, you may contact us at the above email address.
3. Data We Collect
Depending on how you use the platform, we may collect the following categories of personal data:
A. Customer Information
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Delivery address
- Shipment details
- Tracking information
B. Merchant Information
- Business name
- Shop address
- VAT/NIF number
- Contact details
- Billing information
- Account credentials
- Operational shipment information
C. Payment Information
Payments are processed by third-party payment providers. Homeward does not store full payment card information. Payment processing services are primarily used for Merchant billing and operational payment processing.
We may receive:
- payment status;
- transaction identifiers;
- billing references.
D. Technical Information
When using the platform, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- browser type
- device information
- usage data
- cookies and analytics data
4. How We Use Personal Data
Service Delivery
- creating and managing shipments;
- generating shipping labels;
- coordinating shipment collection and delivery;
- providing shipment tracking.
Customer Support
- responding to questions or support requests;
- resolving shipment issues;
- handling complaints.
Operational and Business Purposes
- billing and invoicing;
- fraud prevention;
- platform administration;
- improving platform performance and user experience.
Legal and Compliance Purposes
- complying with legal obligations;
- customs and shipping compliance;
- preventing misuse of the platform.
5. Legal Basis for Processing
Under GDPR, Homeward processes personal data based on one or more of the following legal grounds:
- performance of a contract;
- compliance with legal obligations;
- legitimate business interests;
- consent, where legally required.
6. Sharing of Personal Data
Homeward may share personal data with:
Logistics and Shipping Providers
- postal operators;
- carriers;
- logistics partners.
This sharing is necessary to perform shipment services and deliveries.
Payment Providers
Including Stripe and related payment processing providers. Homeward only shares Merchant-related billing and payment information necessary for payment processing and invoicing purposes. Homeward does not directly process or store end-customer payment card information.
Technology and Hosting Providers
- cloud infrastructure providers;
- analytics tools;
- customer support platforms.
Authorities and Legal Obligations
Where required by law, customs authorities, regulators, or legal processes.
Homeward does not sell personal data to third parties.
7. International Transfers
Because shipment services may involve international destinations, personal data may be transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Where applicable, Homeward will implement appropriate safeguards required under GDPR for such transfers.
8. Data Retention
Homeward retains personal data only for as long as necessary to:
- provide the services;
- comply with legal obligations;
- resolve disputes;
- enforce agreements.
Retention periods may vary depending on shipment requirements, accounting obligations, tax regulations, and legal compliance requirements.
9. User Rights
Under GDPR, individuals may have the right to:
- access their personal data;
- request correction of inaccurate data;
- request deletion of personal data;
- object to certain processing activities;
- request restriction of processing;
- request data portability;
- withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
Requests may be submitted to: support@homeward-shipping.com
Users also have the right to lodge a complaint with the applicable data protection authority. In Portugal, this is typically the Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Dados (CNPD).
10. Cookies and Analytics
Homeward may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- maintain platform functionality;
- analyze platform usage;
- improve performance and user experience.
Users may manage cookie preferences through their browser settings. A separate Cookie Policy may be provided where required.
11. Data Security
Homeward implements appropriate technical and organizational measures designed to protect personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, loss, misuse, and alteration. However, no internet-based system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
12. Third-Party Services
The platform may contain links or integrations with third-party services, including payment providers, carriers, and logistics partners. Homeward is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services. Users should review the privacy policies of those providers separately.
13. Children's Privacy
The Homeward platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. Homeward does not knowingly collect personal data from children.
14. Changes to this Privacy Policy
Homeward may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updated versions will be published on the platform or website with the revised effective date. Continued use of the services after such updates constitutes acknowledgment of the revised policy.
15. Contact
For any privacy or data protection questions, contact: support@homeward-shipping.com