This Privacy Policy explains how InstruBid (a trading name of Techplant Ltd) collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal data when you visit our website (instrubid.co.uk), register for or participate in auctions, submit inquiries, or otherwise interact with us. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who We Are

Techplant Ltd (trading as InstruBid)
Company Number: 13141214
Registered Office: 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
Trading Address: Unit 2 Wainwright Court, Canterbury Street, Blackburn, BB2 2DY, United Kingdom
Email: hello@instrubid.co.uk
Phone: 0333 335 5044

We are the data controller for the personal data collected through our website and auction activities.

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

• a. Data You Provide Directly
  • Name, address, and contact details (email, phone)
  • Company name and VAT number (if applicable)
  • Bidder or seller registration information
  • Delivery and billing information
  • Payment details (processed securely by third parties)
  • Enquiries submitted through our website or email
  • Feedback or communication via phone, email, or webforms
• b. Data We Collect Automatically
  • IP address, browser type, device type
  • Website usage data (e.g. pages visited, time spent)
  • Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 8)
• c. Data From Third Parties
  • Registration and bidding data from our auction platform provider (BidSpotter) if you register for auctions hosted by InstruBid
  • Payment processors
  • Logistics and shipping providers (e.g. when arranging delivery)
  • Public databases or social media (where applicable)

3. How We Use Your Personal Data

We will only use your personal data where we have a lawful basis to do so. The purposes for which we use your data include:

• To register you as a bidder or seller
• To manage auction participation and communicate auction results
• To process payments and refunds
• To arrange collection, delivery or storage of goods
• To respond to your enquiries and provide customer service
• To send auction updates, marketing communications (with consent or legitimate interest)
• To fulfil our legal obligations, including anti-money laundering (AML) compliance
• To improve our website and services via analytics
• To protect our business (e.g. fraud prevention, legal claims)

4. Legal Bases for Processing

We rely on one or more of the following legal bases under UK GDPR:

• Performance of a contract: to fulfil our obligations to you as a buyer or seller
• Consent: where you’ve opted in to marketing communications
• Legitimate interests: to manage and grow our business, prevent fraud, or send relevant updates
• Legal obligation: to comply with laws, including financial and tax regulations

5. Who We Share Your Data With

We only share personal data with trusted third parties, and only when necessary. These may include:

• BidSpotter.com (auction hosting platform)
• Payment processors (e.g. PayPal, Stripe, bank partners)
• Courier, freight and logistics companies
• IT service providers (e.g. hosting, email, CRM)
• Professional advisers (e.g. accountants, solicitors)
• Government agencies or regulators (if legally required)

We ensure all data processors comply with data protection laws and have appropriate safeguards in place.

6. International Data Transfers

If we transfer your personal data outside the UK (e.g. for cloud hosting or international shipping), we will ensure adequate safeguards are in place, such as:

• UK adequacy regulations
• Standard contractual clauses (SCCs)
• Binding corporate rules
• Or your explicit consent, where appropriate

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. For example:

• Auction and transaction records: 6 years, to comply with tax and contractual obligations
• Enquiries: up to 12 months after last contact
• Marketing consents: until you withdraw consent (unsubscribe)
• Cookie data: per cookie lifespan (see Section 8)

8. Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and monitor website performance. These may include:

• Essential cookies – required for website functionality
• Analytics cookies – e.g. Google Analytics to understand usage patterns
• Marketing cookies – only used with your consent

You can control cookies through your browser settings or via our cookie banner. See our Cookie Policy for full details.

9. Your Data Protection Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Access – to request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification – to correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure – to request deletion of your data (subject to legal limits)
• Restriction – to request limited processing
• Data portability – to receive your data in a structured format
• Objection – to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw consent – at any time for marketing or other consent-based processing
• Lodge a complaint – with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
  https://ico.org.uk

To exercise your rights, contact us at: hello@instrubid.co.uk

10. How We Protect Your Data

We take data security seriously and implement appropriate technical and organisational measures, including:

• Encrypted connections (HTTPS/SSL)
• Access controls and secure authentication
• Payment security via PCI DSS-compliant processors
• Staff confidentiality and training
• Regular security updates and data backups

11. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g. BidSpotter.com, logistics providers). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies separately.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law or our practices. The latest version will always be posted on our website, with the date of revision shown at the top.

13. Contact Us

For any questions or concerns about how we use your data:

Data Controller:
Techplant Ltd (trading as InstruBid)
Email: hello@instrubid.co.uk
Phone: 0333 335 5044
Postal Address: Unit 2 Wainwright Court, Canterbury Street, Blackburn, BB2 2DY, UK