Effective date: 1st September 2025
Fifth String —, Vienna, Austria.
bgoh@fifthstringfineinstruments.com

What data we collect

  • Contact data (name, email, phone) when you message us or book an appointment.

  • Business/transaction data (instrument details, evaluation notes, consignment/sale records).

  • Communications (emails/messages you send us).

  • Usage data (IP address, device, pages viewed) via Squarespace and any analytics you enable.

  • Cookies & similar tech (see “Cookies” below).

Why we use your data & legal bases

  • Respond to enquiries / provide services (contract or pre-contract steps).

  • Operations & security (legitimate interests: run the site, prevent abuse).

  • Marketing (optional) — newsletters or updates (consent; you can withdraw anytime).

  • Compliance — accounting/tax or legal claims (legal obligation/legitimate interests).

  • Analytics — understand site performance (consent if non-essential cookies).

Sharing & processors

We use trusted providers as processors, e.g. Squarespace (website hosting), email/CRM, analytics, and payment/fulfilment partners if applicable. They process data only under our instructions. Some providers may be outside the EEA; where used, we rely on appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).

Retention

We keep data only as long as needed: enquiries up to [24 months] after last contact; contracts/finance for statutory periods; and cookie/analytics data per your consent choices.

Your rights (EU/EEA)

You can request access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and to object to processing; you can withdraw consent at any time (it won’t affect past lawful processing). You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Austrian Data Protection Authority:
Österreichische Datenschutzbehörde, Barichgasse 40–42, 1030 Vienna, dsb@dsb.gv.at, +43 1 52 152-0. Österreichische Datenschutzbehörde+1

Cookies

We use strictly necessary cookies (to run the site) and, with your consent, analytics (to improve the site). Non-essential cookies load only after you consent; you can decline or manage choices at any time via our cookie banner. This aligns with EU ePrivacy/GDPR rules that require prior consent for non-essential cookies. European UnionGDPR.euVeraSafe

Your choices: Use the banner to Accept, Decline, or Manage categories. You can also clear cookies in your browser settings.

Cookies we use (examples—edit to match your setup):

  • Essential (always on): Squarespace functional cookies (security, load balancing).

  • Analytics (consent): [Google Analytics 4] to measure visits and pages.

  • Marketing (consent): [none / list any ad pixels].

Security

We use technical and organizational measures (HTTPS, access controls) to protect your data.

Children

Our services target adults; we don’t knowingly collect data from children.

Changes

We’ll post updates here and update the effective date.

Contact: For privacy questions or to exercise your rights, email bgoh@fifthstringfineinstruments.com