Privacy Policy
Last updated: June 6, 2026. This policy explains what data ValU collects, why, and your choices.
Who we are
ValU ("we", "us") operates the website val-u.app, a free resale-value scanner for thrifters, resellers, and collectors. You can contact us at /contact.
Information we collect
- Account data — if you sign up, we store your email and a hashed password (or your Google account ID if you sign in with Google).
- Scan data — photos you upload and the appraisal results we return. Photos are processed to identify items and are stored only if you choose to save them to your vault.
- Usage data — pages visited, device type, browser, approximate location (country-level from IP), and referring site. Used to improve the product.
- Cookies — see "Cookies and advertising" below.
How we use your information
- To provide and improve the scanning, appraisal, and vault features.
- To send transactional emails (sign-in links, password resets). We do not send marketing email unless you opt in.
- To detect abuse, spam, and fraudulent activity.
- To comply with legal obligations.
Cookies and advertising
ValU displays advertising provided by Google AdSense. Google and its partners may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this site and other sites on the internet. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings or, for participating networks, www.aboutads.info.
Third parties (including Google) may use cookies to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to ValU. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on visits to this site and other sites on the Internet.
Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to this website or other websites. Learn more: How Google uses information from sites that use its services.
How we share information
We do not sell personal information. We share data only with: (a) infrastructure providers that host the site, database, and AI models used for appraisal; (b) advertising partners as described above; (c) authorities when required by law.
Appraisals are produced with Google's Gemini AI. The item descriptions and photos you scan are sent to Google to identify and price the item, and Google may use them to improve its products under the Gemini API terms. Please don't scan photos that show people, documents or other personal information.
Data retention
Account data is retained while your account is active. Scan history is kept for 90 days unless you save items to your vault. You can delete your account and all associated data at any time from your account settings.
Your rights
Depending on your jurisdiction (including GDPR and CCPA), you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or export your personal data, and to object to certain processing. Email our contact page to make a request.
Children
ValU is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
Changes
We may update this policy. Material changes will be announced on the site at least 7 days before taking effect.