Privacy & Terms

1. Who We Are

Qmate is an appointment booking platform that connects customers with local businesses. This policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that data.

2. What We Collect

We collect the following information:

• Customers: name, phone number, and/or email address when booking an appointment.
• Shop owners: business name, address, phone number, bank account details (for manual payment processing), and business images uploaded to our platform.
• Usage data: appointment history, service selections, and review content you submit.

3. How We Use Your Data

• To confirm, remind, and manage your appointments.
• To send one-time passwords (OTP) for identity verification via SMS or email.
• To allow shop owners to manage their bookings and business profile.
• To process subscription package payments between shop owners and Qmate.
• To display shop information, availability, and reviews to prospective customers.

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We do not use your data for advertising.

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services to operate the platform:

• Google OAuth — optional sign-in for shop owners (Google Privacy Policy applies).
• Brevo — transactional email delivery (OTPs, appointment confirmations, reminders).
• QuickSend — SMS delivery for OTPs and appointment reminders.
• Cloudflare R2 — secure cloud storage for shop photos and payment proof images.
• Neon — managed PostgreSQL database hosting.

Each provider processes only the data necessary to deliver their service.

5. Cookies and Local Storage

We use browser storage for the following purposes:

• Session cookies (HttpOnly): secure authentication tokens for shop owner and admin accounts. These cannot be accessed by JavaScript.
• localStorage: your verified phone number or email address is stored locally on your device to let you view your appointments without re-verifying each visit. This data is retained for 7 days by default (up to 30 days) and is never transmitted to third parties.

We do not use advertising cookies or third-party tracking pixels.

6. Data Retention

Appointment records are retained to support your booking history and shop owner reporting. If you wish to have your data removed, contact us using the details below and we will process your request within a reasonable timeframe.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Request deletion of your data.
• Withdraw consent for communications at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us via our support page.

8. Security

We use industry-standard practices to protect your data: bcrypt password hashing, JWT tokens with expiry, HTTPS-only communication, and HttpOnly cookies. No system is perfectly secure; if you suspect a security issue, please contact us immediately.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy as the platform evolves. Material changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Qmate, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the platform. These terms apply to all users: customers, shop owners, and administrators.

2. Use of the Platform

You agree to use Qmate only for lawful purposes. You must not:

• Provide false information when booking or registering.
• Attempt to disrupt, overload, or exploit the platform or its API.
• Impersonate another person or business.
• Use the platform to send unsolicited communications.
• Attempt to access accounts or data that do not belong to you.

3. Shop Owner Responsibilities

Shop owners are responsible for the accuracy of their business information, service listings, pricing, and working hours. Qmate acts as a platform facilitator — we are not responsible for the quality or delivery of services provided by individual shops. Shop owners must comply with all applicable local laws regarding their business operations.

4. Content & Listing Standards

Shop owners are solely responsible for all content, services, and materials they list on Qmate. By registering a shop, you agree that your shop and its listed services must not:

• Involve illegal goods, services, or activities under applicable law.
• Promote, advertise, or facilitate the sale of substances, products, or services restricted to specific age groups — including alcohol, tobacco, or adult content — unless explicitly permitted and disclosed.
• Display imagery, descriptions, or materials that are obscene, offensive, or unsuitable for a general audience.
• Misrepresent the nature, price, or availability of any service.

All new shops and material profile updates are reviewed by Qmate before becoming publicly visible. Qmate reserves the right to reject, suspend, or permanently remove any shop that violates these standards, without prior notice and without refund of any subscription fees paid.

5. Appointments and Cancellations

Appointments booked through Qmate are subject to the availability and policies of each individual shop. Customers can cancel or reschedule via the link sent to them at booking, subject to any shop-specific cancellation windows. Qmate is not liable for missed appointments, no-shows, or scheduling disputes between customers and shops.

6. Payments

Payments between customers and shops for services are handled directly between those parties — Qmate does not process customer-to-shop payments. Shop owners pay Qmate for platform subscription packages via manual bank transfer. Package activation is subject to manual payment verification by Qmate. Approved payments are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7. Intellectual Property

The Qmate platform, including its design, code, and branding, is the property of Qmate. Shop owners retain ownership of content they upload (logos, photos, descriptions) but grant Qmate a licence to display that content on the platform.

8. Limitation of Liability

Qmate is provided "as is." We make no warranties about uptime, accuracy, or fitness for a particular purpose. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Qmate shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the platform.

9. Account Termination

Qmate reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or harm other users or the platform. Shop accounts may be deactivated if subscription packages lapse or payment is not received.

10. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

11. Contact

For questions about these terms, reach us via our support page.