1. Who we are
HireMeBuddy is a marketplace that connects people who need a service with independent service providers in Namibia. It is operated by Swift Designz, Windhoek, Namibia ("we", "us"). This policy explains what we collect through the HireMeBuddy Client and Provider apps and website, why, and the choices you have.
2. Information we collect
Account details: your name, email address, phone number and password (stored only in encrypted, hashed form).
Profile details you choose to add: profile photo, bio, skills, services, rates, the town or area you serve, and (for providers) a contact number and portfolio photos and videos.
Provider verification: photos of the front and back of your identity document and a headshot. These are used only to verify your identity and are visible only to HireMeBuddy administrators, never to other users.
Checks on your phone: when you photograph your ID, the app reads its text and barcode on your phone to show you what it read and to check that the details match your account and that the front and back belong together. We keep only whether each check passed, not your ID number or date of birth.
Birthday (optional): if you turn on birthday wishes, we keep the day and month of your birthday, never the year, to send you a message and wallet points on the day. You can turn it off in your profile at any time, and we then delete it.
Bookings: the service, date, time, duration, notes and status of bookings, and whether a payment was marked as made. We do not process payments and never receive card or bank details.
Messages: chat messages and any photos or files you send in chat.
Reviews, reports and blocks: ratings and reviews you leave, and any reports or blocks you make for safety.
Device information: a push notification token and your device platform (Android or iOS), so we can send you notifications.
Waiting list (website): if you join the waiting list, we keep your name, email address and town, and your phone number and the service you offer if you give them, only to tell you when the app is available. Email us to be removed at any time.
3. What we do not collect
We do not collect your location, contacts, call logs, payment card or bank details, or advertising identifiers, and we do not use analytics or advertising trackers.
4. How we use your information
- To create and secure your account
- To show provider profiles to clients and connect clients with providers
- To manage bookings and send booking and message notifications
- To verify provider identities
- To review reports, prevent fraud and keep the platform safe
- To provide support and meet legal obligations
We do not sell your information or use it for advertising.
5. Who can see your information
Other users: provider profiles (name, photo, bio, services, rates, area, contact number, portfolio and reviews) are visible to clients. When you book or chat, the other person sees your name, profile photo and messages.
Service providers that run our platform: Supabase (database, sign-in and file storage, hosted in Stockholm, Sweden) and Google Firebase Cloud Messaging (push notifications). They process data only on our behalf.
Authorities: when the law requires it, or to protect the safety of users.
6. Where your data is stored
Your data is stored outside Namibia, mainly in the European Union (Sweden). Push notification tokens are processed by Google, which may process data in other countries. By using HireMeBuddy you agree to this transfer.
7. How we protect your data
Data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS). Access rules in our database ensure users can only read and change their own private data, and identity documents can only be viewed by administrators. No system is perfectly secure; if a breach affects your data, we will tell you.
8. How long we keep it
We keep your information while your account is active. When you delete your account, your profile, bookings, messages, reviews, documents and device tokens are deleted. Any files that cannot be removed automatically are deleted within 30 days. We keep information longer only where the law requires it.
9. Your choices and rights
- Access or correct your information in your Profile, or by contacting us
- Delete your account at any time: Profile > Delete account. You can also request deletion without the app at hiremebuddy.swiftdesignz.co.za/delete-account.html
- Turn off push notifications in your phone settings
- Block or report any user from their profile or chat
- Ask us any question about your data at info@swiftdesignz.co.za
We respond to requests within 30 days.
10. Children
HireMeBuddy is only for people aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has an account, contact us and we will delete it.
11. Changes to this policy
If we make important changes, we will tell you in the app before they take effect. The date at the top shows when this policy was last updated.
12. Contact us
Email: info@swiftdesignz.co.za
Swift Designz, Windhoek, Namibia