Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

1. About This Privacy Policy

Megals (ABN: 25 616 896 544) is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information.

This policy applies to all personal information collected through our website, services, phone calls, emails, and in-person interactions.

2. Types of Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

• Identity Information: Name, title, date of birth (if required)
• Contact Information: Address, email, phone numbers
• Property Information: Service address, property type, access requirements
• Financial Information: Payment details, billing information, credit status
• Service Information: Service history, warranties, maintenance schedules
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information
• Marketing Information: Preferences, feedback, survey responses
• Sensitive Information: Health/safety requirements (only where necessary for service delivery)

3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information through:

• Direct interactions when you request quotes, book services, or contact us
• Our website forms and online booking systems
• Phone calls and emails
• In-person consultations and service visits
• Automated technologies (cookies, server logs) when you visit our website
• Third parties such as suppliers, contractors, or referral partners
• Publicly available sources where permitted

4. Purpose of Collection

We collect your personal information for the following primary purposes:

• To provide electrical, gas plumbing, and air conditioning services
• To schedule and manage service appointments
• To process payments and manage accounts
• To comply with legal obligations including licensing and safety requirements
• To maintain warranty and service records
• To improve our services and customer experience
• To send service reminders and safety notices
• For marketing purposes (with your consent)

5. Use and Disclosure

We may use or disclose your personal information:

• For the primary purposes outlined above
• To our employees, contractors, and agents who assist in service delivery
• To suppliers and manufacturers for warranty claims and product orders
• To professional advisers, insurers, and financial institutions
• To government agencies as required by law
• To protect our legal rights or prevent fraud
• With your express consent for other purposes

Overseas Disclosure: We do not generally disclose personal information to overseas recipients. If this becomes necessary, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place and seek your consent where required.

6. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Security measures include:

• Secure physical storage of paper records
• Password protection and encryption for electronic records
• Restricted access on a need-to-know basis
• Regular security reviews and updates
• Staff training on privacy and data protection
• Secure destruction of information no longer required

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Generally:

• Service records: 7 years (as required by law)
• Financial records: 7 years (tax requirements)
• Warranty information: Duration of warranty plus 1 year
• Marketing lists: Until you opt-out or 3 years of inactivity

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use our website
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Provide relevant content and offers

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Anonymity: Deal with us anonymously where lawful and practicable
• Complaints: Lodge a complaint about our privacy practices

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below. We may require identity verification before processing requests.

10. Complaints Process

If you believe we have breached your privacy rights, please contact us immediately:

1. Submit your complaint in writing to our Privacy Officer
2. We will acknowledge receipt within 7 days
3. We will investigate and respond within 30 days
4. If you're not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or phone 1300 363 992

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or contacting you directly where appropriate. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Our Privacy Officer

For privacy-related inquiries, complaints, or to exercise your rights:

1. Service Agreement

By engaging Megals for electrical, gas plumbing, or air conditioning services, you agree to these terms. We provide services throughout East Gippsland subject to availability and scheduling.

2. Service Delivery

• Services are provided by licensed and qualified technicians
• We aim to arrive within scheduled timeframes
• Emergency services are prioritized based on severity
• Weather and road conditions may affect service delivery

3. Pricing and Payment

• Quotes are valid for 30 days unless otherwise specified
• Final pricing may vary based on actual work required
• Payment is due upon completion unless otherwise arranged
• We accept cash, card, and Zip Pay/Zip Money

4. Warranties and Guarantees

We provide warranties on our workmanship as required by Australian Consumer Law:

• Workmanship warranty periods vary by service type
• Product warranties are provided by manufacturers
• Warranties do not cover normal wear and tear
• Misuse or neglect may void warranties

5. Liability

Our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. We maintain appropriate insurance coverage for all services provided.

6. Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance
• Late cancellations may incur a call-out fee
• Emergency services cannot be cancelled once dispatched

Zip Pay/Zip Money

We offer Zip Pay and Zip Money as payment options. Terms and conditions for these payment methods are subject to Zip's approval and terms of service. Visit zip.co for more information.

ARCtick Compliance

Megals is ARCtick approved for air conditioning and refrigeration services. We comply with all regulations regarding refrigerant handling and disposal.

Dispute Resolution

We are committed to resolving any disputes fairly and promptly. If you have concerns about our services, please contact us directly. If we cannot resolve the matter, disputes may be referred to relevant industry bodies or consumer protection agencies.