Privacy Policy
# OFFERUPBID – Privacy Policy
**Last updated: 14 September 2026**
This Privacy Policy explains how **OFFERUPBID LIMITED**, trading as **OfferUpBid**, collects, uses, stores and shares personal information when you use our websites and services.
**OFFERUPBID LIMITED**
Company number: **16247418**
Registered in England & Wales
Trading as: **OfferUpBid**
This Privacy Policy applies to:
* **offerupbid-now.co.uk**
* **auction.offerupbid-now.co.uk**
OFFERUPBID LIMITED is the data controller responsible for the personal information described in this Privacy Policy.
## 1. About OfferUpBid
OfferUpBid operates a UK online vehicle auction marketplace connecting vehicle sellers with approved buyers.
Sellers can submit vehicles for presentation through the OfferUpBid auction process. Approved buyers can view vehicle listings and place bids through the auction platform.
OfferUpBid normally facilitates the auction and introduction between the seller and successful buyer.
OfferUpBid does not normally:
* purchase the vehicle itself;
* take ownership or possession of the vehicle;
* receive or hold the vehicle purchase price;
* act as an Authorised Treatment Facility;
* issue Certificates of Destruction.
The successful buyer normally pays the vehicle purchase price directly to the seller.
OfferUpBid may separately charge an applicable buyer fee or commission in accordance with the Buyer Terms.
## 2. Personal Information We May Collect
The information we collect depends on how you use OfferUpBid.
We aim to collect only personal information reasonably necessary for account verification, auction operation, fraud prevention, transaction administration, customer support, legal compliance and the other purposes explained in this Privacy Policy.
## 3. Information We May Collect From Sellers
When you submit a vehicle or communicate with OfferUpBid, we may collect information including:
* your name;
* email address;
* telephone number;
* postcode;
* vehicle location or collection location;
* vehicle registration number;
* vehicle make and model;
* year;
* mileage;
* colour;
* engine information;
* MOT information;
* vehicle condition;
* mechanical or electrical faults;
* accident or damage information;
* insurance category information, including Category N or repairable Category S where applicable;
* whether the vehicle starts or drives;
* photographs of the vehicle;
* information about missing parts or documents;
* expected or requested price;
* information you provide in messages or communications;
* auction and submission history;
* IP address;
* browser, device and technical information;
* other information you choose to provide when submitting a vehicle.
Where reasonably necessary, we may also request information or documentation to help establish that a person is entitled or authorised to sell a vehicle.
## 4. Information We Collect From Buyers
Buyer registration and auction-account management take place through the OfferUpBid auction platform.
Information we may collect from buyers includes:
* username;
* first and last name;
* email address;
* telephone number;
* full address;
* buyer type;
* company or trading name where applicable;
* company or business information;
* account credentials;
* registration information;
* account approval status;
* bidding history;
* purchase history;
* successful bids;
* auction results;
* buyer-fee information;
* payment status relating to OfferUpBid fees;
* account restrictions or suspension information;
* communications with OfferUpBid;
* IP address;
* device and browser information;
* security and fraud-prevention information.
Buyer registrations are manually reviewed before bidding access is enabled.
Registration does not guarantee approval.
## 5. Buyer Identity and Address Verification
OfferUpBid requires supporting documents to verify the identity and address of buyer applicants before approval.
### Proof of identity
A buyer must provide **ONE valid photo identification document**, such as:
* a valid driving licence; or
* a valid passport.
### Proof of address
A buyer must also provide **ONE recent proof-of-address document**, such as:
* utility bill;
* council tax bill;
* bank statement;
* official government correspondence; or
* another suitable document accepted by OfferUpBid.
Companies, motor traders and other business buyers may also be asked to provide business or company information.
## 6. Why We Verify Buyers
We may use buyer verification information for purposes including:
* confirming identity;
* reviewing buyer applications;
* deciding whether to approve bidding access;
* preventing fraud;
* protecting sellers and other buyers;
* improving platform security;
* detecting duplicate or suspicious accounts;
* investigating misuse;
* enforcing our Buyer Terms;
* responding to disputes;
* protecting OfferUpBid's legal rights.
Buyer approval is manually reviewed by the OfferUpBid team.
OfferUpBid may contact an applicant by telephone or email and may request further information before deciding whether to approve an account.
Approval normally takes between **1 and 5 working days**, depending on the information and documents supplied.
## 7. Protection of Verification Documents
Identity documents and proof-of-address documents are not displayed publicly and are not made available to ordinary sellers or other buyers.
Access is limited to people and service providers who require access for legitimate verification, security, fraud-prevention, support or compliance purposes.
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure.
No internet or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
## 8. Auction and Bidding Information
When you use the auction platform, we may process information including:
* vehicles viewed;
* bids submitted;
* bid amounts;
* dates and times of bids;
* winning bids;
* auction outcomes;
* seller acceptance of an auction result;
* successful buyer details;
* purchase confirmation;
* OfferUpBid buyer fees;
* buyer-fee payment status;
* fee due dates;
* payment dates;
* payment references;
* account restrictions;
* transaction communications provided to us;
* complaints or disputes relating to an auction.
We use this information to operate the auction platform, administer accounts, facilitate transactions, administer buyer fees, prevent fraud, resolve disputes and enforce our Terms.
## 9. Vehicle Purchase Payments
The vehicle purchase price is normally paid directly by the successful buyer to the seller.
OfferUpBid does not normally receive or hold the vehicle purchase price.
Sellers should independently confirm that payment has cleared in their own bank account before releasing a vehicle, keys or documents.
## 10. OfferUpBid Buyer Fees
OfferUpBid may process information relating to buyer fees or commission payable to OfferUpBid.
This may include:
* fee amount;
* method used to calculate the fee;
* payment status;
* date due;
* date paid;
* payment reference;
* reminders;
* unpaid-fee records;
* account restrictions associated with unpaid fees.
Where a seller accepts the auction result and the purchase becomes confirmed under the applicable Buyer Terms, the successful buyer must pay the applicable OfferUpBid buyer fee within the period stated in those Terms.
The OfferUpBid buyer fee is separate from the vehicle purchase price paid directly to the seller.
Where a third-party payment provider is used, that provider may process payment information needed to complete the buyer-fee payment.
OfferUpBid does not claim to store complete payment-card details unless this is specifically required and technically implemented.
## 11. Vehicle Collection
Vehicle collection is normally arranged directly between the successful buyer and seller.
OfferUpBid may process collection-related information where reasonably necessary to:
* help facilitate a transaction;
* provide customer support;
* investigate a complaint or dispute;
* prevent fraud;
* administer the platform.
## 12. Information Shared Between Sellers and Buyers
When necessary for a vehicle transaction, appropriate information may be shared between the seller and successful buyer.
This may include appropriate seller information such as:
* name;
* contact details;
* vehicle location;
* vehicle information;
* collection information.
Appropriate buyer information may also be made available to the seller where necessary to complete the transaction.
Buyer passport copies, driving-licence copies and proof-of-address documents are not provided to ordinary sellers as part of the transaction.
## 13. Communications
If you contact OfferUpBid, we may keep records of communications including:
* emails;
* messages;
* support requests;
* complaints;
* information provided during account verification;
* information provided during a vehicle transaction.
We may use these records to provide support, investigate problems, resolve disputes, prevent fraud and protect our legal rights.
## 14. Technical and Website Information
When you use our websites, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:
* IP address;
* browser type;
* device type;
* operating system;
* pages visited;
* date and time of visits;
* website interactions;
* security logs;
* cookie identifiers;
* analytics information.
We may use this information to maintain the websites, detect security problems, understand how the service is used and improve the platform.
Please see our **Cookie Policy** for more information about cookies and similar technologies.
## 15. How We Use Personal Information
We may use personal information to:
* provide OfferUpBid services;
* create and manage auction accounts;
* review and approve buyer registrations;
* verify buyer identity and address;
* process seller vehicle submissions;
* operate vehicle auctions;
* record bids and auction results;
* facilitate introductions between buyers and sellers;
* administer OfferUpBid buyer fees;
* provide customer support;
* communicate about accounts, auctions and transactions;
* prevent fraud and misuse;
* protect platform security;
* investigate suspicious activity;
* restrict or suspend accounts where appropriate;
* resolve complaints and disputes;
* maintain accounting and business records;
* comply with legal obligations;
* establish, exercise or defend legal claims;
* improve our websites and services.
## 16. Our Lawful Bases for Processing
Under UK data-protection law, we must have a lawful basis for processing personal information.
The lawful basis depends on why the information is being used.
### Contract
We may process personal information where it is necessary to:
* create or administer an account;
* review registration information;
* provide auction services;
* administer bids and purchases;
* facilitate transactions;
* administer applicable buyer fees;
* perform our obligations under our Terms.
### Legitimate Interests
We may process information where this is necessary for legitimate business interests including:
* fraud prevention;
* account security;
* platform security;
* preventing misuse;
* verifying information;
* handling disputes;
* protecting our business and users;
* enforcing our Terms;
* maintaining appropriate transaction records;
* improving our services.
Where we rely on legitimate interests, we consider whether those interests are outweighed by the rights and interests of the individual.
### Legal Obligation
We may process or retain information where required for:
* tax;
* accounting;
* legal or regulatory requirements;
* responding to lawful requests from authorities;
* complying with court orders or other legal obligations.
### Consent
Where required, we may rely on consent for particular activities, such as certain optional cookies or marketing communications.
Where we rely on consent, you may withdraw that consent.
## 17. Marketing
Where OfferUpBid sends marketing communications, you may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe option provided or by contacting us.
We will not describe personal information as being used for personalised advertising, profiling or third-party advertising arrangements unless those activities are actually carried out.
## 18. Who We May Share Personal Information With
Where reasonably necessary, we may share personal information with categories of recipients including:
* sellers and successful buyers where necessary to facilitate a vehicle transaction;
* website hosting and IT service providers;
* auction-platform service providers;
* identity and data-verification providers;
* email, SMS and communication providers;
* payment providers handling OfferUpBid fees;
* analytics and cookie providers where applicable;
* professional advisers;
* accountants;
* insurers where applicable;
* fraud-prevention and security providers;
* law-enforcement agencies;
* courts;
* regulators;
* government bodies where disclosure is legally required;
* potential purchasers, investors or advisers involved in a genuine corporate sale, merger or restructuring.
We aim to share only information reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.
## 19. Law Enforcement and Fraud Prevention
We may disclose personal information where reasonably necessary to:
* prevent or investigate fraud;
* investigate suspected stolen vehicles;
* protect users;
* enforce our legal rights;
* comply with a court order;
* comply with another lawful request;
* respond to law-enforcement or regulatory authorities.
## 20. International Transfers
Some service providers may process information outside the United Kingdom.
Where personal information is transferred internationally, we will take appropriate steps to ensure that the transfer is made in accordance with applicable UK data-protection law and that appropriate safeguards are used where required.
## 21. How Long We Keep Personal Information
We do not keep personal information for longer than reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.
The period for which information is retained depends on the type of information and the reason it is held.
This may include:
### Seller submissions
Seller and vehicle-submission information may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to administer the submission, auction, transaction, support, complaints, fraud prevention and legal claims.
### Buyer accounts
Buyer account information may be retained while the account remains active and for an appropriate period afterwards where necessary for transaction history, security, fraud prevention, legal obligations or legal claims.
### Unsuccessful buyer applications
Information relating to unsuccessful applications may be retained where reasonably necessary to prevent fraud, duplicate applications, misuse or circumvention of account restrictions.
### Verification documents
Identity and proof-of-address documents are retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for verification, fraud prevention, security, compliance, dispute resolution and legal requirements.
### Auction and transaction records
Bid records, purchases, auction results and related records may be retained where necessary for administration, accounting, disputes, fraud prevention and legal claims.
### Buyer-fee records
Buyer-fee and payment records may be retained where required for billing, accounting, tax, enforcement and legal purposes.
### Security and fraud records
Security records may be retained where reasonably necessary to protect the platform and its users and to prevent repeated misuse.
### Communications
Communications may be retained for customer support, complaint handling, dispute resolution and legal purposes.
### Cookies and analytics
Cookie and analytics information is retained according to the applicable cookie settings, provider arrangements and Cookie Policy.
Where an exact retention period has not been set, we consider factors including:
* why the information was collected;
* whether an account remains active;
* legal and regulatory obligations;
* accounting requirements;
* fraud-prevention requirements;
* the possibility of disputes or legal claims;
* security requirements.
## 22. Data Minimisation
OfferUpBid aims to collect only personal information reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.
We do not intend to retain identity documents or other personal information indefinitely simply because they may potentially be useful in the future.
## 23. Account Decisions
Buyer applications are manually reviewed by the OfferUpBid team.
OfferUpBid does not describe buyer approval as a fully automated decision-making process.
Automated security, fraud-detection or technical systems may assist us where applicable, but final buyer approval is manually reviewed.
## 24. Account Restriction and Suspension
OfferUpBid may process account and transaction information when deciding whether to restrict, suspend or close an account in accordance with the applicable Terms.
Reasons may include:
* suspected fraud;
* security concerns;
* false registration information;
* false verification documents;
* unpaid buyer fees;
* misuse of the auction platform;
* repeated failure to complete purchases;
* other serious or repeated breaches of the Terms.
## 25. How We Protect Personal Information
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal information against:
* unauthorised access;
* accidental loss;
* misuse;
* alteration;
* destruction;
* inappropriate disclosure.
Access to personal information is limited according to business need and applicable access controls.
However, no internet service or electronic storage system can guarantee absolute security.
## 26. Your Data-Protection Rights
Depending on the circumstances, you may have rights including:
### Access
You may ask for a copy of personal information we hold about you.
### Rectification
You may ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
### Erasure
You may request deletion of personal information in certain circumstances.
The right to deletion is not absolute, and we may retain information where required for legal obligations, fraud prevention, accounting, disputes or legal claims.
### Restriction
You may ask us to restrict processing in certain circumstances.
### Objection
You may have the right to object to certain processing, including processing based on legitimate interests.
### Data portability
In certain circumstances, you may request personal information in a portable format.
### Withdrawal of consent
Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw consent at any time.
Withdrawal does not affect processing lawfully carried out before consent was withdrawn.
### Marketing opt-out
You may opt out of direct marketing at any time.
## 27. Complaints
If you have concerns about how OfferUpBid handles your personal information, please contact us first so that we can investigate.
You also have the right to complain to the **Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)**, the UK supervisory authority for data protection.
## 28. Third-Party Websites
Our websites may contain links to external websites or services.
OfferUpBid is not responsible for the privacy practices of independent third-party websites.
When following an external link, you should review that organisation's privacy information.
## 29. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy where our services, technology, business practices or legal obligations change.
When material changes are made, we may provide appropriate notice through our websites or services.
The latest version will display its most recent update date.
## 30. Contact and Data Controller
The data controller is:
**OFFERUPBID LIMITED**
Company number: **16247418**
Registered in England & Wales
Trading as: **OfferUpBid**
Privacy enquiries and requests concerning your personal information can be submitted through the current OfferUpBid contact channels published on:
**offerupbid-now.co.uk**
and
**auction.offerupbid-now.co.uk**
We will use the information you provide in a privacy request only as reasonably necessary to identify you, understand your request and respond to it.