We collect only what 5C Exchange needs to run: your name, your Claremont Colleges email, and the things you post and send in the app. We never sell your data, we don't process card payments, and you can delete your account and its data at any time from inside the app.
This Privacy Policy explains what information 5C Exchange ("we," "us") collects, how we use it, and the choices you have. 5C Exchange is an independent, student-built marketplace for the Claremont Colleges community. It is not operated by, or officially affiliated with, any of the colleges.
1. Information we collect
Account information
When you create an account, we collect your name, your Claremont Colleges email address (used to verify that you are an eligible student), and your college affiliation. Verification is performed with a one-time code sent to your email.
Profile and content
We store the content you choose to add: listing details and photos, messages you send to other users, ratings you give or receive, saved items, and your privacy preferences (such as whether your campus is shown or whether you accept messages).
Technical information
To keep the service working we collect basic technical data, including a device push-notification token (if you enable notifications), and standard server logs such as IP address, device type, and timestamps used for security and troubleshooting.
What we do not collect
5C Exchange does not currently process payments and does not collect or store debit or credit card numbers. Money for any sale changes hands directly between students, in person. We do not request your phone number, government ID, or financial account details.
2. How we use information
- To create and secure your account and confirm you are an eligible student.
- To display your listings and profile to other verified users, according to your privacy settings.
- To let you message other users and complete exchanges.
- To send essential service emails (verification codes, password resets, account notices) and, if enabled, push notifications about messages and activity.
- To calculate your eco-impact estimates, ratings, and badges.
- To detect abuse, enforce our Terms and Safety Guidelines, and respond to reports.
3. How information is shared
With other users
Other verified students can see the information you choose to make public: your display name, college (if you allow it), listings, and ratings. They cannot see your email address.
With service providers
We use a small number of trusted providers to operate the app. They process data only on our instructions:
- Supabase: database, authentication, and file storage.
- Resend: sending transactional emails such as verification codes.
- Expo: delivering push notifications to your device.
- Vercel and Cloudflare: hosting the web app and this website.
We do not sell your data
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may disclose information if required by law, or to protect the safety of our users.
4. How we protect information
Data is encrypted in transit. Access to the database is governed by row-level security rules so that users can only reach the records they are entitled to, and administrative access is limited. No online service can promise perfect security, but we work to follow sensible safeguards for a project of this size.
5. Retention and deletion
We keep your information for as long as your account is active. You can delete your account at any time from the app's settings; doing so removes your profile, listings, and associated personal data from our active systems. Some records may remain in encrypted backups for a limited period, and we may retain limited information where required to resolve disputes or comply with the law.
6. Your choices and rights
- Access and correction: view and edit your profile and listings in the app.
- Notifications: turn push notifications on or off in your device or app settings.
- Privacy controls: choose whether to show your campus and whether to receive messages.
- Deletion: delete your account and data at any time.
To make any other request about your data, email support@5cexchange.com.
7. Eligibility and age
5C Exchange is intended only for enrolled students of the Claremont Colleges who are 18 or older. It is not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect their information.
8. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as the app evolves, for example if we add in-app payments in the future. When we make material changes, we will update the date above and, where appropriate, notify you in the app.
9. Contact
Questions about privacy? Email support@5cexchange.com.
This policy is provided in good faith and reflects how the app works today. It is not legal advice. If 5C Exchange begins processing payments or expands significantly, this policy should be reviewed by qualified counsel.