Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Trade Connect ("we," "our," or "us") operates tradeconnect.sale (the "Website"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our platform that connects homeowners with contractors across Canada.

By using our Website, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 For Homeowners

• Name, email address, phone number
• Project location (city and province)
• Project details (type, budget, timeline, description)
• Communication preferences

2.2 For Contractors

• Business/company name
• Contact person name, email address, phone number
• Service area (city, province, radius)
• Service categories and specializations
• Years in business and experience information
• Payment and billing information (processed securely through Stripe)
• Portfolio photos and project examples (if provided)

2.3 Automatically Collected Information

• IP address and browser information
• Device type and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on the Website
• Referral source and search terms used
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

• To connect homeowners with qualified contractors in their area
• To process contractor subscriptions and manage accounts
• To send project notifications and updates
• To verify contractor credentials and approve applications
• To process payments securely through our payment processor (Stripe)
• To improve our Website and services
• To communicate important updates, promotions, or changes
• To prevent fraud and ensure platform security
• To comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Between Users: Homeowner project details are shared with contractors who subscribe to our platform. Contractor contact information is shared with homeowners who have posted projects.
• Service Providers: We use third-party services like Stripe for payment processing and email service providers for communications.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government regulation.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including SSL encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits. Payment information is processed through Stripe and is never stored on our servers. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Privacy Rights (Canada)

Under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA), you have the right to:

• Access your personal information we hold
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal obligations)
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications
• File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, analyze Website traffic, and personalize content. You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect Website functionality.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Contractor account information is retained for the duration of the subscription plus 7 years for accounting purposes. Homeowner project information is retained for 2 years after project completion.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Website is not intended for children 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.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the Website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.