Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Dorshorst Auctions ("we," "us," or "our") operates the website www.dorshorstauctions.com and related online auction services. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you use our website, services, and applications, including any integrations with third-party services such as Google APIs.

By using our website or services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide to Us

When you register for an auction, contact us, or use our services, we may collect:

• Your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address
• Billing and payment information (processed through secure third-party payment processors)
• Bidder registration details
• Communications you send to us (emails, messages, inquiries)
• Wisconsin tax exemption certificates, if applicable

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and general location data
• Browser type, operating system, and device information
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Information from Third-Party Services

If you interact with our services through third-party platforms (such as HiBid, AuctionFlex, Google, or social media platforms), we may receive limited profile information as permitted by those services and your privacy settings.

3. Google User Data

3.1 What Google User Data We Access

Our application may request access to certain Google user data through Google OAuth 2.0 authentication. The specific data accessed depends on the permissions (scopes) you grant, which may include:

• Gmail Data: Access to read, compose, send, and manage email messages and drafts within your Gmail account for the purpose of auction-related communications, notifications, and administrative functions.
• Google Account Profile: Basic profile information such as your name and email address for authentication and identification purposes.

3.2 How We Use Google User Data

We use Google user data solely for the following purposes:

• Sending and managing auction-related communications (invoices, notifications, confirmations)
• Organizing and categorizing auction business correspondence
• Administrative management of our auction business email operations
• Authenticating your identity when accessing our services

3.3 How We Store and Protect Google User Data

Google user data is handled with the following protections:

• Access tokens are stored securely and encrypted at rest
• Google user data is not stored on our servers beyond what is necessary for the immediate operation requested
• We use HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
• Access to Google user data is limited to authorized personnel only

3.4 Sharing of Google User Data

We do not sell, rent, lease, or trade Google user data to any third parties. We do not share Google user data with third parties except:

• As necessary to provide the services you have requested
• When required by law, regulation, or legal process
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of Dorshorst Auctions, our users, or the public

3.5 Data Retention and Deletion of Google User Data

We retain Google user data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. You may request deletion of your Google user data at any time by contacting us at dorshorstauctions@gmail.com. Upon receiving a deletion request, we will remove your Google user data from our systems within 30 days.

You may also revoke our application's access to your Google account at any time by visiting your Google Account Permissions page.

3.6 Compliance with Google Policies

Our use of information received from Google APIs adheres to the Google API Services User Data Policy , including the Limited Use requirements. Specifically:

• We limit our use of Google user data to the practices explicitly disclosed in this Privacy Policy
• We do not use Google user data for serving advertisements
• We do not allow humans to read Google user data unless we have your affirmative consent, it is necessary for security purposes, to comply with applicable law, or for our internal operations (and the data is aggregated and anonymized)
• We do not transfer Google user data to third parties unless necessary to provide or improve user-facing features, to comply with applicable laws, or as part of a merger or acquisition with adequate data protection commitments

4. How We Use Your Information

Beyond the Google-specific uses described above, we use the personal information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain our auction services
• Process transactions and send related information (confirmations, invoices, receipts)
• Communicate with you about auctions, including upcoming sales and results
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Send marketing communications (such as our Mailchimp newsletter), which you may opt out of at any time
• Comply with legal obligations, including tax reporting requirements
• Improve and optimize our website and services

5. How We Share Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist us in operating our business, including payment processors (Global Payments), auction platforms (HiBid, AuctionFlex), email marketing services (Mailchimp), and shipping carriers (USPS, UPS, Pirate Ship)
• Legal Compliance: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with appropriate data protection commitments

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• HTTPS encryption for all website communications
• Secure storage of authentication credentials and tokens
• Limited access controls for personnel handling personal data
• Regular review of our data collection, storage, and processing practices

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active, as needed to provide you services, or as necessary to comply with our legal obligations (including tax and financial record-keeping requirements). When the data retention period expires for a given type of data, we will delete or destroy it. You may request deletion of your personal data by contacting us.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Revoke Google Access: Revoke our access to your Google account data at any time through your Google Account settings

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at dorshorstauctions@gmail.com or call (608) 628-1631.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and understand where our visitors come from. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on our website.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services, including HiBid, AuctionFlex, AuctionZip, and other auction platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our site.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised effective date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or your personal information, please contact us: