Titan Grading Services

Privacy Policy

At TGS — The Grading Standard, based in Dublin, Ireland, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in compliance with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Irish data protection laws.

1. WHO WE ARE

TGS (The Grading Standard) is a collectible card grading and certification company based in Dublin, Ireland. We act as the "Data Controller" of your personal information, meaning we determine how and why your data is processed.

Contact: privacy@tgsgrading.com

2. WHAT DATA WE COLLECT

We collect information you provide directly to us, as well as certain information generated automatically:

  • Identity Data: Full name, email address, telephone number, and postal address.
  • Transaction Data: Purchase history, requested services, and payment method details (processed by secure third-party payment providers; we do not store complete card information).
  • Shipping Data: Shipping and return addresses, tracking numbers.
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and website usage information collected through cookies.
  • Item Data: Photographs and descriptions of cards submitted for grading and certification.

3. HOW WE USE YOUR DATA

We use your information to:

  • Process and complete grading and certification services.
  • Provide updates regarding the status of your submission.
  • Return your graded items safely.
  • Process payments and issue invoices.
  • Improve our services and user experience.
  • Comply with legal and tax obligations in Ireland and the European Union.
  • Send marketing communications only when you have provided consent.

Payment Security: Your payment information is never stored on our servers. All transactions are processed through PCI-DSS compliant payment providers such as Stripe and PayPal. TGS does not have access to your complete card details.

4. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING (GDPR)

We process personal data under the following lawful bases pursuant to the GDPR:

  • Contract Performance (Art. 6(1)(b)): To provide the grading services you have purchased.
  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a)): To send newsletters and marketing communications.
  • Legal Obligation (Art. 6(1)(c)): To comply with Irish and EU tax and accounting requirements.
  • Legitimate Interest (Art. 6(1)(f)): To improve our services, website security, and fraud prevention measures.

5. SHARING YOUR DATA WITH THIRD PARTIES

TGS does not sell your personal data to third parties. We only share information when necessary to provide our services:

  • Shipping providers (DHL, FedEx, An Post, etc.) for delivery and returns.
  • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) for secure payment processing.
  • Hosting providers located within the European Union and compliant with GDPR requirements.
  • Analytics providers such as Google Analytics (anonymized data) to improve website performance and user experience.

6. DATA RETENTION

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary:

  • Customer Account Data: For as long as you maintain an account or continue using our services.
  • Transaction Records: Seven (7) years, in accordance with Irish and EU tax regulations.
  • Cookies: Up to 12 months, unless deleted earlier by the user.
  • Card Images: Deleted 30 days after certification is completed unless you authorize us to retain them.

7. YOUR RIGHTS UNDER GDPR

As a resident of the European Union, you have the following rights:

  • Right of Access – Request information about the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification – Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten") – Request deletion of your personal data.
  • Right to Data Portability – Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Right to Object – Object to certain forms of data processing.
  • Right Not to Be Subject to Automated Decision-Making.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at: privacy@tgsgrading.com

8. DATA SECURITY

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or destruction. These measures include SSL/TLS encryption, firewalls, restricted access controls, secure hosting environments, and regular security reviews.

9. COOKIES

We use essential cookies necessary for the operation of our website and analytics cookies (subject to your consent) to understand how visitors interact with our site. You can manage your cookie preferences through the cookie banner available on our website.

10. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 16. If you are under 16 years old, you must obtain parental or legal guardian consent before submitting cards or registering an account with TGS.

11. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated via email or through a notice posted on our website. The "Last Updated" date displayed on this page indicates the latest revision.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Privacy Contact: privacy@tgsgrading.com
Company: TGS — The Grading Standard
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Data Protection Officer (DPO): Available upon request.