Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Local Trade Guide ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.

By using our Service, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number, address)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Payment information (processed securely by third-party providers)
• Property details for service quotes
• Reviews and ratings you submit

Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information about your device and usage:

• IP address and geolocation data
• Browser type and version
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring websites and search terms
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Provide and maintain our Service
• Connect you with pest control service providers
• Process quotes and facilitate communications
• Send you relevant information and updates
• Improve our website and services
• Analyze usage patterns and trends
• Prevent fraud and ensure security
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Service Providers

When you request a quote or service, we share relevant information with pest control professionals to facilitate the connection.

With Third-Party Services

• Payment processors for secure transactions
• Analytics providers to improve our service
• Email service providers for communications
• Cloud hosting providers for data storage

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights and safety.

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and provide personalized content.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand site usage
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling some cookies may affect site functionality.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers and databases
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

• Account information: Until account deletion
• Transaction records: 7 years for tax purposes
• Analytics data: 26 months maximum
• Support communications: 2 years

8. Your Rights

Under Australian Privacy Principles, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your information
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Australia. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this privacy policy.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the effective date.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

14. Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy, you can make a complaint to us using the contact details above. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).