This Privacy Policy explains how Focus Search Pty Ltd (ABN 70 167 781 946) ("we", "us", "our"), operator of What's The Damage (whatsthedamage.com.au), collects, uses, stores, and discloses personal information. It covers both homeowners who use our site and request quotes, and tradespeople who receive or purchase leads from us. We handle personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.
Who this policy covers
Homeowners who browse our cost guides, use the Quote Checker, or submit a job to be matched with a tradesperson.
Tradespeople who receive lead notifications from us, purchase leads, or hold an Exclusive Territory Lockdown subscription.
What we collect
Analytics data. We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how visitors use the site: pages visited, time on site, device type, and approximate (city-level) location. This data is aggregated and does not identify you personally.
Quote Checker. The trade, city, and quote amount you enter are processed in your browser. We do not collect your name, contact details, or any identifying information through the Quote Checker.
Homeowner job submissions. When you submit a job through a "Get a Fair Quote" form, we collect your name, phone number, email address, suburb, and the job details you provide.
Tradesperson business details. Your business name, contact name, phone number, email address, trade, and the areas you service. We collect this when you sign up to receive leads. We may also compile business contact details from publicly available sources, such as public business listings and directories, so we can let tradespeople know about relevant jobs in their area.
Lead and billing activity. Which leads you have received or purchased, your payment activity (card payments are processed by Stripe; we do not store your card details), and your subscription status.
Message content. The content of SMS, email, and chat messages you exchange with us.
SMS and automated messaging
A core part of our service runs over SMS. When a homeowner submits a job, we send and receive SMS messages to qualify the enquiry and to connect homeowners with tradespeople. When a relevant job arises, we send SMS and email notifications to tradespeople.
These messages are automated and AI-assisted. We use an automated system, including an AI assistant, to send messages, ask qualifying questions, and draft replies. Unless we tell you otherwise, you are communicating with an automated system rather than a live person.
Opting out. You can stop our SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message from us. Tradespeople can opt out of lead notifications by replying STOP or by emailing contact@whatsthedamage.com.au. We send commercial electronic messages to tradespeople on the basis of their relationship with us or their relevance to a specific job; each message identifies us and offers a way to unsubscribe, consistent with the Spam Act 2003 (Cth).
How we use AI
We use AI services provided by Anthropic to process the content of homeowner and tradesperson messages: to qualify jobs, extract relevant details such as job scope and timing, and help draft responses. Message content is sent to these AI services so we can provide the service. This content is not used to train third-party AI models.
How we use your data
We use the information we collect to:
• Connect homeowners with relevant tradespeople when a quote is requested
• Qualify and route leads, and operate our SMS and email workflows
• Process payments and manage subscriptions
• Respond to enquiries and provide support
• Improve the accuracy and usefulness of our cost guides
• Understand which trades and cities are most in demand
Cookies
Google Analytics (_ga, _ga_*). These cookies help us measure site traffic and understand which pages are most useful. They expire after 2 years. You can opt out by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
No advertising cookies. We do not run ads and do not use advertising or retargeting cookies.
Third-party services and processors
We share personal information with the following providers only to the extent needed to run the service:
Twilio - sending and receiving SMS. Privacy policy.
Stripe - payment processing. Privacy policy.
Resend - sending transactional and notification emails. Privacy policy.
Anthropic - AI processing of message content. Privacy policy.
Google (Analytics and Fonts) - site analytics and typography. Privacy policy.
Netlify - website hosting and serverless functions. Privacy policy.
Some of these providers may process and store data outside Australia. We take reasonable steps to ensure they handle your information consistently with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Data sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We disclose it only in these cases:
• Quote requests: when you submit a job, your contact details and job information are shared with up to two relevant tradespeople in your area, or with a single tradesperson who holds the Territory Lock for that trade and city.
• Service providers: we share data with the processors listed above so they can perform their functions.
• Legal requirements: we may disclose information where required or authorised by Australian law.
Data retention
Analytics data is retained according to our Google Analytics configuration. Homeowner enquiries, lead records, and tradesperson records are retained for as long as needed to provide the service and to meet our legal and record-keeping obligations, after which they are deleted or de-identified. You can request deletion at any time (see "Your rights" below).
Your rights
Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), you have the right to:
• Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction or deletion of your personal information
• Opt out of marketing or lead communications at any time
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Children's privacy
Our site is not directed at children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The "last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent change. Continued use of the site after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
For any privacy question, or to exercise your rights, contact us at:
contact@whatsthedamage.com.au