Privacy Policy for Collection Vault

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Collection Vault (“we,” “our,” or “us”). This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, and disclosed when you use our mobile application Collection Vault (the “App”).

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Store Locally

Collection Vault stores all of your data locally on your device using Apple’s SwiftData framework. This includes:

• Your collection names and organization
• Item details, photos, and custom fields
• Purchase prices and estimated values
• Notes and condition information
• Any photos you add to items

Important: We do not have access to this data. It never leaves your device and is not transmitted to our servers or any third parties.

2.2 Information We Do NOT Collect

We want to be clear about what we don’t collect:

• ❌ We do not require or collect user accounts
• ❌ We do not collect your name, email, or contact information
• ❌ We do not track your location
• ❌ We do not access your contacts or calendar
• ❌ We do not read your messages or emails
• ❌ We do not collect payment information (handled by Apple)

2.3 Third-Party Services

Collection Vault uses the following third-party services:

Google AdMob (Advertising)

We use Google AdMob to display banner advertisements in the free version of the app. Premium subscribers do not see any advertisements.

What AdMob May Collect:

• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers
• Advertising ID: Apple’s Advertising Identifier (IDFA) if you grant tracking permission
• Usage Data: How you interact with ads, app usage patterns
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, time zone, mobile network information

Purpose: This data is used to:

• Display relevant advertisements
• Measure ad performance
• Prevent fraud
• Support the free version of the app

Google’s Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

AdMob Data Use: https://support.google.com/admob/answer/6128543

eBay API (Product Information)

When you view market values for items, we query the eBay API using RapidAPI to fetch average selling prices. These queries include:

• Item names and search terms you enter
• Condition information

We do not store this information, and it is not linked to your identity. The API is used solely to provide you with market value estimates.

UPC Database API (Barcode Scanning)

When you scan a barcode, we send the UPC code to UPCItemDB API to retrieve product information. This helps auto-fill item details. No personal information is transmitted.

Apple StoreKit (Subscriptions)

In-app purchases and subscriptions are processed entirely by Apple through StoreKit. We do not collect or store any payment information. See Apple’s Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/

3. App Tracking Transparency

iOS 14.5 and later requires apps to request permission before tracking users across apps and websites. If you see a tracking permission prompt in Collection Vault, here’s what it means:

If You Select “Allow Tracking”:

• AdMob can use your Advertising ID (IDFA)
• You’ll see more personalized ads
• Ads will be more relevant to your interests
• This helps us earn revenue to support the free version

If You Select “Ask App Not to Track”:

• AdMob will use limited data only
• You’ll still see ads, but they’ll be less personalized
• Ads may be less relevant
• Your privacy is more protected

You can change this setting anytime: Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking → Collection Vault

4. Premium Subscription

Premium subscribers ($4.99/month) enjoy an ad-free experience. When you subscribe:

• All advertisements are removed
• AdMob no longer collects any data
• You get unlimited collections and premium features
• Subscription is processed securely by Apple

5. Data Security

Since all your collection data is stored locally on your device:

• It is protected by your device’s security (passcode, Face ID, Touch ID)
• It is backed up with your device backups (iCloud or iTunes)
• We never have access to your data
• Your data is as secure as your device

6. Children’s Privacy

Collection Vault is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have complete control over your data:

Access and Delete Your Data

• All your data is stored locally on your device
• You can delete any item or collection within the app
• Uninstalling the app deletes all local data

Control Advertising

• Opt out of personalized ads: Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking
• Reset Advertising ID: Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising
• Remove ads entirely: Subscribe to Premium ($4.99/month)

Manage Subscriptions

• Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions → Collection Vault
• Cancel anytime – no penalty
• Subscription managed by Apple, not us

8. International Users

Collection Vault is available worldwide. Your data stays on your device regardless of your location. However, AdMob may process data in the United States and other countries where Google operates servers.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app
• Updating the “Last Updated” date
• Displaying a notification if changes are significant

Your continued use of the app after changes means you accept the new Privacy Policy.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights:

• Right to Know: Request information about data collected (though we don’t collect personal data)
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of data (your data is stored locally on your device)
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of “sale” of personal information (we don’t sell data)

Since we don’t collect personal data, these rights are inherently protected. AdMob’s data collection is governed by Google’s privacy policy.

11. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under GDPR:

• Right of Access: Your data is on your device; you have full access
• Right to Erasure: Delete the app to remove all data
• Right to Data Portability: Export your collections as PDF or CSV
• Right to Object: Disable ad personalization in iOS Settings

12. Data Retention

• Your Collection Data: Stored indefinitely on your device until you delete it
• AdMob Data: Retained according to Google’s policies (typically 90 days for most data)
• API Queries: Not stored by us; retention governed by third-party services

13. Third-Party Links

The app may contain links to eBay and other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies.

15. Summary for App Store Reviewers

© 2025 Collection Vault. All rights reserved.