Privacy Policy

Steel Frame Designs ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our chatbot service, in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Project Information: Details about your building project, requirements, and preferences
• Communication Records: Correspondence via email, phone, contact forms, and chatbot conversations
• Consultation Information: Information discussed during free consultations and meetings

1.2 Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information when you use our website:

• Website Analytics: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on site
• Cookies: We use cookies to improve your browsing experience and website functionality
• Chatbot Interactions: Messages, timestamps, and session data from our AI chatbot

2. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information through:

• Website Forms: Contact forms, consultation booking forms, quote requests
• Chatbot Service: Our AI-powered chatbot that helps answer questions about our services
• Email and Phone: Direct communications with our team
• Consultations: Information provided during free design consultations
• Google Analytics: Website usage statistics and user behavior data
• Calendly: Appointment booking information through our scheduling system

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide steel frame design services, quotes, and consultations
• Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide project updates, and customer support
• Chatbot Improvement: To enhance our AI chatbot's ability to assist customers
• Website Optimization: To improve website functionality and user experience
• Business Operations: For administrative purposes, record keeping, and business planning
• Marketing: To send relevant information about our services (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: To meet legal and regulatory requirements

4. Chatbot Privacy Notice

4.1 Chatbot Data Collection

Our AI chatbot collects and processes:

• Messages you send to the chatbot
• Your name and email address (when provided)
• Conversation timestamps and session data
• Website page where the chatbot interaction occurred

4.2 Chatbot Data Usage

Chatbot data is used to:

• Provide real-time assistance with your steel frame design questions
• Improve our chatbot's responses and functionality
• Follow up on customer inquiries when requested
• Analyze common customer questions to improve our services

4.3 Chatbot Data Storage

Chatbot conversations are securely stored in our database for service improvement and customer support purposes. You can request deletion of your chatbot data at any time.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your personal information with:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party providers who assist with our services (engineering consultants, fabricators, web hosting)
• Professional Advisors: Lawyers, accountants, and other professional advisors as necessary
• Legal Requirements: Government agencies or authorities when required by law
• Business Transfer: In the event of a business sale, merger, or acquisition

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

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information:

• Secure server hosting with encryption
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Access controls and staff training on privacy practices
• Secure communication channels for sensitive information

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Improve our services through data analysis

Generally, we retain customer information for 7 years after the completion of services, unless you request earlier deletion or longer retention is required by law.

8. Your Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint about our privacy practices
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for marketing communications

9. Cookies Policy

Our website uses cookies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and user behavior
• Improve website functionality and performance
• Enable chatbot functionality

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings, though some website functionality may be affected.

10. Third-Party Services

Our website uses the following third-party services:

• Google Analytics: Website analytics (subject to Google's Privacy Policy)
• Calendly: Appointment scheduling (subject to Calendly's Privacy Policy)
• OpenAI: AI chatbot functionality (subject to OpenAI's Privacy Policy)
• Supabase: Database services for chatbot data storage
• Vercel: Website hosting and performance optimization

11. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located overseas (including the United States). We ensure that any international transfers of personal information comply with Australian privacy law and include appropriate safeguards.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notification for material changes (where appropriate)

13. Contact Us

14. Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy, please contact us first so we can investigate and resolve your concern. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a complaint with:

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. It applies to Steel Frame Designs' collection and handling of personal information in Australia.