Introduction
Children of the Sun Koi (“COTSKoi,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the auction platform at cotskoiauction.com (the “Service”). This Privacy Policy informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use our Service and the choices you have associated with that data.
By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. Last updated: May 23, 2026.
Information We Collect
We collect several types of information to provide and improve our auction service:
Account Information: When you register, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and shipping address. This information is required to participate in auctions and receive purchased koi.
Payment Information: We use Stripe to process payments. Your credit card details are entered directly into Stripe’s secure system — COTSKoi never stores your full card numbers on our servers. We retain the last four digits and card type for transaction records.
Bidding Activity: We record your bid history, won auctions, payment records, and shipping addresses for fulfillment.
Communication Records: Emails, support messages, and other correspondence between you and COTSKoi.
Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited, collected automatically through standard web analytics.
How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
Improve our service and user experience
Process your auction bids and complete transactions
Charge your saved payment method when you win an auction
Ship your purchased koi and provide tracking information
Send transactional emails (registration, outbid notifications, won auctions, shipping updates)
Respond to customer service inquiries
Send marketing communications (with your opt-in consent — you can unsubscribe at any time)
Comply with legal obligations and prevent fraud
How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share data only with:
Stripe: Our payment processor, for transaction processing. Stripe’s privacy policy is available at stripe.com/privacy.
Shipping Carriers: Your name and shipping address are shared with FedEx, UPS, or other carriers as needed to deliver your koi.
Service Providers: WordPress hosting (Pressable), email delivery (Google Workspace), and analytics providers, all bound by confidentiality obligations.
Legal Compliance: When required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of our users or business.
Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including SSL encryption for all transactions, secure password storage, and limited internal access to customer data. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate information in your account
- Delete your account and associated data (subject to legal retention requirements for completed transactions)
- Opt out of marketing communications
- Request a copy of your data in a portable format
- File a complaint with a data protection authority
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at auctions@cotskoi.com.
Cookies
We use cookies to maintain your login session, remember your preferences, and analyze site usage. Essential cookies cannot be disabled. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser settings, though this may impact site functionality.
Data Retention
We retain account information for as long as your account is active. Transaction records are retained for seven (7) years to comply with tax and accounting requirements. Marketing data is retained until you unsubscribe.
Children’s Privacy
Our Service is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover that a child has provided us with personal information, we delete it immediately.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be notified by email and/or a prominent notice on the Service. Your continued use of the Service after any modification constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:
COTSkoi
33109 NE Morcroft Rd La Center, WA 98629
Email: auctions@cotskoi.com
Phone: (360) 991-1117