1. About this policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Mechmaster (we, us, our) collects, uses, discloses and protects personal information in connection with our vehicle and 4x4 workshop services and this website.
By using our website, contacting us or booking a service, you agree that your personal information may be handled in accordance with this policy, the Australian Privacy Principles and any other applicable laws.
2. What information we collect
We may collect personal information directly from you when you:
- submit an enquiry or booking request through our website form or by email
- call the workshop to ask a question or make a booking
- bring your vehicle to us for inspection, servicing or repairs
- subscribe to updates or marketing communications
- interact with us on social media.
The types of information we typically collect include:
- name and contact details (phone number, email address and, where relevant, postal address)
- basic vehicle details (make, model, year, registration, VIN where required)
- information about the services you have requested (e.g. logbook service, diagnostics, 4x4 build)
- workshop history and notes relating to previous visits or recommendations
- limited payment-related information (for example, record of payment method and invoice number). We do not store full card numbers if you pay by card.
- technical information when you use our website, such as IP address, browser type and pages viewed, collected via cookies and analytics tools.
Where it is reasonable and practical to do so, we will collect personal information directly from you. If someone makes a booking on your behalf (for example, a family member or fleet manager), we may also receive your information from them.
3. How we use your information
We use personal information for purposes including:
- responding to enquiries and providing quotes
- scheduling bookings and managing workshop workflow
- diagnosing issues with your vehicle, performing requested services and keeping records of work completed
- contacting you about your booking, approvals and completion times
- issuing invoices, receipts and maintaining general business records
- providing reminders for recommended follow-up services where appropriate
- improving our services, website and customer experience
- complying with our legal and regulatory obligations.
We will generally only use your personal information for the purpose for which it was collected, or for related purposes that you would reasonably expect.
4. Marketing communications
From time to time we may send you updates about workshop news, special offers or service reminders that we think may be relevant to you and your vehicle.
You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link in an email or by contacting us using the details below. We will still contact you when it is necessary to manage your bookings or provide important information about your vehicle.
5. Website, cookies & analytics
When you visit our website, we may use cookies and similar technologies to help the site work properly and to understand how it is being used.
Cookies are small files stored on your device that can be used for things like:
- remembering basic preferences (such as forms you have started)
- measuring website traffic and performance
- understanding which pages are most useful to visitors.
We may use third-party analytics services (for example, Google Analytics or similar tools) to help us understand aggregated website usage. These services may collect information such as your IP address, browser type and the pages you visit. This data is generally de-identified and used for statistical purposes.
You can usually adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If you disable cookies, some parts of the site may not function as intended.
6. Disclosure to third parties
We may share personal information with third parties where reasonably necessary to operate our business, for example:
- trusted suppliers and contractors who assist with vehicle services or parts
- technology providers that host our website, booking tools or email systems
- insurers, assessors or finance providers in connection with claims or approvals you request
- professional advisers such as accountants or lawyers
- government agencies, regulators, courts or law enforcement where required by law.
Where we share information with service providers, we aim to ensure they only use it for the purposes for which it was disclosed and that they handle it securely.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
7. Storage, security & retention
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. This includes physical, technical and administrative safeguards that are appropriate for the size of our workshop and the information we hold.
Personal information is stored in a combination of paper files and electronic records. Access is limited to team members and trusted service providers who need it to perform their role.
We retain personal information for as long as it is needed for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law (for example, record-keeping obligations). When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to de-identify or securely destroy it.
8. Accessing & correcting your information
You have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you, and to ask us to correct information that is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.
To make a request, please contact us using the details below. For security reasons, we may need to verify your identity before releasing or amending information. In most cases we will provide access free of charge, but we may charge a reasonable fee where a request is complex or resource-intensive.
If we are unable to provide access or make a requested correction, we will explain why and outline any options available to you.
9. Questions & complaints
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, or if you wish to make a privacy complaint, please contact us first so we can work with you to resolve the issue.
We will acknowledge your complaint and aim to investigate and respond within a reasonable time. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may be able to contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for further guidance.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available on this website and will include the effective date.
We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we handle personal information.
11. How to contact us
If you have questions, requests or feedback about privacy, please contact:
Mechmaster Workshop – Privacy Officer
123 Placeholder Road
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia
Phone: 1300 000 000
Email: service@mechmaster.com.au