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Privacy Policy & Data Protection Statement – InSide by Side

Effective Date: February 12, 2024 - Last Updated June 2, 2025

At InSide by Side, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your information when you:

  • Visit our website;

  • Register as a mystery shopper;

  • Participate in mystery shopping assignments and submit questionnaires.

  • Are a client who access or provide data through our platform.

1. Who We Are

InSide by Side Inc. is a Canadian company that offers mystery shopping and customer experience consulting services. We collect and process data in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy laws.

2. What Data We Collect

a) When You Visit Our Website

We may collect:

  • IP address and device information

  • Cookies and browsing behavior

  • Pages visited and interaction data

We use this to improve user experience and website performance.

b) When You Register as a Mystery Shopper

We may collect:

  • Full name

  • Contact details (email, phone number, address)

  • Demographic data (age range, language, availability)

  • Banking or payment information (for reimbursement purposes)

This data allows us to match you with suitable assignments and process reimbursements/payments.

c) When You Fill Out a Mystery Shopper Questionnaire

We may collect:

  • Details of your visit (date/time, location)

  • Observations and ratings (based on client criteria)

  • Uploaded media (photos, receipts, audio if requested)

  • Personal notes or comments

This information is used to generate reports for our clients and improve customer service evaluation processes.

d) From Clients:

We may collect:

  • Company name, contact info, evaluation parameters

  • Internal documentation for evaluation purposes (e.g., brand standards)

  • Location performance data, KPIs, and relevant internal metrics

3. How We Use Your Data

A. For Mystery Shoppers:
  • To manage applications and assign visits
  • To process and validate visit reports
  • To facilitate payment or reimbursement
  • To maintain quality and consistency of service
B. For Clients:
  • To deliver mystery shopping services as agreed
  • To analyze and report customer experience data
  • To improve brand alignment based on customer perception
C. For Website Visitors:
  • To analyze traffic and optimize content
  • To ensure website functionality and security

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

  • Our clients (only relevant anonymized findings, photos or reports)

  • Payment processors (for reimbursements)

  • Service providers (e.g., secure data hosting platforms)

  • Regulatory authorities if required by law

Your identity as a shopper will never be shared with the client without your explicit permission.

4A. When Clients Access Mystery Shopping Reports

Clients receive access to reports based on mystery shopper submissions. We ensure:

  • Only relevant, non-personal insights are shared
  • Mystery shoppers' identities are never disclosed without explicit consent
  • Reports are shared through secure and restricted-access platforms
4B. When Clients Share Their Data with Us

We treat client-shared data with strict confidentiality, including:

  • Operational details, internal documents, and staff info
  • Brand strategies, KPIs, and business goals
  • Access is limited to authorized InSide By Side team members
  • All mystery shoppers and staff sign confidentiality agreements

We do not disclose client data to any third party unless legally required or authorized in writing.

5. Confidentiality Agreements

All mystery shoppers must agree to a confidentiality clause before accessing assignment details. This may be done through:

  • A checkbox confirmation at registration or before an assignment
  • A signed digital or physical NDA, depending on project sensitivity

Sample Checkbox Text:

[ ] I confirm I have read and understood the Shopper Manual and agree to keep all assignment and client information confidential. I understand that breach of confidentiality may lead to termination or legal action.

6. Data Storage, Security, and Retention Period

We store your information securely using encrypted databases and access-controlled systems. We take reasonable measures to protect your data from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, or disclosure.

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary:

  • For the purposes outlined above;

  • To fulfill legal and accounting obligations;

  • Or until you request deletion (subject to legal exceptions).

7. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell or rent any data to third parties. We may only disclose information:

  • To comply with legal obligations
  • With explicit consent
  • To trusted service providers (e.g., payment processors) under contract

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Withdraw your consent (where applicable)

  • Request deletion of your personal data

  • Lodge a complaint with a privacy regulator

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:
📧 connect@insidebyside.com

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies for website analytics and functionality. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The updated version will be posted on our website with the “Effective Date” at the top.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, contact us at:
📧 connect@insidebyside.com
🌐 https://www.insidebyside.com