Our Commitment to Data Privacy
At Altera, we take data privacy and security seriously. We understand that your Shopify data is valuable and sensitive, which is why we have clear policies about how long we retain files and when they are permanently deleted from our systems.
Our data retention practices are designed to balance convenience with privacy, giving you reasonable time to access your files while ensuring your data doesn't remain on our servers indefinitely.
Standard Data Retention Period
180-Day Retention for Active Stores
By default, Altera retains all uploaded files and exported data for 180 days from the date of creation. This includes:
Uploaded import files: The original spreadsheets you upload for importing data
Export files: All exported data files generated by the app
Results files: Import result files that show success/failure status for each row
This 180-day period provides ample time for you to:
Download and save important export files to your own systems
Review import results and troubleshoot any issues
Access historical data for comparison or analysis
Maintain records for your own business processes
Extended Retention Available
If your business requires longer data retention for compliance, auditing, or operational reasons, we're happy to accommodate extended retention periods. Simply contact our support team to discuss:
Custom retention periods: Extend retention beyond 180 days based on your specific needs
Selective retention: Keep certain types of files longer than others
Compliance requirements: Meet specific industry or regulatory data retention requirements
There may be additional costs associated with extended retention periods depending on your requirements.
App Uninstallation Policy
48-Hour Data Deletion
In accordance with Shopify's data protection policies and our commitment to user privacy, all files are permanently deleted within 48 hours after you uninstall the Altera app from your Shopify store.
We may also remove files if your Shopify store is closed or frozen.
This includes immediate removal of:
All uploaded import files
All exported data files
Important Notice
Before uninstalling Altera, make sure to download any files you want to keep. Once the app is uninstalled, we cannot recover deleted files - this deletion is permanent and irreversible.
Alternative: Downgrade Instead of Uninstalling
If you want to stop paying for Altera but keep your files accessible, consider downgrading to our free Community Plan instead of uninstalling the app. This allows you to:
Keep all your files: Your uploaded and exported files remain accessible for the full 180-day retention period
Maintain configurations: All your settings and transformations are preserved
Continue basic usage: Access core import/export functionality with some limitations
Easy reactivation: Upgrade back to a paid plan anytime without losing data
To downgrade, simply change your plan in the app settings rather than uninstalling.
If You Must Uninstall
If you're temporarily uninstalling the app or considering reinstallation, please:
Download important exports: Save any export files you may need in the future
Save import results: Download results files for your records
Document configurations: Note any custom settings or transformations you've configured
Getting Help
If you have questions about our data retention policy, need to discuss extended retention periods, or want to ensure you have copies of important files before they're deleted, please contact our support team.
We're committed to transparency about how we handle your data and are always available to help you understand and manage your data retention needs.