1. Introduction

Fair Value ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our business valuation service.

This policy complies with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and applies to all users of our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when using our Service:

Account Information: Name, email address, login credentials
Business Information: Business name, industry, location, years in operation, number of employees
Financial Data: Profit & Loss statements, Balance Sheets, Cash Flow statements, and other financial documents you upload
Payment Information: Billing details processed securely through Stripe (we do not store complete credit card numbers)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access our Service, we automatically collect:

Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, actions taken
Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
Cookies and Tracking: Session cookies, authentication tokens, analytics data

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

Service Delivery: Generate business valuation reports based on your data
Account Management: Create and maintain your account, process payments, provide customer support
Service Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve our algorithms and user experience
Communication: Send transactional emails (valuation reports, receipts), service updates, and optional marketing communications
Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist us (e.g., Stripe for payment processing, cloud hosting providers, analytics services)
Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety
With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information

Important: Your financial data is used solely to generate your valuation report. We do not share your specific financial information with third parties except as necessary to provide the Service.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
Secure cloud infrastructure with access controls
Regular security assessments and updates
Limited employee access to personal information

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

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and comply with legal obligations:

Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after closure
Financial Data: Retained for the duration required to provide your valuation reports and for legal/tax purposes
Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years to comply with New Zealand tax and accounting requirements

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, you have the following rights:

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 retention requirements)
Objection: Object to certain processing of your information
Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, commonly used format
Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us through the support channels provided in the Service.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

Maintain your session and keep you logged in
Remember your preferences
Analyze usage patterns and improve the Service
Provide security features

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of the Service.

9. Third-Party Services

Our Service integrates with third-party services:

Stripe: Payment processing (subject to Stripe's Privacy Policy)
Analytics Services: Usage tracking and service improvement
Cloud Hosting: Data storage and service infrastructure

These third parties have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than New Zealand. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

11. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through the Service. Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us through the support channels provided in the Service.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner at www.privacy.org.nz.