Hawola Merchant Privacy Policy

Introduction

Hawola (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates a multi-vendor e-commerce and social commerce platform that enables merchants to showcase products, manage customers, process transactions, and connect across multiple sales channels. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information relating to merchants (“you”) who use Hawola Merchant.

1. Information we collect

We collect information to provide, improve, and secure the Hawola platform.

1.1 Merchant account information

When you register as a merchant, we may collect:

• Full name and business name
• Email address and phone number
• Business registration details (where applicable)
• Bank and payment details (for payouts)
• Profile images, logos, and store descriptions

1.2 Transaction & business data

• Product listings and pricing
• Customer orders and purchase history
• Payment and payout records
• Inventory data
• Customer interactions (messages, enquiries)

1.3 Technical & usage data

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and operating system
• Platform activity (features used and interactions)
• Log files and analytics data

1.4 Customer data (processed by merchants)

As a merchant, you may collect customer data such as:

• Names, emails, and phone numbers
• Delivery addresses
• Order details

Important: You are responsible for handling your customers’ data in line with applicable privacy laws.

2. How we use your information

We use collected data to:

• Create and manage merchant accounts
• Enable product listing and store management
• Process transactions and payouts
• Provide analytics and reporting tools
• Improve platform performance and user experience
• Send updates, alerts, and support messages
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorised access

3. Sharing of information

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share information where it is necessary to operate Hawola or as permitted by law.

3.1 With customers

• Your store name, contact details you choose to display, and product listings are visible to customers as part of normal marketplace operation.

3.2 With service providers

We may share data with trusted providers who assist us, for example:

• Payment processors (e.g. Paystack integration)
• Hosting and cloud infrastructure
• Analytics tools

These providers only access data necessary to perform their services.

3.3 Legal compliance

We may disclose information if required to comply with applicable law or to:

• Meet legal or regulatory obligations
• Respond to lawful requests
• Protect rights, safety, and the integrity of the platform

4. Data storage & security

We apply industry-standard safeguards, which may include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest, where appropriate
• Secure hosting and infrastructure controls
• Access control and authentication

No system is entirely risk-free. You are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential and not sharing access to your account.

5. Data retention

• We retain merchant data while your account is active.
• Certain records may be kept where required for legal, financial, or operational reasons.
• After account closure or deletion requests, limited data may still be retained for fraud prevention, legal compliance, and financial reporting.

6. Your rights as a merchant

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights such as:

• Access to your personal data
• Correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion of certain data
• Objection to particular types of processing

You can manage much of your information directly through your merchant dashboard and profile settings.

7. Cookies & tracking technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, understand how the platform is used, and improve the experience. You can adjust cookie preferences through your browser where supported.

8. Third-party integrations

Hawola may connect with external services (such as payment gateways or social platforms). When you link a third-party account or service, you authorise us to access data needed for that integration, and the provider’s own privacy policy will also apply.

9. Children's privacy

Hawola Merchant is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

10. Updates to this policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will notify you through email or in-product notifications where appropriate. Continued use of Hawola after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.

11. Contact us

Questions about this Privacy Policy or Hawola Merchant data practices? Reach us at ask@hawola.com or through Hawola Merchant Support inside the platform.

12. Merchant responsibilities (important)

As a Hawola merchant, you agree to:

• Handle customer data responsibly
• Not misuse customer information
• Comply with applicable data protection laws
• Use customer data only for legitimate business purposes

Serious or repeated breaches may result in warnings, suspension, or termination of your merchant account.

13. Social commerce & external sharing

• Merchants can share store links on social platforms.
• Interactions originating outside Hawola may still relate to orders or messages that appear in Hawola.
• Hawola is not responsible for personal data collected or processed solely on third-party websites or apps outside our control.