Last updated: June 17, 2026
We collect information you provide directly to us when you create an account (name, email, password), build your profile (bio, city, state), create listings (plant photos, descriptions, approximate location), and communicate with other users (messages, offers). We also collect usage data such as pages visited, features used, and device information to improve the platform.
PlantSwap uses location to help you find nearby plant traders. Here's exactly how it works — and what we protect: • IP-based location: When you visit PlantSwap, we automatically estimate your city-level location using your IP address via ip-api.com or ipapi.co. This gives us a rough area (city/region) to show you nearby listings. We do not store your IP address. • ZIP code: You can optionally enter a ZIP code to set your search area. ZIP codes are converted to a general geographic centroid — not a street address. • No GPS: We never request or use your device's GPS. Precise browser geolocation is not used anywhere on PlantSwap. • Coordinate fuzzing: When a listing is created, any location coordinates are randomly offset by up to ~1 km before being stored in our database. The map adds a further ~2 km display offset. This means even we cannot determine the exact address associated with a listing. • User profiles: Your profile stores only city and state — never exact coordinates.
We use your information to operate and improve PlantSwap, process transactions, send transactional emails (order confirmations, password resets), match you with nearby plant traders, and communicate product updates. We do not sell your personal data to third parties.
Your public profile, listings, and review history are visible to other users. We share data with service providers (Stripe for payments, Resend for email, Cloudflare R2 for file storage, Neon for database hosting) solely to operate the platform. We may disclose data if required by law.
If you opt into SMS notifications, we collect your phone number solely to send the messages you've subscribed to: verification codes, plant care reminders, offers on your listings, direct messages from other users, and order shipping updates. We do not share your phone number with third parties for marketing purposes, and your phone number is never sold. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies based on your account activity. Reply STOP to any message to unsubscribe, or HELP for help. You can manage SMS preferences at any time from account settings.
We use session cookies for authentication and essential site functionality. We do not use third-party advertising cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work correctly.
We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. You may delete your account at any time from Settings. Some data may be retained for legal, fraud prevention, or dispute resolution purposes.
You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data. To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@plantswap.us. We will respond within 30 days.
We use industry-standard encryption (TLS) and secure password hashing. Stripe handles all payment card data — we never store card numbers. However, no system is 100% secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
PlantSwap is not intended for users under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has created an account, contact us and we will delete it promptly.
We may update this policy occasionally. We'll notify you of material changes via email or in-app notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
Questions? Email us at privacy@plantswap.us or write to: PlantSwap, Inc., United States.