Privacy Policy

Introduction

Shift Happens Auto Sales ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

This policy complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation in Canada.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Submit a contact form or vehicle inquiry
• Apply for financing
• Request a trade-in valuation
• Sign up for promotional offers
• Contact us via email or phone

The personal information we collect may include:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Financial Information: Employment details, income information (for financing applications)
• Vehicle Information: Details about vehicles you own or are interested in purchasing
• Identification Information: Date of birth, driver's license number (if required for financing)

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected and with your consent. These purposes include:

• Responding to Inquiries: To answer your questions about vehicles, services, and availability
• Processing Applications: To review and process financing and trade-in applications
• Completing Transactions: To facilitate vehicle sales and related services
• Providing Updates: To inform you about your applications, appointments, or vehicle availability
• Marketing Communications: To send promotional offers and updates (only with your explicit consent)
• Improving Our Services: To analyze usage and improve our website and customer experience
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

Consent

We obtain your express consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your personal information. You provide consent when you:

• Check the consent checkbox on our forms
• Opt-in to receive marketing communications
• Provide your information for a specific purpose you've been informed about

You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us using the information provided below. However, withdrawal of consent may affect our ability to provide certain services.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us provide services (e.g., email service providers, financing partners)
• Financial Institutions: For credit applications and financing approvals (with your consent)
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety

All third parties are contractually required to keep your information confidential and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)
• Secure database storage with access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection and privacy
• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal requirements. Our retention periods are:

• Contact Inquiries: 2 years from last contact
• Financing Applications: 7 years (as required by law)
• Vehicle Purchase Records: 7 years (as required by law)
• Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent

After the retention period expires, we securely delete or anonymize your personal information.

Your Privacy Rights

Under PIPEDA, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent for marketing communications or other optional uses
• File a Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

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

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors use our site (if implemented)

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

Third-Party Links

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

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This 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 by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

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

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days as required by PIPEDA.