Who We Are
Holdback is an independent automotive advisory practice based in Toronto, Ontario. We provide remote consultation services to vehicle buyers across Ontario. Our OMVIC registration number is available upon request.
This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and your rights under applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Questions or requests regarding this policy: hello@holdback.ca
Information We Collect
We collect personal information only when you voluntarily provide it to us. This includes:
- Contact information: First name, last name, email address, phone number
- Vehicle information: Make, model, trim, year, price range, and purchase timeline you provide through our getting started form
- Session information: Notes and materials generated during your consultation, including deal worksheets or quotes you share with us
- Payment information: Processed through Stripe. We do not store your payment card details. Stripe's privacy policy applies to payment processing.
- Communication records: Emails exchanged before, during, or after your consultation
We do not collect information passively through tracking pixels, behavioural analytics, or third-party advertising networks on this website.
How We Use Your Information
Your information is used only for the following purposes:
- Delivering the consultation service you booked
- Preparing your session based on your vehicle and deal information
- Sending you pre- and post-session communications (confirmation, reminders, written summary)
- Processing your payment through Stripe
- Responding to questions or follow-up emails you send us
We do not use your information to send unsolicited marketing communications.
What We Do Not Do With Your Information
This is important. Holdback does not:
- Share your contact information, vehicle details, or session content with any dealership, manufacturer, or automotive retail organization
- Sell your personal information to any third party
- Use your information to generate dealer leads or referrals
- Pass your details to any automotive data aggregator or market research firm
Your session notes, deal details, and personal information remain confidential and are used solely to deliver the service you paid for.
Third-Party Services
We use a small number of third-party services to operate this business:
- Stripe: Payment processing. Subject to Stripe's Privacy Policy.
- Zoom / Google Meet: Video conferencing for consultations. Subject to Zoom's and Google's respective privacy policies. We do not record sessions without your explicit consent.
- Email service provider: Used to send booking confirmations and session-related emails.
These providers are selected for their commitment to data security. We do not share more information with them than is necessary to deliver the service.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as is reasonably necessary to deliver the service, respond to follow-up questions, and comply with applicable accounting and record-keeping obligations.
If you would like your information deleted, email hello@holdback.ca and we will remove it from our records within 30 days, subject to any legal retention obligations.
Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. Communications are conducted through encrypted channels. We do not store sensitive payment data.
No method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to handling your information with care.
Your Rights
Under Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your information (subject to legal obligations)
- Withdraw consent to our use of your information, where consent is the basis for processing
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@holdback.ca.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our services after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact
For any privacy-related questions or requests:
Email: hello@holdback.ca
Toronto, Ontario, Canada