Privacy Policy
Last updated: December 2025
At Dineout.page, we believe in transparency and minimal data collection. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, and how we protect it.
🔒 Privacy-First Approach: We collect only what's essential. We do NOT store customer order data — orders go directly to restaurants via WhatsApp. We don't sell your data. Ever.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 For Restaurant Owners (Merchants)
| Data | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Email address | Account creation & authentication | Until account deletion |
| Restaurant name & details | Display on your public menu | Until account deletion |
| Menu items & prices | Display on your public menu | Until account deletion |
| WhatsApp number | Enable customer ordering | Until account deletion |
| Theme preferences | Customize menu appearance | Until account deletion |
1.2 For Customers (Diners)
✅ Minimal Data Collection: We do NOT require customers to create accounts or provide personal information to view menus.
| Data | Purpose | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Table number (optional) | Include in WhatsApp order | Not stored by us |
| Cart items | Build order for WhatsApp | Browser only (localStorage) |
| Order details | Send to restaurant via WhatsApp | Not stored by us |
1.3 Automatically Collected Information
Like most websites, we may collect:
- Log data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent
- Device information: Device type, operating system
- Cookies: Session cookies for authentication (merchants only)
2. What We DON'T Collect
We want to be clear about what we don't do:
- ❌ We do NOT store customer orders or order history
- ❌ We do NOT collect customer names, phone numbers, or addresses
- ❌ We do NOT process payments or store payment information
- ❌ We do NOT track customers across websites
- ❌ We do NOT sell or share data with advertisers
- ❌ We do NOT use your data for marketing purposes (without consent)
3. How Orders Work (Privacy Flow)
Here's exactly what happens when a customer places an order:
- Customer views menu: No login required. Menu loads from our servers.
- Customer adds items to cart: Cart is stored in their browser (localStorage) — not on our servers.
- Customer clicks "Order on WhatsApp": We format the order and open WhatsApp with a pre-filled message.
- Order goes directly to restaurant: The message is sent via WhatsApp, directly from customer to restaurant. We are not in the middle.
Result: We never see, store, or process the actual order. It's a direct connection between customer and restaurant.
4. How We Use Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide and maintain the Service
- Authenticate merchant accounts
- Display restaurant menus to customers
- Send transactional emails (magic links, important updates)
- Improve and optimize the Service
- Prevent fraud and abuse
5. Data Sharing
We do NOT sell your data. We may share data only in these limited circumstances:
- Public menu display: Restaurant information you provide is displayed publicly on your menu page (that's the point!)
- Service providers: We may use third-party services for hosting, analytics, or email delivery
- Legal requirements: If required by law or to protect our rights
6. Data Security
We implement security measures to protect your data:
- Secure HTTPS connections
- Passwordless authentication (magic links) — no passwords to steal
- Encrypted database connections
- Regular security reviews
However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Cookies
We use minimal cookies:
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Session cookie | Keep merchants logged in | 7 days |
We do NOT use advertising cookies or third-party tracking cookies.
8. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your data
- Correct: Update inaccurate information
- Delete: Request deletion of your account and data
- Export: Download your menu data (JSON/CSV export)
- Object: Opt out of certain data processing
To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@dineout.page
9. Data Retention
- Merchant accounts: Data retained until you delete your account
- Customer data: We don't store customer data (see Section 2)
- Log data: Automatically deleted after 90 days
10. Children's Privacy
Our Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.
11. International Data Transfers
Our servers are located in India. If you access the Service from outside India, your data may be transferred to and processed in India.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through the Service. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:
- Email: hello@dineout.page
- Website: https://dineout.page
🙏 Our Commitment: We built Dineout.page to help restaurants, not to exploit user data. We're committed to maintaining your trust through transparent, privacy-respecting practices.