Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Edwards & Smith Buyers Agents is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information safely and responsibly. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website edwardsandsmith.com.au or engage with our services.

2. Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)

Edwards & Smith adheres to the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). The APPs govern how we handle personal information and ensure that your privacy is respected and protected in accordance with Australian law.

3. Information We Collect

We may collect various types of personal information when you interact with our website or services, including:

• Personal Identification Information: Name, email address, phone number, and postal address
• Professional Information: Job title, company name, and industry sector
• Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and interactions with our website
• Communication Records: Emails, phone calls, form submissions, and other correspondence with Edwards & Smith

4. How We Collect Information

We collect information through the following methods:

• Directly from You: When you fill out contact forms, request consultations, subscribe to newsletters, or communicate with us
• Automatically: Through cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies when you browse our website
• From Third Parties: Occasionally from business partners, referral sources, or publicly available sources

5. Use of Your Information

We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide and improve our buyers agent services, property searches, and consultations
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, requests, and provide customer support
• Marketing: To send you updates, newsletters, property alerts, and marketing communications (you can opt-out at any time)
• Analytics: To analyze usage trends, improve our website, and enhance user experience
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements

6. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting business, or servicing you (e.g., email platforms, analytics services)
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or legal process, or to protect our rights, property, or safety

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

7. Security of Your Information

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Secure servers and encryption technologies
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Restricted access to personal information within our organization
• Employee training on data protection and privacy

While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to protecting your data to the best of our ability.

8. Retention of Your Information

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When your information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

9. Access and Correction Rights

Under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of any inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided below. We may require proof of identity before processing your request to ensure the security of your personal information.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site usage, and support our marketing efforts. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and understand how you interact with our website.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality and user experience of our website.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites operated by third parties. Edwards & Smith is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information as soon as possible.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business operations. Any significant changes will be communicated by posting the updated policy on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

14. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us: