This Privacy Policy explains how TradeBase.ie (“we”, “our”, “us”) collects, uses, processes, and protects personal data in connection with TradeBase.ie (the “Website”).
We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data in accordance with:
- The General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”);
- The Data Protection Acts 1988–2018; and
- All applicable Irish data protection legislation.
For the purposes of data protection law, TradeBase.ie is the data controller of your personal data.
By using the Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
1. Personal Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:
1.1 Tradesmen (Advertisers)
When submitting a listing or purchasing advertising services, we may collect:
- Full name
- Business name
- Business address
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Website address (if applicable)
- VAT number (if applicable)
- Payment information (processed via third-party payment providers)
- Any additional information voluntarily included in your listing
1.2 Users (Members of the Public)
When using contact forms or communicating with us, we may collect:
- Name
- Email address
- Telephone number (if provided)
- Content of your enquiry
1.3 Automatically Collected Technical Data
When you access the Website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referral source
- Cookie and usage data
2. How We Use Personal Data
We use personal data for the following purposes:
- To publish and manage business listings
- To process payments and administer accounts
- To respond to enquiries and provide customer support
- To operate, maintain, and improve the Website
- To monitor usage and prevent fraud or misuse
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
We do not sell personal data to third parties.
3. Legal Bases for Processing
Under GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:
- Contractual necessity – where processing is necessary to provide advertising services to Tradesmen.
- Legitimate interests – to operate and improve our business, ensure Website security, and prevent fraud.
- Legal obligation – where processing is required to comply with Irish law (e.g., tax or accounting obligations).
- Consent – where required, such as for non-essential cookies or marketing communications.
4. Payments
Payments are processed securely through third-party payment service providers. We do not store full credit or debit card details on our servers.
Payment providers process personal data in accordance with their own privacy policies and act as independent data controllers for payment processing purposes.
5. Sharing of Personal Data
We may share personal data with:
- Website hosting providers
- IT and system administration providers
- Payment processors
- Professional advisers (legal, accounting, or compliance)
- Regulatory authorities where required by law
All service providers are required to process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws and appropriate confidentiality safeguards.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services
- Maintain active listings
- Comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
Financial and transaction records may be retained for up to six (6) years in accordance with Irish legal requirements.
7. Your Data Protection Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to:
- Request access to your personal data
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Request erasure of your data
- Request restriction of processing
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Request data portability
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us via the Contact page on TradeBase.ie.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission in Ireland.
8. Cookie Policy
This section explains how we use cookies and similar technologies on TradeBase.ie.
8.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function properly, improve user experience, and provide information to website owners.
8.2 Types of Cookies We Use
We may use the following categories of cookies:
(a) Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the operation of the Website and cannot be disabled in our systems. They enable core functionality such as security and accessibility.
Legal basis: Legitimate interest.
(b) Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors use the Website by collecting anonymous information about traffic and user behaviour.
Legal basis: Consent (where required).
(c) Functional Cookies
These cookies allow the Website to remember choices you make (such as preferences) to enhance your experience.
Legal basis: Consent (where required).
(d) Marketing Cookies (if applicable)
These cookies may be used to deliver relevant advertisements or measure advertising effectiveness.
Legal basis: Consent.
8.3 Cookie Consent
Where required by law, we obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device.
You may:
- Accept or reject non-essential cookies via our cookie banner;
- Adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies;
- Withdraw consent at any time.
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect Website functionality.
8.4 Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies may be placed by third-party service providers (such as analytics providers). These third parties may process personal data in accordance with their own privacy policies.
We do not control third-party cookies.
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard personal data, including protection against:
- Unauthorised access
- Accidental loss
- Destruction or damage
However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. International Data Transfers
Where personal data is transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission; or
- Transfers to countries recognised as providing an adequate level of protection.
11. Third-Party Websites
The Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of such websites.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be published on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.
Continued use of the Website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal data is handled, please contact us via the Contact page on TradeBase.ie.
You also have the right to contact the Data Protection Commission in Ireland for further information about your data protection rights.