Honest Carsales ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of our customers and visitors to our platform. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). By using our platform or services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this policy.
2. Scope of the Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy outlines the practices of Honest Carsales ("we", "our", or "us") regarding the collection, use, disclosure, storage, and protection of personal information. It applies to all individuals who interact with us, including customers, visitors to our website, users of our mobile applications, and any other persons whose personal information we collect in connection with our business operations.
2.1 Platforms and Services Covered
This Privacy Policy applies to all platforms and services operated by Honest Carsales, including but not limited to:
- Website: Our main website and any subdomains.
- Mobile Applications: Any mobile apps that we develop and offer.
- Social Media Account: Our presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or others.
- Other Digital Services: Any online services, including emails, online forms, or chatbots.
It also covers personal information collected through other means, such as phone calls, emails, postal mail, in-person interactions at our physical locations, and participation in events or promotional activities.
2.2 Information Covered
This policy addresses personal information, defined as any information or opinion about an individual who is identified or reasonably identifiable. Personal information covered by this policy may include, but is not limited to:
- Identification information such as name, address, email, and phone number.
- Financial information such as credit card details or bank account numbers.
- Demographic information such as age, gender, and preferences.
- Usage information such as IP addresses, browser details, and device information.
2.3 Situations Where the Policy Does Not Apply
This policy does not apply to:
- Third-Party Websites and Services: Websites, applications, or services operated by third parties that are not owned or controlled by Honest Carsales. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.
- Employee Data: Personal information related to employees or contractors of Honest Carsales, which is covered under separate policies.
2.4 Consent and Compliance
By using our platforms or engaging with our services, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as outlined in this policy. This policy is designed to comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and other applicable laws and regulations in Australia.
3. What Information We Collect
We may collect personal information in the following categories:
3.1. Identification Information
Name: First and last name.
Address: Residential or mailing address.
Date of Birth: For age verification and identification.
Contact Details: Phone number, email address, and social media handles.
Identification Documents: Driver's license, passport, or other forms of government-issued ID.
3.2. Financial Information
Payment Details: Credit card numbers, bank account information, or other payment-related information.
Transaction History: Records of purchases, payments, and other financial transactions.
3.3. Vehicle Information
Vehicle Details: Make, model, year, registration, VIN, mileage, and other related data.
Vehicle History: Records of previous owners, accidents, and service history.
3.4. Usage Information
Browsing Data: Information on website interactions, pages viewed, session duration, and links clicked.
Device Information: Device type, operating system, and browser type.
Location Data: Geographic location when accessing our platform, if location services are enabled.
3.5. Demographic Information
Gender and Age: Information used for demographic analysis and marketing.
Customer Preferences: Information about your preferences and interests, such as vehicle types or brands.
3.6. Communications Data
Contact History: Records of communications with our customer service team or other interactions with our platform.
4. How We Collect Information
We collect personal information through the following methods:
4.1. Directly from You
Forms and Registrations: When you fill out forms on our website, register for an account, or make a purchase.
Customer Service: When you contact us via phone, email, or social media.
In-Person Interactions: When you visit our premises or attend our events.
4.2. Automatically
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect data during your website visit.
Analytics Tools: We use tools like Google Analytics to gather information about website usage.
4.3. From Third Parties
Business Partners: Information from dealerships, wholesalers, and other partners.
Credit Reporting Agencies: Information to assess creditworthiness for financing.
Social Media: Data collected when you interact with our social media accounts or use social media login features.
5. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for various purposes, including:
5.1. Providing Services
Vehicle Sales: Facilitating vehicle sales and related transactions.
Test Drives: Arranging test drives and scheduling appointments.
Customer Support: Providing assistance, handling inquiries, and resolving complaints.
Order Processing: Processing payments, managing orders, and issuing invoices.
5.2. Marketing and Communication
Promotional Materials: Sending newsletters, special offers, and promotional materials.
Personalized Marketing: Customizing marketing messages based on your preferences and browsing history.
Surveys and Feedback: Conducting surveys to gather customer feedback and improve our services.
5.3. Business Operations and Analytics
Data Analysis: Analyzing customer behavior, market trends, and sales data to improve our business.
Operational Improvements: Identifying and implementing improvements in our processes.
Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality and accuracy of our services.
5.4. Compliance and Legal Requirements
Legal Obligations: Complying with laws, regulations, or court orders.
Law Enforcement Cooperation: Responding to requests from law enforcement agencies or regulatory bodies.
Fraud Prevention: Implementing measures to prevent fraud and unauthorized activities.
6. Disclosure of Your Information
We may disclose your personal information to third parties for specific purposes, including:
6.1. Service Providers
Payment Processors: To process payments and transactions.
IT Service Providers: For website hosting, data storage, and technical support.
Marketing Agencies: For advertising, email marketing, and social media campaigns.
6.2. Business Partners
Dealerships and Wholesalers: For vehicle inventory and related information.
Insurance Companies: To offer insurance-related services and quotes.
Financial Institutions: For financing options and credit checks.
6.3. Government Authorities and Legal Compliance
Court Orders and Legal Requests: Responding to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal requests.
Regulatory Compliance: Complying with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
Law Enforcement Cooperation: Cooperating with law enforcement agencies for investigations or other legal matters.
6.4. Professional Advisors
Accountants, Lawyers, and Consultants: For business operations and compliance purposes.
6.5. Other Third Parties
Mergers and Acquisitions: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
With Your Consent: If you explicitly consent to specific disclosures.
7. How We Protect Your Information
We take a variety of security measures to ensure the protection of your personal information, including:
7.1. Data Encryption
We use encryption technology to secure sensitive data during transmission and storage, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS).
7.2. Access Controls
Access to personal information is restricted to authorized personnel only, with appropriate authentication and authorization mechanisms in place.
7.3. Data Minimization
We only collect and retain personal information that is necessary for our operations and compliance with legal requirements.
7.4. Secure Storage
Physical data is stored in secure locations with restricted access, while electronic data is stored on secure servers with firewalls and other security protocols.
7.5. Regular Security Audits and Testing
We conduct regular security audits and vulnerability testing to identify and address potential security risks.
8. Your Rights and Choices
Under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles, you have certain rights and choices regarding your personal information:
8.1. Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to your personal information and to correct inaccuracies or incomplete information. You can make requests by contacting us (see the 'Contact Information' section below).
8.2. Withdrawal of Consent
If you have given consent for certain data uses, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Note that withdrawal may affect your ability to use certain features or services.
8.3. Opt-Out of Marketing
You have the right to opt-out of receiving marketing communications from us. You can opt-out by following the 'unsubscribe' instructions in our emails or contacting us directly.
8.4. Anonymity and Pseudonymity
Where practicable, you have the right to interact with us anonymously or using a pseudonym. However, this may limit the services we can provide.
8.5. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
If you believe we have violated your privacy rights, you can file a complaint with us. We will respond promptly and aim to resolve any disputes in a fair manner. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can escalate the complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Cookies and tracking technologies are tools used by websites to collect information about user interactions, preferences, and activities. Here's a shorter version detailing what cookies are, their types, purposes, and how they are used on a platform like Honest Carsales:
9.1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on a user's device (such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet) when they visit a website. They contain data that helps websites track user activities and enhance functionality.
9.2. Types of Cookies
Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. They are used to maintain your session and keep you logged in.
Persistent Cookies: These cookies remain on your device for a set period and are used to remember preferences and login information for future visits.
First-Party Cookies: Set by the website you're visiting. They are used for website functionality and analytics.
Third-Party Cookies: Set by other domains, often for advertising and cross-site tracking.
9.3. Other Tracking Technologies
Web Beacons (Pixel Tags): Small, invisible images used to track user interactions with web pages or emails.
Local Storage: Data stored locally on your device, used to save preferences or offline data.
9.4. Purposes of Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Website Functionality: Keeping you logged in, remembering your preferences, and ensuring smooth website operations.
Analytics: Collecting data on website traffic and user behavior to improve our services.
Personalized Content and Advertising: Displaying targeted ads and personalized content based on your interests.
Security and Fraud Prevention: Authenticating users and detecting unauthorized access.
9.5. Managing Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Browser Settings: You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect your website experience.
Opt-Out: You can opt out of certain types of tracking, such as targeted advertising, through browser settings or third-party opt-out mechanisms.
9.6. Compliance and Consent
To comply with Australian laws, we provide clear information about our use of cookies and tracking technologies. You have the right to understand how we use these tools and how to manage them. If you have questions about cookies or privacy, refer to our privacy policy or contact our customer service team.
10. Cross-Border Data Transfers
We may transfer personal information to locations outside Australia, particularly when using third-party service providers located in other countries. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your personal information during such transfers.
11. Retention of Personal Information
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law. We have retention policies to ensure data is not kept longer than needed.
12. Children's Privacy
Our Platform is not intended for children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us to have it removed.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes, and your continued use of our services indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.
14. Contact Information and Complaints
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, would like to exercise your rights, or wish to make a complaint, please contact us at:
Email: info@carsale.tashus.com.au
We aim to respond to complaints within a reasonable time frame and resolve issues in a fair manner.