Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

At Gold Standard Metrics (referred to as "GSM," "we," "us," or "our"), we are dedicated to securing your privacy. We understand that as a collector, you trust us not only with your valuable trading cards but also with your personal information. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it to provide our professional card grading services, and your rights regarding that information.

This policy applies to all information collected through our website, and any related services, sales, or marketing activities. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@gsmgrading.co.uk.

1. What Information Do We Collect?

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you use our services, register on our website, or interact with us.

Information You Provide Directly

This data is essential for processing your card grading submission, managing your account, and returning your certified collectibles safely. It includes:

  • Identity & Contact Data: Your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
  • Payment Data: Information necessary to process payments, such as your credit/debit card details. Note: All payment data is handled securely by our payment processor, Stripe. We do not store full payment card details on our servers.
  • Order Details: Information related to your submission, including the number and type of cards, and their Declared Value.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, certain information is automatically collected for security and functionality. This includes your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages viewed. We may use cookies to improve your experience.

2. How and Why We Use Your Information

We process your personal information for purposes based on our legitimate business interests, to fulfil our contract with you, and/or with your consent. Key purposes include:

  • Service Fulfilment: To process your payments, manage your submission orders, handle returns, and deliver your graded cards.
  • Account Administration: To manage your user account and facilitate secure logon.
  • Communication & Support: To respond to your inquiries, provide customer support, and request feedback.
  • Marketing & Promotions: To send you updates on new services or special offers, in line with your marketing preferences.
  • Security & Compliance: To prevent fraud, troubleshoot technical issues, and comply with our legal obligations.

3. Will Your Information Be Shared?

We only share your information when necessary to operate our business, fulfill our legal duties, or with your direct consent. This includes sharing with legal authorities if required by law, our payment processor (Stripe), and other service providers who perform services on our behalf.

4. How We Protect and Retain Your Data

We use a system of appropriate technical and organisational security measures (such as firewalls and data encryption) to protect your personal information. We only keep your data for as long as is necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Generally, we retain account information for up to 24 months past the last interaction.

Minors

We do not knowingly solicit data from or market to children under 18 years of age. By using the Website, you confirm you are 18 or older, or are the parent/guardian consenting to the minor’s use.

5. Your Privacy Rights

If you are a resident of the EEA or the UK, you have extensive rights under data protection laws. You can contact us at any time to request access, correction, or deletion of your personal data. You also have the right to object to or restrict our processing of your data.

Opting Out of Marketing

You can unsubscribe from our marketing emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the emails we send or by contacting us directly.

6. Updates and Contact

We may update this privacy notice from time to time. The revised version will be indicated by an updated "Last Updated" date. We will notify you of any material changes by posting a notice on our website.

How to Contact Us

If you have questions or wish to review, update, or delete your data, please contact us:

Email: info@gsmgrading.co.uk

Post: GSM Grading, 10 Tewit Hall Gardens, Illingworth, Halifax, HX2 9RJ