Your Privacy Matters to Us
At Story Shelf, we believe in building bridges between readers and independent bookstores worldwide. Just as a trusted local bookstore respects its community, we are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle your information.
This privacy policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, and how we use it to create a better experience for both readers and bookstores. We've written it in clear language because we believe privacy policies should be as accessible as the books we help you discover.
Whether you're joining our waitlist, participating in our surveys, or simply exploring our website, we want you to feel confident about how your data is protected. If you have any questions after reading this policy, we're here to help.
1. Introduction
Story Shelf ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our website (joinstoryshelf.com), join our waitlist, participate in our surveys, or use our services.
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2. Who We Are
Story Shelf is a marketplace connecting independent bookstores with readers worldwide. We are based in Switzerland and operate under both Swiss and EU data protection laws.
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Contact details:
- Email: hello@joinstoryshelf.com
- Address: Holeestrasse 160, 4054 Basel
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3. Information We Collect
3.1 Waitlist Information
When you join our waitlist, we collect:
- Email address
- Language preferences
- How you heard about us
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3.2 Survey Responses
If you participate in our surveys, we collect:
- Reading preferences and habits
- Book purchasing behavior
- Demographic information (age range, gender, location)
- Current book procurement methods
- Shipping preferences
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3.3 Technical Data
When you visit our website, we automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Time zone setting
- Browser plug-in types and versions
- Operating system and platform
- Other technology on the devices you use to access our website
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4. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal data for:
- Developing and improving our services
- Analyzing market demands and user preferences
- Communicating updates about our service
- Understanding reader needs in different languages and regions
- Sending relevant information about our launch and development
- Analyzing the effectiveness of our marketing strategies
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5. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data based on:
- Your consent (for waitlist and survey participation)
- Legitimate interests (for analyzing and improving our services)
- Legal obligations (for tax and business records)
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6. Data Storage and Security
- We store your data securely using industry-standard practices
- We retain your data only as long as necessary for the purposes described
- We use reputable third-party services (such as Wix, Mailchimp) that comply with data protection regulations
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7. Your Rights
Under GDPR and Swiss data protection laws, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to processing
- Request data portability
- Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at legal@joinstoryshelf.com.
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8. International Transfers
We may transfer your data to countries outside Switzerland and the EU. When we do, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
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9. Cookies
Our website uses essential cookies to ensure basic functionality. You can control cookies through your browser settings.
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10. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
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11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy occasionally. We will notify you of significant changes through our website or email.
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12. Complaints
You have the right to lodge a complaint with:
- Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner
- Your local EU data protection authority
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13. Future Services
As we develop our marketplace platform, we may collect additional data such as:
- Purchase history
- Shipping addresses
- Payment information
- Communication preferences
We will update this policy accordingly and notify you of significant changes.
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14. Contact Us
For any privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, please contact us at:
- Email: legal@joinstoryshelf.com
- Address: Holeestrasse 160, 4054 Basel
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15. Specific Rights for EU Residents
If you are an EU resident, you have specific rights under GDPR. Contact us for details about how these rights apply to you.