Privacy Policy

How we handle and protect your information

Last Updated: November 6, 2025

Introduction

Look, we get it - nobody actually likes reading these things. But we're not your typical corporate auto shop, so we've tried to keep this straightforward and honest. At Ember Gale Australis, we work on some pretty high-end European machines, which means we're handling info about you and your vehicles. This policy explains what we do with that information.

We're based in North Vancouver, BC, Canada, and we follow Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA, for the policy nerds out there). Bottom line: we respect your privacy because we'd want the same if the roles were reversed.

Information We Collect

When you book a service or reach out to us, we'll need the basics:

  • Your name and how to reach you (phone, email)
  • Billing address for invoicing
  • Payment info when you settle up (though we don't store full credit card numbers)

Pretty standard stuff - can't fix your BMW without knowing who you are, right?

Since we specialize in European performance vehicles, we keep detailed records:

  • VIN, make, model, year - the usual suspects
  • Service history with us (what we've worked on, parts used, tune specs)
  • Diagnostic codes and performance data from our equipment
  • Any custom modifications or special requests you've made

This helps us track what we've done to your ride and plan future work properly. When you're pushing 400+ horsepower through a transmission, documentation matters.

Like most websites these days, ours collects some technical info:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Pages you visit and how long you hang out
  • Where you came from (like if you clicked a link from somewhere)

We use this to make the site work better and see what info people actually care about.

How We Use Your Information

We're not in the business of selling your data or spamming you. Here's what we actually do with it:

Service Delivery

Schedule appointments, order parts for your specific vehicle, do the actual work, and send you invoices. That's the main gig.

Communication

Let you know when your car's ready, follow up on service, send appointment reminders. No marketing spam unless you specifically ask for it.

Record Keeping

Maintain service history so we know what's been done to your vehicle. Super important for performance work and warranty stuff.

Legal Stuff

Keep financial records for taxes, handle any warranty claims, and protect ourselves legally if something goes sideways (knock on wood).

Who We Share Information With

We don't sell or rent your personal info - that's not our style. But there are a few situations where we share data:

  • Parts Suppliers & Manufacturers: Sometimes we need to share vehicle info with OEM suppliers or aftermarket manufacturers, especially for warranty claims or when ordering specialized performance parts.
  • Payment Processors: When you pay by card, that goes through a secure payment processor. We never see or store your full card details.
  • Service Providers: Things like our appointment scheduling software, email service, and accounting software. They're all bound by their own privacy policies.
  • Legal Requirements: If we're legally required to hand over info (like a court order or valid government request), we'll comply. But we'll let you know if we're allowed to.
  • Business Transfer: If we ever sell the shop or merge with another business, your records would transfer to the new owners. We'd give you a heads up if that ever happens.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. These are small files that help the site remember you and work properly.

What We Use:
  • Essential Cookies: Required for the site to function (like keeping you logged into the appointment system)
  • Analytics: Help us understand how people use the site so we can make it better
  • Preferences: Remember your settings and choices

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some parts of the site might not work right if you do. Most browsers let you control cookies pretty easily - just check your settings.

Data Security

We take security seriously - we're working on expensive vehicles and handling sensitive info, so we've gotta protect it.

Encryption

All data transmission is encrypted using SSL/TLS technology

Secure Storage

Physical and digital records kept in secure, access-controlled systems

Limited Access

Only authorized staff can access customer information

That said, no system is 100% bulletproof. We do our best, but if there's ever a breach, we'll let you know ASAP and tell you what happened and what we're doing about it.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got some rights when it comes to your personal info. Here's the rundown:

Access Your Information

You can ask to see what personal info we have about you. We'll show you within a reasonable timeframe (usually within 30 days).

Correct Mistakes

If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it. Accurate records are important to us too.

Delete Your Data

You can ask us to delete your info, though we might need to keep some stuff for legal or accounting reasons (like tax records).

Opt-Out of Marketing

Don't want promotional emails? No problem - just click unsubscribe or let us know. We'll still send service-related stuff though (like appointment confirmations).

File a Complaint

If you think we've mishandled your info, you can complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. We'd rather you talk to us first so we can make it right.

How Long We Keep Your Info

We don't hang onto your data forever. Here's generally how long we keep different types of info:

  • Service Records: Typically 7 years for warranty and legal purposes
  • Financial Records: 7 years (Canadian tax law requirement)
  • Marketing Preferences: Until you tell us to stop or we close the business
  • Website Analytics: Usually aggregated and anonymized after 26 months

If you're no longer a customer and ask us to delete your info, we'll do it unless there's a legal reason to keep it.

Questions About Privacy?

Look, if any of this is confusing or you've got questions about how we handle your info, just reach out. We're here to help, not hide behind legal jargon.

Call Us

(604) 555-8947

Email Us

service@embergaleastralis.info

Visit Us

1847 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1V4, Canada

Note: We'll respond to privacy-related requests within 30 days. If we need more time (like for complex requests), we'll let you know.

Updates to This Policy

We might update this policy from time to time - maybe the law changes, or we add new services, whatever. When we do make changes, we'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top and post the new version here.

If it's a big change that affects how we use your info, we'll shoot you an email or put up a notice on the site. We won't make major changes without letting people know first.