1. Introduction
Plumbers Today Directory ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website.
By using the Website, you expressly consent to the data collection and usage practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Website.
2. Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Submit a contact form or inquiry
- Subscribe to newsletters, updates, or communications
- Request to list a plumbing business in our directory
- Communicate with us via email, phone, or other means
- Report issues with listings or provide feedback
Personal information may include: name, email address, phone number, business name, business address, ABN, licence number, website URL, business description, and any other information you voluntarily provide.
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our Website, we automatically collect certain technical information about your device and usage, including:
- IP address and approximate geographic location
- Browser type, version, and language settings
- Operating system and device information
- Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
- Referring website addresses and search terms used
- Date and time of access
- Clickstream data and user interactions
Analytics and Tracking
We may use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics or Clicky) that collect, monitor, and analyze Website usage to improve functionality and user experience. These services may use cookies and similar tracking technologies.
3. How We Use Your Information
We collect and use your information for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the directory service
- To respond to inquiries, questions, and support requests
- To process applications from plumbers to be listed in the directory
- To verify credentials, licences, and business information of listed plumbers
- To send administrative communications, updates, and service notifications
- To send marketing communications (with your consent, where required)
- To analyze usage patterns, traffic sources, and user behavior
- To improve Website functionality, content, and user experience
- To detect, prevent, and address fraud, security risks, and technical issues
- To enforce our Terms of Service and protect our legal rights
- To comply with legal obligations, court orders, and regulatory requirements
- To generate aggregated, de-identified statistical data for business purposes
We will not use your personal information for purposes materially different from those disclosed in this Privacy Policy without your consent.
4. Disclosure of Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
However, we may disclose your personal information in the following circumstances:
- Listed Plumbers: If you contact a plumber through our directory, your contact information may be shared with that plumber to facilitate the service request
- Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our Website (hosting, analytics, email services, payment processing) under strict confidentiality agreements
- Legal Requirements: We will disclose information if required by law, subpoena, court order, regulatory authority, or governmental request
- Law Enforcement: We may disclose information to law enforcement agencies to investigate fraud, unlicensed operators, or illegal activity
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, corporate restructuring, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the successor entity
- Protection of Rights: We may disclose information when necessary to enforce our Terms of Service, protect our legal rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or the public
- With Your Consent: We may disclose information with your explicit consent for specific purposes
All third-party service providers are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of your personal information and are prohibited from using it for any purpose other than providing services to us.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities and improve Website functionality.
Types of Cookies We Use:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for the Website to function properly (e.g., session management, security)
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the Website (e.g., Google Analytics, Clicky)
- Functional Cookies: Enable enhanced functionality and personalization
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
You can control cookies through your browser settings and refuse all cookies or receive notifications when cookies are sent. However, disabling cookies may impair Website functionality and your user experience.
Third-Party Analytics: We use third-party analytics services that may set their own cookies. These services collect aggregated data about Website usage, traffic sources, and user demographics. Refer to their privacy policies for details on how they handle data.
6. Third-Party Links and External Websites
Our Website contains links to third-party websites, including websites of listed plumbers, social media platforms, and other external services.
We are not responsible for:
- The privacy practices, content, or security of any third-party websites
- Data collection, use, or disclosure by external sites
- The accuracy or reliability of information on third-party sites
When you click on external links, you are leaving our Website and will be subject to the privacy policies of those third-party sites. We strongly encourage you to review the privacy policies of any websites you visit.
We do not endorse or make any representations about third-party websites, and any interactions you have with them are at your own risk.
7. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Secure server infrastructure and data encryption
- Access controls and authentication mechanisms
- Regular security assessments and monitoring
- Employee training on data protection practices
- Contractual safeguards with third-party service providers
IMPORTANT SECURITY DISCLAIMER:
Despite our security measures, no method of transmission over the internet, mobile network, or electronic storage is 100% secure or error-free. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. Data breaches, unauthorized access, hacking, and other security incidents may occur despite our best efforts.
By using the Website, you acknowledge and accept the inherent security risks of transmitting information over the internet and agree that we are not liable for any security breaches, data loss, or unauthorized access beyond our reasonable control.
If you have reason to believe that your personal information has been compromised, please contact us immediately at hello@plumberstoday.com.au
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy and to comply with our legal, regulatory, and business requirements.
Retention Periods:
- Contact Inquiries: Retained for 2 years after the last communication
- Directory Listings: Retained for the duration of the listing and 3 years thereafter for business records
- Analytics Data: Aggregated data retained indefinitely; individual session data retained for 26 months
- Legal Records: Retained as required by Australian law (typically 7 years for business records)
After the retention period expires, we will securely delete or anonymize your personal information, unless retention is required by law, for dispute resolution, or to enforce our agreements.
9. International Users and Data Transfers
This Website is operated in Australia and is intended for use by Australian residents seeking plumbing services within Australia. Our servers and data storage facilities are located in Australia.
If you are accessing the Website from outside Australia, please be aware that:
- Your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in Australia
- Australian privacy laws will govern the collection and use of your information
- Your information may be subject to access by Australian law enforcement and regulatory authorities
- Data protection standards may differ from those in your country
By using the Website from outside Australia, you consent to the transfer and processing of your information in Australia under Australian law.
Third-Party Services: Some of our service providers (e.g., analytics, hosting) may be located overseas. In such cases, your information may be transferred to and stored in countries with different privacy laws. We take reasonable steps to ensure overseas recipients comply with Australian privacy standards.
10. Changes to Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify, update, or replace this Privacy Policy at any time without prior notice. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Website with an updated "Last updated" date.
For significant changes that materially affect your rights or how we handle your personal information, we may provide additional notice (such as a prominent announcement on the Website or email notification if we have your email address).
It is your responsibility to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed of any changes. Your continued use of the Website after any modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
If you do not agree with any changes, you must immediately cease using the Website and may request deletion of your personal information (subject to our legal retention obligations).
11. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Email: hello@plumberstoday.com.au
Please include "Privacy Inquiry" in the subject line of your email and provide sufficient detail to allow us to address your concern.