Data Collection and Usage:
We collect and process personal information necessary for the provision of our auction services. This includes:
Name
Contact details (email address, phone number, postal address)
Billing and payment information
We process this data for various purposes, including but not limited to:
Facilitating auctions, managing transactions, and delivering purchased items
Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
Processing payments securely
Sending important service-related updates and communications
Complying with legal obligations and preventing fraudulent activities
Lawful Basis for Processing:
Our data processing activities are conducted on the lawful basis of legitimate interests, contractual necessity, compliance with legal obligations, and consent where applicable.
Data Security and Retention:
We implement robust technical and organisational measures to safeguard your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Your data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy and in compliance with legal requirements.
Data Sharing:
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers involved in facilitating auctions, payment processing, and delivery services. These entities are contractually bound to maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection regulations.
Cookies and Website Usage:
We may use cookies and similar technologies on our website to enhance user experience, improve our services, and collect data on website traffic and usage patterns. Cookies help us analyze and understand user preferences, customize content, and serve targeted advertisements. Users can manage cookie preferences through browser settings.
Disclosure of Your Information:
Your personal information may be shared with entities outlined below to facilitate our services and improve user experience. We ensure that all third parties comply with data protection laws and maintain the confidentiality and security of your information:
Group Companies:
We may share your personal information with our group entities, including subsidiaries and our ultimate holding company, as defined in section 1159 of the UK Companies Act 2006.
Selected Third Parties:
We may disclose your information to specific third parties, including but not limited to:
Business Partners, Suppliers, and Sub-contractors: This sharing is essential for the performance of any contract entered into with them or you.
Advertisers and Advertising Networks: While we do not reveal identifiable individual information to our advertisers, we may provide them with aggregate information about our user base. This may include statistical data, such as the number of users in a specific demographic who interacted with an advertisement.
Analytics and Search Engine Providers: We collaborate with these providers to enhance and optimise our website.
Credit Reference Agencies: In cases where assessing your credit score is necessary for contractual obligations.
Remarketing Services:
We use Google Ads Remarketing and Facebook Retargeting services for advertising purposes:
Google Ads Remarketing: This service connects user activity on our website with the Google Ads network to display relevant adverts. The service uses cookies to track browsing behaviour, allowing us to show tailored adverts. You can opt out of Google Ads Remarketing via http://www.google.com/settings/ads.
Facebook Retargeting: Through this service, we advertise to previous visitors to our website on Facebook. It functions by placing cookies on your device, enabling us to display pertinent adverts across the Facebook Network based on your prior interactions with our website. Any data collected adheres to our Privacy Policy and Facebook’s retargeting privacy policy.
We assure you that these disclosures are carried out with the utmost regard for data privacy and security. If you have any queries or concerns regarding the sharing of your information, please contact us using the provided contact information.
Your Rights:
You have the right to access, rectify, or request the erasure of your personal data held by Schmergel & Schmelz Auctions. You may also object to the processing of your data or request restriction of processing. Additionally, you have the right to data portability and the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Children’s Privacy:
Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.
Updates to the Privacy Policy:
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any modifications will be posted on our website.
For inquiries or to exercise your rights under the Act, please contact us using the provided contact information.
