Legal
Privacy Policy
How Bonofide collects, uses, and shares personal information for customers and vendors on the Platform.
Privacy Policy — Bonofide, LLC
Bonofide, LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the Bonofide website and related services (the “Platform”). The Platform connects customers who want items inspected, certified, or authenticated (“Customers”) with independent registered inspectors, certifiers, and authenticators (“Vendors”).
This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use and share it, and the choices you have. It applies to visitors, Customers, and Vendors. By using the Platform, you agree to this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.
Vendors are independent businesses, not our employees. Their use of information is also governed by our Vendor Registration and Services Agreement and, where they collect data directly, their own privacy practices.
1. Introduction
This Policy describes our privacy practices for the Platform. If you have questions, contact us using the details in Section 11.
2. Information we collect
We collect information you give us, information created when you use the Platform, and information from third parties.
| Category | Examples | Collected from |
|---|---|---|
| Account and contact | Name, email, phone, mailing address, username, password | Customers, Vendors |
| Vendor registration | Business name, EIN or tax ID, licenses, credentials, certifications, insurance, references, work history, service area, bank or payout details | Vendors |
| Identity verification | Government ID images, date of birth, background-check results (only with your consent, where allowed by law) | Vendors; verification providers |
| Item and service data | Item descriptions, photos, videos, serial numbers, provenance and ownership documents, shipping details, inspection notes, certificates, authentication results | Customers, Vendors |
| Transactions | Orders, fees, invoices, payment status. Card numbers are handled by our payment processor, not stored by us | Customers, Vendors; payment processor |
| Communications | Messages through the Platform, support requests, reviews, dispute records | Customers, Vendors |
| Device and usage | IP address, browser, device type, pages viewed, referring site, approximate location, log data | Automatically, via cookies and similar tools |
Do not upload information about other people unless you have the right to share it.
3. How we use information
We use personal information to run the Platform and keep it trustworthy. Specifically, we use it to:
- Create and manage accounts, and register, vet, and approve Vendors
- Match Customers with Vendors and deliver inspection, certification, and authentication services
- Issue, store, and verify certificates and authentication records
- Process payments, fees, and Vendor payouts, and meet tax reporting duties (for example, IRS Form 1099)
- Communicate about orders, accounts, policy changes, and support
- Detect and prevent fraud, counterfeit items, misuse, and security incidents
- Resolve disputes and enforce our Terms of Service and Vendor agreement
- Analyze usage to improve the Platform
- Send marketing messages, if you opt in (you can unsubscribe anytime)
- Comply with law, court orders, and lawful requests from authorities
We do not sell your personal information for money. [If you use advertising cookies that count as “selling” or “sharing” under state law, say so here and link to your opt-out page.]
4. How we share information
We share personal information only as described here:
- Between Customers and Vendors. When you book a service, we share what the assigned Vendor needs to do the job (your name, contact and shipping details, item information). Customers see a Vendor’s business name, credentials, ratings, and service details.
- Public certificate verification. Certificates and authentication results may be checked by anyone with the certificate number or QR code. The public record shows the item details, result, date, and certifying Vendor. It does not show the Customer’s name or contact details [unless the Customer chooses otherwise].
- Service providers. Hosting, payment processing, identity and background checks, shipping, email, analytics, and customer support companies that work for us under contracts limiting their use of your data.
- Legal and safety. Law enforcement, courts, regulators, or rights holders when required by law, or to investigate fraud, counterfeiting, stolen goods, or threats to safety.
- Business transfers. A buyer or successor if we merge, sell assets, or reorganize. This Policy will continue to protect your information.
- With your consent. Anyone else you tell us to share with.
5. Cookies and tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember preferences, secure the Platform, and operate core features. Today we use essential cookies only (session and security). See our Cookie Policy for details. If we add analytics or advertising cookies in the future, we will update that policy and request any required consent.
You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, though some features may stop working. We do not currently respond to “Do Not Track” signals.
6. Data retention and security
We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes above, then delete or de-identify it.
- Accounts: while your account is active, plus 5 years after closing
- Certificates and authentication records: 5 years, so certificates stay verifiable for future buyers
- Transaction and tax records: as long as tax and accounting laws require (often 7 years)
- Identity documents and background checks: only as long as needed to verify you, or as the law requires
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, including encryption in transit, access controls, and vetted service providers. No system is perfectly secure. If a breach affects your information, we will notify you as the law requires. Protect your password and tell us at support@bonofide.net if you suspect unauthorized access.
7. Your rights and choices
You can update most account information in your settings, opt out of marketing emails with the unsubscribe link, and close your account by contacting us.
Depending on where you live (for example California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Texas and other U.S. states, or the EU/UK), you may have the right to:
- Know what personal information we hold and get a copy
- Correct inaccurate information
- Delete your information, subject to legal exceptions (for example, records we must keep for tax purposes or certificates already issued to third parties)
- Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information and targeted advertising
- Limit use of sensitive information, such as government ID
- Appeal if we deny your request
To make a request, email support@bonofide.net or use [WEB FORM]. We will verify your identity before acting and respond within the time the law requires (usually 30–45 days). You may use an authorized agent. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.
8. Children
The Platform is for adults 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has given us information, contact us and we will delete it.
9. International users
We are based in the United States and store data here. If you use the Platform from another country, your information will be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ.
10. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. We will post the new version with a new effective date and, for material changes, notify you by email or on the Platform before they take effect.
11. Contact us
Bonofide, LLC
30 North Gould Street, Suite R
Sheridan, WY 82801
Email:
support@bonofide.net
Phone: [PHONE]