Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 1^st, 2025
Last Updated: April 1^st, 2025

At McDougall Auctioneers Ltd. and McDougall Auctioneers Inc. (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” “www.mcdougallauction.com,” and/or the “Company”), we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our websites, use our services, or interact with us in Canada and the United States.

1. Scope and Compliance

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of our websites (www.mcdougallauction.com and affiliated sites), online auction platforms, and related services.

We comply with applicable privacy laws, including:

• Canada: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
• United States: Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA), along with other applicable state privacy laws

If you are a resident of Canada or the United States, you may have specific rights regarding your personal data. See Section 8 for details.

2. Information We Collect & Process

We collect and process two types of information: personal information and non-personal information.

1. Personal Information

Personal information identifies you as an individual. We may collect and process:

• Contact Information: Name, address, email, phone number
• Account Information: Username, password, bidding history
• Payment Information: Transaction history, credit/debit card details (processed via third-party payment processors)
• Identification Information: Government-issued ID for auction verification (as required by law)
• Preferences: Product wish lists, language preferences, marketing consent

1. Non-Personal Information

Non-personal information does not identify you directly but helps us improve our services:

• Browser type, operating system, device type
• IP address, referring URLs, and usage analytics
• Aggregate auction participation trends
• Cookies and tracking technologies (See Section 7)

3. How We Use Your Information

The information we collect will be used for the purpose for which it was provided or collected, and for other appropriate purposes. For example, we may use your information to:

• Open an account
• Provide and improve our auction services
• Process transactions and payments securely
• Verify identities and prevent fraud
• Communicate updates, promotions, and legal notices
• Customize user experience and website functionality by identifying customer preferences
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third-parties for any purpose. However, we may share it with:

• Service Providers to the Company: Third-party vendors assisting with payment processing, IT support, marketing, and analytics for the Company
• Legal Authorities: When required by law (e.g., fraud prevention, legal disputes)
• Business Transfers: In case of mergers, acquisitions, or business restructuring of the Company

5. Data Retention and Security

We retain personal information as long as necessary for legal, financial, or operational purposes. To protect your personal information, we have established and implemented effective administrative, technical, and physical data security practices. Security measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data
• Access controls and authentication for our system
• Regular security audits

6. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Because we operate in both Canada and the U.S., your information may be stored or processed in either country. We implement safeguards to comply with cross-border data transfer laws, ensuring secure handling of personal information.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, pixels, and analytics tools to improve user experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or opt out of targeted advertising through industry-standard tools.

8. Your Rights and Choices
9. Canada (PIPEDA)

• Right to Know:  You have the right to know what information we hold, how it was obtained and how it has been used or disclosed. If you request access to your personal data, we will respond to your request as soon as possible and no later than 30 days. 
• Right to Access and Correct: You have the right to access and correct personal data.
• Right to Withdraw: You have the right to withdraw consent for marketing communications or other uses.
• Right to Dispute:  You have the right to right to file complaints with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

1. Texas (TDPSA)

• Right to Know: You have the right to confirm whether we are processing your personal data.
• Right to Access: You have the right to request that we provide access to and/or a copy of your personal data we hold about you. If the data is available in a digital format, you have the right to obtain a copy of your personal data that you previously provided to us in a portable and, to the extent technically feasible, readily usable format that allows you to transmit the data to another controller without hindrance.
• Right to Correct: You have the right to request that we correct inaccuracies regarding your personal data.
• Right to Delete: You have the right to request that we delete your personal data that you provided to us or we collected about you, subject to certain exceptions.
• Opt-Out Rights: You have the right to opt out of the processing of the personal data for the purposes of:
• targeted advertising;
• the sale of personal data; or
• profiling in furtherance of a decision that produces a legal or similarly significant effect concerning the consumer.

You have the right to appeal our decision(s) regarding your requests to exercise your rights under the TDPSA.  To start an appeal, please include ‘Appeal’ in the subject line, along with the prior request and related communications. We will notify you in writing of any action taken or not taken in response to your appeal not later than the 45^th day after receiving your appeal. We will include a written explanation of the reason(s) for our decision. You can submit your appeal to us by following the instructions set forth in the “Contact Information” section below. You may contact the Texas Attorney General if you have concerns about the results of the appeal.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The "Last Updated" date will reflect changes. Continued use of our services implies acceptance of any updates.

11. Contact Information

For questions or to exercise your privacy rights, contact our Privacy Officer:

McDougall Auctioneers Ltd. / McDougall Auctioneers Inc.
Attn: Privacy Officer
Email: riley.m@mcdauction.com
Toll-Free: 1-800-263-4193
Website: www.mcdougallauction.com

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 information as outlined above.