Privacy Policy

Effective Date: December 7, 2025

Welcome to Meri Shop (“we,” “us,” or “our”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

When you use our app, we collect the following information:

• Personal Information: Your email address (via Gmail account chooser).
• When you entered your password for account create purposes. This password is encrypted securely before storing in our backend.
• Shop Information: Shop name,shop image(profile),posts, owner name, city, state, address,contact( phone number or email ), and shop status (Open, Closed, or any custom status text you choose).
• App Usage Data: Favorites stored locally on your device (using AsyncStorage), login tokens, and user reports.
• Location Information: When you use features such as "Nearby Shops" or location-based services, we may collect your device’s approximate or precise location. This data is used only to provide relevant nearby shop results and improve your experience. Location information is stored temporarily and securely on our servers and is not shared with third parties.

2. Device Permissions

Our app only requires Internet access permission to communicate with our servers and upload data securely. We do not request any permissions to access your device’s photos, media, or camera directly. When you choose to upload images, the app uses your device’s native photo picker, which allows you to select photos without granting the app direct access to your media or storage. This ensures your privacy and control over your files. We only access the photos or files that you explicitly select and do not access or store any other data from your device. Location: Our app may request access to your device’s location only when you choose to use location-based features such as "Find Nearby Shops". We use this location information to provide you with nearby shop listings. Location data is stored securely on our servers and is used solely for this purpose. You can disable location access anytime from your device settings.

3. Profile View Count

The app tracks how many times a user's profile is viewed. This view count is stored securely in our database and is only visible to the respective user. We do not share this data with any third parties.

4. Data Storage and Backend

All shop-related data including shop name,shop image(profile),posts, owner name, city, state, address,contact(phone number or email), view count and status or note is stored securely on our backend servers hosted on AWS and saved in a MongoDB database.

This information is publicly visible to all users of the app when browsing or searching shops.

The status field is flexible, allowing shop owners to enter any text describing their shop’s current state.

Uploaded images are securely stored on our cloud storage (such as AWS S3 and MongoDB) and are not shared with any third parties.

5. Account Sign-In and Permissions

When you sign up using your Gmail account, the app opens the Google Account Chooser modal directly without requesting any additional device permissions such as location or contacts.

This ensures a quick, secure, and privacy-friendly sign-up process.

We only access your email address for authentication purposes.

6.User-Generated Content (UGC)

Our app allows users to enter and upload content that is publicly visible to other users. This includes:

• Shop name,shop image(profile),posts, owner name
• contact(Email address or phone number)
• City, state, and address
• Custom shop status
• Profile images

All of this information is provided voluntarily by users when creating or updating their shop profile. Since this content is publicly visible to other users, please ensure it does not contain any private, sensitive, abusive, or false information.

We reserve the right to remove any user-generated content that violates our content policy or applicable laws. Users who repeatedly post inappropriate content may have their accounts suspended or removed.

If you find any content that violates our terms, please report it to: merishopapp.in@gmail.com

7. Favorites and Local Storage

You can save your favorite shops locally on your device using AsyncStorage.

Favorites data is stored only on your device. It is automatically deleted when you log out, and you can also manually remove it anytime from within the app.

Your authentication token is also removed securely on logout to protect your privacy.

8. Data Editing and Deletion

• Shop Name
• Owner Name
• posts
• City
• Address
• Contact (Email or Phone number)
• shop Status (You can update or leave it empty)
• Profile Image (You can replace the existing image)

Deletion of your Gmail account data or shop can be performed directly from the Settings section within the app. If you wish to permanently remove your data from our servers, please go to the Home screen, tap the top-right corner menu,click advance Setting and select the "Delete Account" option. Follow the confirmation steps to complete the process.

Once your account is deleted, all associated data including your Gmail login, shop information, and any related personal content is permanently removed from our system. We do not store or retain any of your data after successful deletion.

Note: Simply uninstalling or deleting the app from your phone does not remove your account or data from our servers. Your account will remain active unless you delete it yourself using the in-app option as explained above.

We are fully committed to data privacy and comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding user data collection, access, modification, and deletion. Your information is handled with utmost security and respect.

If you face any issue about deletion you can contact on merishopapp.in@gmail.com .

9. User Reporting and Policy Enforcement

Users can report any shop or user for inappropriate content or policy violations by contacting our team via email(merishopapp.in@gmail.com).

All reports are sent securely to our team via email.

Our dedicated moderation team reviews all reports and takes necessary action including warnings, suspension, or removal of violating content.

This ensures a safe and trustworthy environment for all users.

10. Logout and Data Removal

Logging out removes all local favorite shops and your login authentication token from your device.

This prevents unauthorized access and keeps your data safe.

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our app does not use cookies. However, it may use local storage (such as AsyncStorage) to store user preferences or login information securely on your device.

12. Compliance with Laws and Children’s Privacy

We follow all relevant laws and regulations including Indian data protection laws.

Our app is not intended for children under 18 years old.

We do not knowingly collect data from children under 18.

13. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

Information is shared only with trusted service providers who help us operate the app and maintain servers, under strict confidentiality.

In accordance with applicable laws, we may share user information with government authorities or law enforcement agencies if legally required to do so, such as through a valid court order or official investigation.

Ads and Monetization: Our app shows ads using Google AdMob. These ads are provided by Google and may include third-party advertisers. AdMob may use your device’s Advertising ID (AD_ID) to deliver relevant ads, prevent fraud, and improve ad performance. We do not sell or share your personal information with advertisers.

14. Security, Safety, and Integrity

We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

We use HTTPS to securely transmit user data between the app and our services.

Security, safety, and integrity are integral parts of our services. We may use your information to verify accounts and activities, combat harmful conduct, protect users against spam or abuse, and ensure our services are being used legally and respectfully. This includes investigating suspicious activities or violations of our Terms and policies.

Please refer to the “Sharing Your Information” section above for legal disclosures.

15. Chat and Voice Call Features

The Meri Shop app provides chat and voice call functionality to help users communicate securely.

All chats are transmitted and stored using secure HTTPS connections.

Chat messages are temporarily saved in our MongoDB database and automatically deleted after a fixed time period to protect your privacy.

Voice calls use your device’s microphone and are transmitted in real time. We do not record, store, or share any call audio.

Our backend is hosted using AWS App Runner, where instances may change dynamically. However, all communications remain fully encrypted and secure at all times.

Users can report or block other users directly from the chat screen in case of unwanted or inappropriate communication.

We strictly prohibit harassment, abuse, or sharing of sensitive or harmful content. Any violation may result in account suspension or permanent ban.

Permissions Used:

• Microphone: Used only for making or receiving voice calls.
• Internet Access: Required to send and receive chats and calls securely.

All permissions are used solely to enable these features and can be revoked anytime via your device settings.

16. Notifications and Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)

The Meri Shop app uses Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send important notifications, such as chat messages, call alerts, and app updates.

• We use FCM only to deliver relevant notifications to users who have allowed them.
• FCM may collect device tokens to deliver notifications accurately. These tokens do not reveal any personal identity of the user.
• If accessed, the Advertising ID (AD_ID) is used **only for Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)** to ensure reliable delivery of notifications — **not for advertising or tracking**.
• Notifications are sent securely using Google’s Firebase infrastructure.
• You can choose to disable notifications anytime through your device or app settings.

We do not share or sell any notification data to third parties. All communications remain protected and handled in compliance with Google’s data protection standards.

• 17. Order Detail Policy
  • The Meri Shop app operates as a marketplace platform where users place orders and sellers fulfill them. The following rules apply to all orders:
  • 1. Once an order is placed, it is processed and handled by the respective seller.
  • 2. Delivery time may vary depending on the seller, product type, and customer location.
  • 3. In case of any delivery-related issue such as delay, damage, or misconduct by delivery personnel, users must immediately contact support with the order number and relevant details.
  • 4. Every complaint will be reviewed, and necessary action will be taken after proper verification.
• 18. Payment Policy
  • All payments on the Meri Shop platform are processed through secure and trusted payment gateways.
  • 1. An order is confirmed only after successful payment completion.
  • 2. Failed, pending, or duplicate transactions may be refunded as per system verification.
  • 3. Refund processing time may vary depending on the bank and payment provider.
• 19. Refund Policy
  • Refunds are provided only under valid and verified conditions.
  • 1. Refund will be initiated if the payment fails but amount is deducted.
  • 2. Refund will be processed if the order is cancelled by the seller or admin.
  • 3. Refund may take approximately 3 to 5 business days or more depending on banking systems.
  • 4. No additional charges will be deducted from eligible refunds.
• 20. Order Cancellation Policy
  • Order cancellation is managed by the seller or admin based on availability and operational conditions.
  • 1. Orders may be cancelled due to stock unavailability or delivery limitations.
  • 2. Incorrect user information may also lead to order rejection.
  • 3. In case of cancellation, refund will be processed as per the refund policy.
• 21. Return & Exchange Policy
  • Currently, the app does not support an automated return or exchange system.
  • 1. Returns or exchanges must be handled directly between the buyer and seller.
  • 2. Meri Shop does not take responsibility for return agreements between users and sellers.
  • 3. Any return request must be communicated to the seller directly.
• 22. Seller Responsibility
  • Sellers are fully responsible for their listed products and services.
  • 1. Product quality, quantity, and authenticity are the sole responsibility of the seller.
  • 2. Any defect, damage, or mismatch in product is the responsibility of the seller.
  • 3. Meri Shop only provides a platform to connect buyers and sellers.
• 23. Food Order Policy
  • Food-related sellers must comply with strict safety and regulatory standards.
  • 1. All food sellers must have a valid FSSAI license or registration.
  • 2. Responsibility for food quality, hygiene, and safety lies entirely with the seller.
  • 3. Any violation of food safety rules will result in strict action against the seller.
• 24. Complaint System
  • Users can raise complaints regarding any issue related to orders or services.
  • 1. All complaints must include a valid order number.
  • 2. A clear description of the issue must be provided.
  • 3. Supporting evidence such as screenshots can be submitted for faster resolution.
• 25. Delivery Personnel Issues
  • If any issue occurs with delivery personnel, users should report it immediately.
  • 1. Misbehavior, delay, or incorrect delivery must be reported with order details.
  • 2. If available, delivery personnel details should be shared in the complaint.
  • 3. All reports will be investigated before taking action.
• 26. Expired Order & Refund Policy
  • If an order remains unprocessed or expires, refund rules will apply.
  • 1. Expired orders are eligible for refund processing within 3 to 5 business days.
  • 2. Delay in refund may occur due to banking procedures.
  • 3. No hidden or extra charges will be deducted from the refund amount.
• 27. Final Disclaimer
  • Meri Shop is a marketplace platform that connects buyers and sellers for online transactions.
  • 1. The platform is not directly responsible for product quality or delivery execution.
  • 2. All transactions are conducted between users and sellers independently.
  • 3. Any disputes are resolved after proper verification and investigation by the support team.
• 28. Shop Verification Policy
  • The Shop Verification process in the Meri Shop app is required to ensure safe, legal, and trustworthy business operations on the platform. Every seller must provide accurate and valid details for approval.
  • 1. Required Verification Details
  • To complete shop verification, the following information and documents are mandatory:
  • 1. Account holder name must match bank details.
  • 2. Valid bank account number and IFSC code are required.
  • 3. PAN card details and PAN image must be provided.
  • 4. Passbook or cancelled cheque image is mandatory for payment processing.
  • 5. GST details are required if the seller is GST registered.
  • 2. GST Policy
  • 1. If a seller is GST registered, GST number and certificate must be provided.
  • 2. GST registration allows legal selling of goods across India.
  • 3. Failure to provide GST details despite being registered may lead to compliance issues, and the seller will be fully responsible for any legal consequences.
  • 4. GST details must be accurate and verifiable.
  • 3. FSSAI (Food Seller Policy)
  • 1. A valid FSSAI license or registration is mandatory for all food sellers.
  • 2. Food safety, hygiene, and quality are the sole responsibility of the seller.
  • 3. Selling food without valid FSSAI registration is strictly prohibited and may lead to account suspension or legal action.
  • 4. The platform is not responsible for any food safety violations by sellers.
• 29. Job Verification Policy
  • The Get Job (Delivery Partner / Worker) verification process in the Meri Shop app is designed to ensure safe, reliable, and trusted workforce onboarding on the platform. All applicants must provide accurate and verifiable details.
  • 1. Required Verification Details
  • 1. Full name of applicant must be valid and match submitted documents.
  • 2. Valid contact number is required for communication and verification.
  • 3. Bank account number and IFSC code are required for payment processing.
  • 4. PAN card details and PAN image must be provided for identity verification.
  • 5. Aadhaar card details and image are mandatory for identity validation.
  • 6. Live location (GPS coordinates) must be shared to verify service area eligibility.
  • 2. Identity Verification Policy
  • 1. Aadhaar and PAN details must be valid and belong to the applicant.
  • 2. Fake, mismatched, or incorrect documents will result in rejection.
  • 3. Verification failure may lead to permanent or temporary account restriction.
  • 3. Location Policy
  • 1. GPS location is used only to verify applicant’s service availability area.
  • 2. Location must be accurate and actively shared during verification process.
  • 3. Manipulated or fake location data may result in rejection of application.
  • 4. Document Upload Rules
  • 1. Documents must be clear, readable, and unedited.
  • 2. Blurred, cropped, or tampered documents will not be accepted.
  • 3. Bank and identity details must match exactly with submitted application data.
  • 4. Any mismatch may result in rejection or delay in verification.
  • 5. Verification Approval Policy
  • 1. Verification is not automatic and requires validation by the system/admin.
  • 2. Incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected without prior notice.
  • 3. Users may reapply after correcting their details if allowed.
  • 4. Final approval decision is reserved by the platform team.
  • 6. Subscription Policy (Job Access Plan)
  • 1. Subscription may be required to unlock job access, priority tasks, or delivery opportunities.
  • 2. Subscription charges and benefits are clearly displayed before purchase.
  • 3. All subscriptions are processed securely via Google Play Billing system.
  • 4. Subscription is auto-renewable unless cancelled by the user from Google Play settings.
  • 5. Users can cancel subscription anytime from their Google Play account.
  • 6. After cancellation, benefits remain active until the end of billing period.
  • 7. Refunds are governed by Google Play Store refund policies.
  • 7. Payment & Earnings Policy
  • 1. Earnings are transferred only to verified bank accounts.
  • 2. Processing time may vary depending on banking systems and transaction volume.
  • 3. Any fraudulent activity or misuse may result in account suspension and payment hold.
  • 8. Conduct & Responsibility Policy
  • 1. Misconduct, fraud, or misuse of platform services is strictly prohibited.
  • 2. Applicants are responsible for providing accurate and truthful information.
  • 3. The platform reserves the right to reject or suspend any application found suspicious.
  • 9. Rejection Policy
  • 1. Invalid or mismatched documents.
  • 2. Fake identity or incorrect personal information.
  • 3. Failed verification or incomplete submission.
  • 4. Violation of platform policies or misuse attempts.
  • 10. Block & Limit Policy
  • 1. Users may have limited attempts for verification submission.
  • 2. Repeated invalid attempts may lead to temporary or permanent blocking.
  • 3. Blocked users may not be allowed to reapply unless permitted by support team.
  • 11. Notifications & Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)
  • 1. FCM is used only to deliver relevant notifications to users who opt-in.
  • 2. Device tokens are used strictly for notification delivery and do not identify users personally.
  • 3. Advertising ID (AD_ID), if used, is only for improving notification delivery and not for tracking or advertising.
  • 4. Notifications are securely delivered through Google Firebase infrastructure.
  • 5. Users can disable notifications anytime via app or device settings.
  • We do not sell, share, or misuse any notification-related data with third parties.
  • 12. Final Disclaimer
  • 1. The platform only facilitates job connection and verification.
  • 2. All identity, bank, and location data responsibility lies with the applicant.
  • 3. The platform reserves full rights to approve or reject any application after verification.

30. Video Content Policy

The Meri Shop app allows users to upload and share video content as part of posts and shop-related updates.

• 1. Video Collection and Upload
  • Users can upload videos only when they explicitly select them from their device.
  • The app does not automatically access your camera or gallery without your permission.
  • Only selected video files are uploaded to our servers.
• 2. Storage and Hosting
  • Uploaded videos are securely stored on our cloud infrastructure such as AWS S3 or similar secure storage services.
  • Video URLs are saved in our MongoDB database for playback within the app.
  • Videos are not publicly exposed outside the app except where sharing is intended by the user.
• 3. Video Processing and Playback
  • Videos may be optimized (compressed or resized) to improve performance and reduce loading time.
  • Streaming is done securely to ensure smooth playback for users.
• 4. User Responsibility
  • All uploaded videos are user-generated content (UGC).
  • Users are fully responsible for the content they upload.
  • Videos must not contain illegal, abusive, violent, adult, or copyrighted material without permission.
• 5. Content Moderation
  • We reserve the right to review, restrict, or remove any video that violates our policies or applicable laws.
  • Repeated violations may result in account suspension or permanent ban.
• 6. Privacy and Sharing
  • Videos uploaded by users may be visible to other users within the app depending on feature visibility such as posts or shop profiles.
  • We do not sell or share user videos with third-party advertisers.
• 7. Data Retention and Deletion
  • Videos are stored until the user deletes them or the account is removed.
  • When a user deletes their account, all associated videos are permanently removed from our servers.
• 8. Security
  • All video uploads and playback are secured using HTTPS encryption.
  • We take appropriate measures to protect video data from unauthorized access or misuse.

31. Delivery Policy

This app allows delivery of orders through shop and delivery partners.

Some locations such as religious places (temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches) or secure/private areas may have restricted delivery. In such cases, order acceptance is optional for both shop and delivery partner.

Shop owners can accept or reject any order based on location, item type, or safety concerns. Once an order is accepted, the shop is responsible for correct packaging and item accuracy.

Delivery partners may accept or reject delivery requests based on location or safety. After accepting an order, safe and proper delivery is their responsibility.

Users must provide correct address and details. Misuse of restricted locations or incorrect information may lead to order cancellation.

Some items may require extra care or may be restricted for delivery in certain areas. Acceptance of such orders is optional for shop and delivery partner.

Once an order is accepted, responsibility lies with the accepting party (shop or delivery partner). All parties have the right to reject before acceptance.

32. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated occasionally.

Updates will be posted within the app and take effect immediately.

Please review periodically.

By signing up or using the Meri Shop app, you automatically agree to and accept the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

33. Assignment, Change of Control, and Transfer

In the event that we are involved in a merger, acquisition, restructuring, bankruptcy, or sale of all or some of our assets, we may transfer your information to the successor entity or new owners. Such transfers will be done in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

34. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns, contact us at:

Email: merishopapp.in@gmail.com