Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Giving Goods Delivery Co ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

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

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide to Us

Account Registration:

• Business name
• Contact person name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Australian Business Number (ABN) (optional)
• Business address (street, suburb, state, postcode)
• Password (stored securely using encryption)

Delivery Information:

• Recipient names
• Delivery addresses
• Phone numbers
• Delivery instructions
• Product descriptions (for temperature control purposes)

Payment and Invoicing:

• Billing preferences
• Xero account details (if you choose to integrate)
• Payment records and transaction history

Communications:

• Messages you send to us via email or support channels
• Feedback and survey responses

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access our website and portal, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device type and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website
• Date and time of access
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

Xero Integration:

If you connect your Xero account, we receive:

• Contact information
• Invoice data
• Payment status updates

Shopify/WooCommerce:

If you integrate with e-commerce platforms, we may receive:

• Customer order data
• Delivery addresses extracted from orders

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Delivery

• To process and fulfill delivery orders
• To assign deliveries to appropriate routes and drivers
• To provide GPS tracking and proof of delivery
• To communicate delivery status updates

3.2 Account Management

• To create and manage your account
• To verify your email address
• To authenticate your identity
• To respond to your inquiries and support requests

3.3 Billing and Invoicing

• To generate and send invoices via Xero
• To track payment status
• To manage billing disputes

3.4 Communication

• To send service-related notifications (delivery confirmations, invoice notifications)
• To send verification and welcome emails
• To notify you of changes to our services or policies
• To send promotional communications (with your consent, which you may withdraw at any time)

3.5 Improvement and Analytics

• To analyze usage patterns and improve our services
• To troubleshoot technical issues
• To develop new features and services
• To conduct research and analysis

3.6 Legal and Security

• To comply with legal obligations
• To enforce our Terms and Conditions
• To protect against fraud and unauthorized access
• To resolve disputes

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business:

• Hosting providers: (server and database hosting)
• Email service providers: (Mailgun for transactional emails)
• Accounting software: (Xero, if you choose to integrate)
• Analytics providers: (Google Analytics for website usage)
• Delivery drivers: (limited information necessary to complete deliveries)

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

4.2 Drivers

We share limited information with our drivers to facilitate deliveries:

• Recipient name
• Delivery address
• Phone number
• Delivery instructions

Drivers are bound by confidentiality obligations and must not use this information for any purpose other than completing deliveries.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

• Court orders or subpoenas
• Requests from law enforcement or government agencies
• Legal processes or regulatory requirements

4.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will notify you of any such change in ownership.

4.5 With Your Consent

We may share your information for purposes not described in this Privacy Policy with your explicit consent.

5. Data Security

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

5.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: Passwords are hashed using bcrypt. Data in transit is protected using SSL/TLS (HTTPS).
• Access Controls: Access to personal information is restricted to authorized personnel only.
• Authentication: Account access requires secure login credentials and email verification.
• Monitoring: We monitor for unauthorized access and suspicious activity.
• Regular Updates: We keep our systems and security measures up to date.

5.2 Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as:

• Your account is active, or
• Necessary to provide our services, or
• Required by law (e.g., tax and accounting records are kept for 7 years).

When no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize your information.

6. Your Rights and Choices

Under the Australian Privacy Act, you have the following rights:

6.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@thegivinggoodsdeliveryco.com.au.

6.2 Opt-Out of Marketing

You may opt out of promotional emails by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email, or
• Contacting us at info@thegivinggoodsdeliveryco.com.au.

Note: You cannot opt out of service-related communications (e.g., delivery notifications, invoice emails) while you remain an active client.

6.3 Account Deletion

You may request deletion of your account by contacting us. Upon deletion:

• Your account will be deactivated.
• Personal information will be deleted or anonymized, except where retention is required by law.
• You remain responsible for any outstanding invoices.

6.4 Cookies and Tracking

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for authentication and security (cannot be disabled).
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site (can be disabled).
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences (can be disabled).

7.2 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

7.3 Managing Cookies

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Consult your browser's help documentation for instructions.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., Xero, Shopify). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

9. Children's Privacy

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

10. International Data Transfers

Your information is stored on servers located in Australia. If we transfer information outside Australia, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting a notice on our website, or
• Sending an email to the address associated with your account.

Your continued use of our services after such notification constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Complaints and Disputes

12.1 Making a Complaint

If you have a complaint about how we handle your personal information, please contact us at:

The Giving Goods Delivery Co

Email: info@thegivinggoodsdeliveryco.com.au

We will investigate your complaint and respond within 30 days.

12.2 Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Website: www.oaic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 363 992

Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au

13. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

The Giving Goods Delivery Co

Email: info@thegivinggoodsdeliveryco.com.au

Website: thegivinggoodsdeliveryco.com.au

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**Last Updated**: October 7, 2025

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described herein.