Last updated: January 8, 2025
Effective date: January 8, 2025
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
At Chicken Road Antiques, we're passionate about protecting your privacy just like we protect valuable antiques. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website.
The short version: We only collect information you voluntarily provide, we never sell your data, and we use industry-standard security measures to keep it safe.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide to Us
We only collect personal information that you voluntarily share with us:
- Contact Form: Name, email address, and any message you send us
- Newsletter Subscription: Email address if you choose to subscribe
- User Stories: Photos, stories, or tips you submit for potential publication
- Comments or Feedback: Any feedback you provide about our content
Information Automatically Collected
Like most websites, we automatically collect some technical information:
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, referring websites
- Location Data: General location (country/state level) based on IP address
- Cookies: Small files that help improve your browsing experience
About Cookies
We use cookies to remember your preferences (like accepting our cookie notice) and to understand how visitors use our site. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work as intended.
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for these purposes:
Communication
- Respond to your inquiries
- Send newsletter updates (if subscribed)
- Share collecting tips and stories
- Notify you of new content
Website Improvement
- Understand which content is most helpful
- Improve website performance
- Fix technical issues
- Create better user experiences
Content Creation
- Feature your stories (with permission)
- Create relevant collecting advice
- Develop region-specific content
- Answer frequently asked questions
Legal Compliance
- Comply with Australian privacy laws
- Prevent spam and abuse
- Protect against fraud
- Maintain website security
How We Share Your Information
We're committed to keeping your information private. Here's our approach:
✅ We Never Sell Your Data
Your personal information is not for sale. We don't sell, rent, or trade your data to third parties for marketing purposes.
Limited Sharing Situations
We may share information only in these specific circumstances:
- With Your Permission: User stories or photos featured on our site (always with attribution)
- Service Providers: Trusted partners who help operate our website (email services, hosting)
- Legal Requirements: If required by Australian law or to protect our rights
- Business Transfer: If Chicken Road Antiques is sold (rare as we're not a commercial operation)
Data Security
We protect your information using industry-standard security measures:
- Encryption: Data transmitted to our site is encrypted using SSL technology
- Access Controls: Only authorized personnel can access personal information
- Regular Updates: We keep our security systems current and monitored
- Data Minimization: We only collect what we actually need
- Secure Storage: Information is stored on protected servers in Australia
Important Note: While we implement strong security measures, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We can't guarantee absolute security, but we take all reasonable precautions.
Your Rights and Choices
Under Australian privacy law, you have important rights regarding your personal information:
Access & Correction
- Request copies of your personal data
- Correct inaccurate information
- Update your contact preferences
Deletion & Restriction
- Request deletion of your data
- Unsubscribe from newsletters anytime
- Object to certain data processing
How to Exercise Your Rights
Contact us at hello@chickenroadantiques.com.au with your request. We'll respond within 30 days and verify your identity before processing any requests.
Children's Privacy
Our website is designed for adults interested in antique collecting. We don't knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you're a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we'll delete it promptly.
International Visitors
While we're based in Australia and primarily serve Australian collectors, visitors from other countries are welcome. Please note that your information may be transferred to and processed in Australia, which has privacy laws that may differ from your country.
Third-Party Services
Our website may use third-party services that have their own privacy policies:
- Google Analytics: Helps us understand website usage (you can opt-out via browser settings)
- Email Services: For sending newsletters and responding to inquiries
- Social Media: If you interact with our social media content
- External Links: We link to antique resources and markets with their own privacy practices
Data Retention
We keep your personal information only as long as necessary:
- Contact Inquiries: 2 years, then deleted unless ongoing correspondence
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe
- User Stories: Indefinitely if published (with your permission)
- Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics standard)
- Legal Requirements: As required by Australian law
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We'll post the updated version on this page with a new effective date. For significant changes, we may notify subscribers via email.
Australian Privacy Laws
This Privacy Policy complies with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Contact Us About Privacy
We're always happy to answer questions about your privacy and how we handle your information:
Get in Touch
📧 Email: hello@chickenroadantiques.com.au
🏛️ Privacy Officer: Available via email above
📍 Based in: Australia (specific address available upon request)
⏰ Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours
Privacy Complaints: If you're not satisfied with our response to a privacy concern, you can lodge a complaint with the OAIC at oaic.gov.au
Summary
Our Privacy Promise
- We only collect information you choose to share
- We never sell your personal data
- We use industry-standard security measures
- You can access, correct, or delete your information anytime
- We comply with Australian privacy laws
- We're transparent about our practices
"Just like we preserve the stories behind antiques, we preserve the trust you place in us with your personal information."