Cookie Policy

1. Introduction to Cookies and This Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Slatebay Supply ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer, tablet, or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners about how their site is being used.

By continuing to use our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy and consent to our use of cookies as described herein, subject to your cookie preferences.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

We use different types of cookies for various purposes. Understanding these categories will help you make informed decisions about your cookie preferences.

Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as:

• Setting your privacy preferences and cookie consent
• Logging into secure areas of the website
• Filling in forms and completing transactions
• Maintaining security and preventing fraud
• Load balancing and website performance optimization

Functional Cookies (Optional)

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages:

• Remembering your preferences and settings
• Providing enhanced features like live chat support
• Remembering information you have entered in forms
• Customizing content based on your location
• Improving website accessibility features

Analytics Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously:

• Counting visits and traffic sources
• Measuring website performance and loading times
• Understanding which pages are most popular
• Identifying technical issues and areas for improvement
• Analyzing user behavior patterns to enhance user experience

3. Cookie Duration and Storage

Session Cookies

Session cookies are temporary cookies that are deleted automatically when you close your browser. We use session cookies for:

• Maintaining your browsing session
• Keeping you logged in during your visit
• Storing temporary form data
• Managing shopping cart contents

Persistent Cookies

Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them manually. Our persistent cookies have the following retention periods:

• Cookie consent preferences: 12 months
• Functional preferences: 6 months
• Analytics data: 24 months maximum
• Security cookies: As required for protection

Cookie Refresh and Updates

Some cookies may be refreshed or updated during your visit to ensure they remain current and functional. We regularly review our cookie retention periods to ensure they are appropriate and necessary.

4. Third-Party Cookies and Services

Payment Processing

When you make a purchase, our secure payment processors may set cookies necessary for transaction processing and fraud prevention. These cookies are essential for completing your order safely and securely.

Customer Support Services

We may use third-party customer support tools that set functional cookies to provide enhanced support features, such as live chat functionality and support ticket management.

Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

We use CDN services to improve website performance and loading times. These services may set technical cookies to optimize content delivery based on your geographic location.

Security and Fraud Prevention

Third-party security services may set cookies to help protect our website and users from malicious activities, including bot detection and fraud prevention.

No Advertising or Social Media Tracking

We do not use advertising cookies, social media tracking pixels, or behavioral advertising networks. We are committed to minimizing third-party tracking on our website.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Cookie Banner and Consent

When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences by category
• Access our full Cookie Policy

Customizing Cookie Settings

You can customize your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Using our cookie preference center (accessible via the cookie banner)
• Adjusting your browser settings to block or delete cookies
• Using browser extensions that manage cookie preferences
• Contacting us directly to update your preferences

Browser-Level Cookie Management

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:

• View and delete existing cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block all cookies (may affect website functionality)
• Set cookies to be deleted when you close your browser
• Receive notifications when cookies are being set

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Essential Cookies

If you disable essential cookies, some parts of our website may not function properly. You may experience:

• Difficulty completing purchases or forms
• Inability to access secure areas
• Reduced security and increased fraud risk
• Loss of session data when navigating between pages

Functional Cookies

Disabling functional cookies may result in:

• Loss of personalized settings and preferences
• Reduced website functionality and features
• Need to re-enter information on each visit
• Less efficient customer support experience

Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies will not affect your browsing experience but will prevent us from:

• Understanding how visitors use our website
• Identifying and fixing technical issues
• Improving website performance and user experience
• Making data-driven decisions about website improvements

7. Cookie Security and Data Protection

Security Measures

We implement appropriate security measures to protect cookie data:

• Encryption of sensitive cookie data
• Secure transmission protocols (HTTPS)
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and monitoring systems
• Compliance with data protection regulations

Data Minimization

We follow data minimization principles by:

• Only collecting necessary cookie data
• Using the shortest retention periods possible
• Regularly reviewing and deleting unnecessary cookies
• Limiting access to cookie data on a need-to-know basis

Cross-Border Data Transfers

Some cookies may involve data transfers to countries outside the UK. When this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses.

8. Similar Technologies and Tracking

Web Beacons and Pixels

We may use web beacons (also known as pixel tags) for essential website functionality, such as:

• Confirming email delivery and reading
• Measuring website performance
• Detecting technical issues

Local Storage

Our website may use local storage technologies to:

• Store user preferences locally
• Cache website content for better performance
• Maintain application state

Server Logs

Our web servers automatically collect certain information in log files, including IP addresses, browser types, and page requests. This information is used for technical maintenance and security purposes.

9. Children's Privacy and Cookies

Our website is not directed to children under 16 years of age, and we do not knowingly collect personal information or set cookies for children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

Parents and guardians should monitor their children's internet usage and help them understand the importance of privacy and cookie settings.

10. International Users and Cookie Laws

UK and EU Compliance

Our cookie practices comply with UK and EU cookie laws, including the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Other Jurisdictions

Users from other countries should be aware that our cookie practices are designed to comply with UK law. Additional rights or restrictions may apply based on your local jurisdiction.

Cross-Border Considerations

If you access our website from outside the UK, your information may be transferred to and processed in the UK, where our servers are located and our business operates.

11. Updates to This Cookie Policy

Policy Changes

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie usage practices
• New legal requirements or regulations
• Technological developments and improvements
• Feedback from users and stakeholders

Notification of Changes

When we make material changes to this Cookie Policy, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the bottom of this policy
• Provide notice through our website or cookie banner
• Seek new consent where required by law
• Email registered users about significant changes

Continued Use

Your continued use of our website after changes to this Cookie Policy constitutes acceptance of the updated policy, subject to any new consent requirements.