Effective Date: 10-Dec-25
Venus Jewellers (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of the personal information entrusted to us by our customers, website visitors, and individuals who contact our business. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable Canadian privacy standards.
This policy applies to personal information collected through our website, in-store at our Fort Erie location, and through any communication with Venus Jewellers.
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal information only for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances. The information we collect falls into the following categories:
1.1 Information Provided by Customers
When you contact us, request a quote, ask for information, or conduct business in-store, we may collect:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Address (where provided)
- Details of inquiries or service requests
- Information needed for jewelry, watch, or bullion evaluations
- Documents required for gold/silver and bullion transactions, including:
- Government-issued identification
- Legal name
- Residential address
- Phone number
This information is collected to meet AML/FINTRAC compliance requirements, to verify identity, and to complete legally regulated transactions.
1.2 Website Forms
Our website uses Contact Form 7, and visitors may voluntarily provide:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Message content
1.3 Website Analytics & Cookies
We use Google Analytics to understand website traffic patterns, performance, and user engagement. Information collected may include:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device type
- Pages visited and time spent
- Approximate geographic location
Cookies are used to:
- Improve website performance
- Enable core site functionality
- Support analytics
- Remember user preferences
A detailed cookie section appears later in this policy.
1.4 CCTV / In-Store Video Monitoring
For safety, loss prevention, and security, Venus Jewellers uses CCTV cameras within the store. Video footage may capture individuals entering or interacting within the premises. Footage is securely stored and accessed only when required for safety, investigative, insurance, or legal purposes.
2. How We Use Personal Information
We use personal information for the following purposes:
- Responding to inquiries or quote requests submitted through our website
- Scheduling or providing services, including jewelry repairs and insurance appraisals
- Processing transactions in-store
- Meeting regulatory obligations for precious metal and bullion transactions
- Maintaining accurate business, transaction, and accounting records
- Ensuring the safety and security of our premises
- Improving website usability and performance
- Complying with legal, financial, or regulatory requirements
We do not use personal information for secondary purposes without your consent unless required by law.
3. Sharing of Personal Information
We do not sell or rent personal information. We may share personal information with trusted third parties only when necessary to operate our business:
- Web hosting provider (for secure website operation)
- Google Analytics (analytics and performance tracking)
- Square POS (in-store transaction processing)
- Accounting systems used for financial record-keeping
- Insurance or law enforcement authorities when required for legal investigations, fraud prevention, or compliance
All third-party service providers are expected to maintain privacy protections consistent with this policy and Canadian law.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and support website functionality. Types of cookies include:
4.1 Functional Cookies
Required for basic site operation (e.g., page navigation, loading content).
4.2 Analytics Cookies
Used by Google Analytics to monitor site usage and performance. These help us understand how visitors use the website so we can improve content and design.
4.3 Opt-Out Options
Visitors may disable cookies through their browser settings.
To disable Google Analytics tracking, you may install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On:
https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
Disabling cookies may impact certain website features.
5. Legal Basis for Collecting Information
Under PIPEDA, Venus Jewellers collects personal information based on:
- Consent (website forms, inquiries, communication)
- Legal or regulatory requirements (AML/FINTRAC identification for bullion transactions)
- Legitimate business interests (security, transaction processing, customer service)
6. Retention of Personal Information
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as long as required by law (such as financial record-keeping and FINTRAC obligations).
When information is no longer required, it is securely destroyed or anonymized.
7. Security and Protection of Information
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to safeguard personal information, including:
- SSL/TLS encryption on our website
- Role-based access controls
- Secure storage of in-store documents and CCTV footage
- Internal confidentiality practices
- Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
While no system can guarantee absolute security, we are committed to maintaining industry-standard protections.
8. Minors
Our website is accessible to individuals of all ages.
However, customers engaging in regulated bullion or precious metal transactions must comply with legal identification requirements. No age-based purchase restrictions apply to our core jewelry products.
9. Marketing Communications
Venus Jewellers does not operate a marketing email list at this time. Should this change in the future:
- We will collect explicit consent before sending marketing messages.
- Recipients will be able to unsubscribe at any time.
10. Insurance Appraisals & Documentation
When providing appraisal services, we may collect additional personal details relating to:
- Ownership documentation
- Insurance forms
- Description and photos of jewelry items
- Contact information for insurers, if applicable
These documents are handled confidentially and used strictly for appraisal purposes.
11. Access, Correction, and Privacy Requests
Individuals have the right under PIPEDA to request:
- Access to personal information we hold
- Correction of inaccuracies
- Information about how we use and store their data
- Withdrawal of consent (where applicable)
To submit a privacy request, please contact:
Email: admin@venusjewellers.ca
Mail:
Venus Jewellers
23 Jarvis St
Fort Erie, ON L2A 0B2
Canada
We will respond to privacy inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.
12. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or website operations. Any revisions will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.
We encourage visitors to review this policy periodically.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data-handling practices, please contact us at: