Privacy Policy

Last Updated: [30/05/2025]

Who We Are

Lowies Auctions ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our online auction platform.

Data Controller: Lowies Auctions
Contact: [customerservices@lowiesauctions.co.uk]

What Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Payment Information: Billing address and transaction records (we do not store credit/debit card details - these are processed securely by third-party payment providers)
• Identity Verification: Photo ID, proof of address when required
• Communications: Messages, enquiries, and correspondence with us

Information We Collect Automatically

• Website Usage: Pages visited, time spent, clicks, search terms
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Cookies: Small files stored on your device to improve your experience

How We Use Your Information

We process your personal data for the following purposes:

Contract Performance

• Creating and managing your account
• Processing bids and auction transactions
• Facilitating payments and collections
• Providing customer support

Legitimate Interests

• Improving our services and website functionality
• Preventing fraud and ensuring platform security
• Marketing our services to existing customers
• Analytics to understand user behaviour

Legal Compliance

• Meeting regulatory requirements
• Responding to legal requests
• Maintaining records for tax and accounting purposes

Consent

• Marketing communications (where consent is required)
• Non-essential cookies

Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your data based on:

• Contract: To provide our auction services
• Legitimate Interest: To operate and improve our business
• Legal Obligation: To comply with laws and regulations
• Consent: Where specifically obtained

Who We Share Your Information With

We may share your personal data with:

• Payment Processors: To handle secure transactions
• Delivery Partners: When you choose delivery services
• Professional Advisors: Lawyers, accountants, and auditors
• Regulatory Bodies: When legally required
• Service Providers: IT support, hosting, and maintenance

We never sell your personal data to third parties.

International Transfers

Your data is primarily processed within the UK. If we transfer data outside the UK, we ensure adequate protection through:

• Adequacy decisions
• Standard contractual clauses
• Other appropriate safeguards

Data Retention

We keep your personal data only as long as necessary:

• Account Data: While your account is active plus 7 years for tax/legal purposes
• Transaction Records: 7 years after the transaction
• Marketing Data: Until you withdraw consent
• Website Analytics: Up to 26 months

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Access

Request a copy of your personal data we hold

Rectification

Correct inaccurate or incomplete information

Erasure

Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)

Restriction

Limit how we process your data

Portability

Receive your data in a machine-readable format

Objection

Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing

Withdraw Consent

Where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, contact us at [insert contact details].

Cookies

We use cookies to:

• Remember your preferences and login details
• Analyse website performance
• Provide personalised content

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Essential cookies are necessary for the website to function properly.

Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and staff training
• Secure payment processing

Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We'll notify you of significant changes by email or website notice.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights:

Email: customerservices@lowiesauctions.co.uk

Complaints

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

ICO Website: ico.org.uk
ICO Helpline: 0303 123 1113

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with UK GDPR requirements. We recommend seeking legal advice to ensure full compliance with your specific circumstances.