1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites recognise your device on subsequent visits, remember your preferences, and collect information about how you interact with the site. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide site owners with analytics information.
Similar technologies, including web beacons, pixel tags, and local storage, work in comparable ways. References to "cookies" in this policy include these similar technologies unless stated otherwise.
2. Our Legal Basis for Using Cookies
Under the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and UK GDPR, we are required to obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent.
Where we rely on your consent to set cookies, you are free to withdraw that consent at any time by adjusting your browser settings or using our cookie preference options (where available). Withdrawing consent will not affect any processing that took place before withdrawal.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences or navigating between pages. Without these cookies, certain services cannot be provided.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _session | Maintains your session state during your visit | Session |
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 12 months |
3.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They allow us to count visits, understand traffic sources, and see which pages are most popular. This helps us improve how the Website works and the content we produce. All analytics data is anonymised or aggregated before use.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics | Stores and counts page views | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users for short-term tracking | 24 hours |
We have configured Google Analytics with IP anonymisation enabled to prevent storage of full IP addresses.
3.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. Without these cookies, some features may not work correctly.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| user_prefs | Stores display preferences such as text size or reading mode | 6 months |
3.4 Third-Party and Advertising Cookies
We may use third-party services such as affiliate networks or social media plugins that set their own cookies. These cookies are governed by the respective third parties' privacy and cookie policies. We recommend reviewing those policies directly. Current third parties that may set cookies include:
- Google — analytics and advertising (see Google Privacy Policy)
- Netlify — hosting and form processing (see Netlify Privacy Policy)
4. How Long Do Cookies Last?
Cookies are either:
- Session cookies — temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies — remain on your device for a set period (as listed in the tables above) or until you delete them manually.
5. Managing and Refusing Cookies
You have several options for managing cookies:
5.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to view, manage, delete, and block cookies. Note that if you delete or block cookies, some features of the Website may not function as intended. To manage cookies via your browser:
5.2 Opt-Out Tools
You can also opt out of specific analytics and advertising cookies using the following tools:
- Google Analytics Opt-Out — install the browser add-on to prevent Google Analytics from collecting your data.
- Your Online Choices — manage interest-based advertising cookies across participating companies.
6. Your Rights
As set out in our Privacy Policy, you have rights under UK GDPR in relation to personal data processed via cookies. You may withdraw your consent to non-essential cookies at any time. To exercise your rights, contact us at hello@thesmugsaver.com.
You also have the right to complain to the ICO at ico.org.uk if you believe your privacy rights have been infringed.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in the cookies we use, applicable law, or our services. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this page regularly.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies or this policy, please contact us:
Email: hello@thesmugsaver.com
Website: www.thesmugsaver.com