Southwoods Marketplace (SWM) Privacy Policy

Last Updated: [04-16-2026]

Southwoods Marketplace (“SWM,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a community‑focused classifieds marketplace serving the local areas covered by our magazine. We believe in keeping things simple: we collect only the information needed to operate the service, we use it responsibly, and we never sell your information to third parties.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have when using SWM.

1. Information We Collect

SWM uses user accounts to help manage listings and maintain a safe, consistent experience. We collect only the information necessary to create and publish listings.

Information You Provide

When you create an account or submit a listing, you may provide:

  • A first name
  • A contact method (phone number, address, email address, or social media handle)
  • A description of the item or service you are offering or requesting
  • Any optional details you choose to include

Your chosen contact method appear publicly once your listing is approved.

Information Automatically Collected

SWM automatically receives standard technical information, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Device information
  • Date and time of visits
  • Pages viewed

We also use Google Analytics (Standard Features only) to understand general site usage. See Section 6 for details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide only for the following purposes:

  • To review and approve listings. Administrators may contact you if we need clarification before posting your listing. Listing approvals occur only during business hours (Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm).
  • To publish your listing. Your chosen contact method appear publicly so others can reach you.
  • To maintain and improve SWM. Technical and analytics data help us keep the site stable, secure, and useful.

We do not use your information for marketing, newsletters, or promotional messages.

3. How Long We Keep Your Information

We keep your listing information only for as long as the listing is active. When a listing expires or is deleted:

  • The listing content
  • Your first name
  • Your contact method

…are removed from our system.

We do not retain old listing information for future use.

Standard server logs and aggregated analytics data may remain as part of normal website operations, but these do not contain your listing details.

4. What We Don’t Do

To keep things clear:

  • We do not sell or rent your personal information.
  • We do not keep your listing information after it expires or is deleted.
  • We do not edit your listing unless you specifically request a correction.
  • We do not track you across other websites.
  • We do not use remarketing, advertising cookies, or demographic reporting.

5. Who Can Use SWM

SWM is intended for U.S. users.

Users must be 18 years or older to create an account or post a listing. Listings may advertise products or services intended for any age group.

6. Google Analytics

SWM uses Google Analytics Standard Features to understand how people use our site. This includes information such as:

  • Pages visited
  • Time spent on the site
  • Browser and device type
  • General geographic region (not precise location)

Google Analytics collects this data using cookies and similar technologies. This information is aggregated and does not identify you personally.

Google may also process this information as described in its own Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

You can learn more about how Google uses data from sites that use Google Analytics here: https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites

You can opt out of Google Analytics by using the browser add‑on provided by Google.

7. Sharing of Information

We may share information only in the following limited situations:

With Your Consent

If you ask us to update or correct a listing, we may use the information you provide to do so.

For Legal Reasons

Like Craigslist, we may disclose information if we believe in good faith that it is necessary to:

  • Comply with a subpoena, court order, or other legal process
  • Protect our rights, property, or safety
  • Address fraud, security issues, or technical problems

Because we store minimal information and delete listings after expiration, the amount of information available in such cases is limited.

We do not share information with advertisers or data brokers.

8. Security

We take reasonable measures to protect the information you provide. However, no online service can guarantee absolute security. Please be mindful of the contact information you choose to include in your listing, as it will be publicly visible.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of the page. Continued use of SWM after changes are posted means you accept the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how SWM handles information, you can reach us at:

[info @ southwoods market place . com]