1. Introduction
GoldAgo ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with our business.
As a Toronto-based precious metals dealer operating in Ontario, Canada, we comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada's federal private-sector privacy law. We adhere to the ten fair information principles outlined in PIPEDA and are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your personal information.
By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website or services.
2. Information We Collect
We collect several types of information to provide and improve our services. This information is collected only when you voluntarily provide it to us or when it is necessary to complete a transaction.
Personal Information
When you visit our location, schedule an appointment, request a quote, or sell precious metals to us, we may collect the following personal information:
- Full name and contact information (phone number, email address, mailing address)
- Government-issued identification (required for precious metals transactions under Canadian law)
- Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
- Item descriptions and valuations for appraisal or purchase purposes
- Photographs and videos taken during item assessment (with your consent)
- Correspondence and communications with our team
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, our servers automatically collect certain technical information:
- IP address and browser type
- Operating system and device information
- Referring/exit pages and time spent on pages
- Website usage patterns and analytics data
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities and device preferences. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us provide a better user experience.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for specific purposes that are disclosed to you at the time of collection. We do not use your personal information for purposes other than those identified unless we obtain your consent.
Primary Purposes
- Service Delivery: To process precious metals purchases, appraisals, and other services
- Legal Compliance: To comply with Canadian laws requiring identification documentation for precious metals transactions
- Communication: To respond to inquiries, send quotes, schedule appointments, and provide service updates
- Transaction Processing: To process payments and issue receipts for completed transactions
- Fraud Prevention: To detect, prevent, and address fraudulent activities and ensure security
- Service Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our products, services, and website functionality
- Marketing: With your consent, to send promotional communications about our services and special offers
4. Legal Basis for Processing
Under PIPEDA, we collect, use, and disclose your personal information with your consent, except where otherwise required or permitted by law. Our legal bases for processing include:
- Consent: You have provided explicit consent for the collection and use of your information
- Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with Canadian laws regulating precious metals transactions
- Contractual Necessity: Processing is necessary to fulfill our service agreement with you
- Legitimate Interest: Processing for fraud prevention, security, and business improvement purposes
You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us using the information provided in the Contact section below, subject to legal or contractual restrictions.
5. Sharing of Information
We respect your privacy and do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, such as:
- Payment processors (for transaction completion)
- Website hosting and analytics providers
- Email and communication service providers
- Security and fraud prevention services
These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may only use it to provide services to us.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when we believe it is necessary to:
- Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or law enforcement requests
- Protect and defend our rights, property, or safety
- Prevent fraud or other illegal activities
- Enforce our terms of service or other agreements
Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity. We will notify you of any such change via email or prominent notice on our website.
6. Data Security and Retention
Security Measures
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security practices include:
- Secure SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Secure physical storage facilities for paper records
- Access controls limiting employee access to personal information
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Employee training on privacy and data protection
Despite our best efforts, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Retention periods include:
- Transaction Records: 7 years (as required by Canadian tax law)
- Customer Communications: 3 years from last interaction
- Website Analytics: Aggregated data retained indefinitely; individual IP addresses anonymized after 26 months
- Marketing Data: Until consent is withdrawn
When your information is no longer needed, it is securely destroyed, deleted, or anonymized in accordance with applicable laws and industry best practices.
7. Your Privacy Rights
Under PIPEDA and applicable privacy laws, you have certain rights regarding your personal information:
Right to Access
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, including details about how it is used and disclosed. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of your personal information within a reasonable time, subject to applicable exceptions.
Right to Correction
You have the right to request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete personal information we hold about you. We will amend the information as required and, where appropriate, notify third parties who have received your information.
Right to Withdraw Consent
You may withdraw your consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions. Withdrawing consent may affect our ability to provide certain services.
Right to Complain
You have the right to file a complaint with us if you believe your personal information has been mishandled. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:
www.priv.gc.ca | Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376
How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact section below. We will verify your identity before responding to your request.
9. Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices.
Third-Party Links
We provide links to external websites for your convenience. These include links to government agencies, industry associations, and service providers. We do not control these sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies.
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and improve our services. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. Google may use this data to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network.
You can opt-out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
10. Children's Privacy
Our website and services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18 (the "age of majority" in Ontario). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18 without verified parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, applicable laws, or business operations. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date
- Sending an email notification to registered customers
- Displaying a prominent notice on our website
Your continued use of our website or services after the effective date of the revised policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
GoldAgo
7800 Woodbine Ave
Markham, ON L3R 2N7
CA
Contact Information
Phone: (647) 812-6636
Email: [email protected]
When contacting us about privacy matters, please clearly indicate that your inquiry relates to our privacy practices. We will respond to your request within 30 days of receipt.