Cookie Policy

Last updated: January 3, 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Refurb Calculator, operated by Help Build Ltd ("we", "our", or "us"), uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at refurbcalculator.co.uk.

This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.

Cookies cannot harm your device and don't contain viruses. They cannot access files on your computer or reveal personal information unless you provide it.

3. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several important reasons:

• Essential Functionality: To provide basic website features and keep you logged in
• User Experience: To remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics: To understand how our website is used and improve our service
• Security: To protect against fraud and ensure account security
• Performance: To optimize website loading and functionality

4. Types of Cookies We Use

5. Specific Cookies Used

Cookie Name	Type	Purpose	Duration	Provider
session_id	Essential	Maintains user session and login state	Session	RefurbCalculator
auth_token	Essential	Secure authentication token	30 days	Firebase/Google
user_preferences	Functional	Stores theme and interface settings	1 year	RefurbCalculator
_ga	Analytics	Google Analytics user identification	2 years	Google
_ga_*	Analytics	Google Analytics session data	2 years	Google
_gid	Analytics	Google Analytics visitor identification	24 hours	Google
hotjar_*	Analytics	Hotjar session recordings and heatmaps	1 year	Hotjar
stripe_sid	Essential	Payment processing security	30 minutes	Stripe

6. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services that appear on our website:

• Google Analytics: Website traffic and usage analytics
• Google Fonts: Web font delivery
• Firebase: Authentication and database services
• Stripe: Secure payment processing
• PayPal: Alternative payment processing
• Hotjar: User behavior analytics (when enabled)

7. Cookie Consent Management

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie banner that allows you to choose which types of cookies to accept. Here's what our cookie banner looks like:

7.1 Your Consent Choices

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time:

8. Managing Cookies in Your Browser

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

8.1 Google Chrome

1. Click the three dots menu → Settings
2. Go to Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
3. Choose your preferred cookie settings

8.2 Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the menu button → Options/Preferences
2. Select Privacy & Security
3. Under Cookies and Site Data, choose your settings

8.3 Safari

1. Go to Safari → Preferences
2. Click the Privacy tab
3. Choose your cookie blocking preferences

8.4 Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three dots menu → Settings
2. Go to Cookies and site permissions
3. Manage cookies and site data

9. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable certain cookies, some parts of our website may not work as expected:

• Essential Cookies: Website may not function properly
• Functional Cookies: Preferences won't be saved, features may be limited
• Analytics Cookies: We can't improve the site based on usage data
• Marketing Cookies: You may see less relevant advertisements

10. Mobile Apps and Cookies

If we develop mobile applications in the future, they may use similar tracking technologies. This policy will be updated to reflect those practices, and app-specific privacy settings will be available.

11. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" feature. When enabled, our website will respect this signal and limit tracking to essential functions only.

12. Cookie Retention

Different cookies have different retention periods:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain until expiry date or manual deletion
• Essential Cookies: Retained as long as necessary for functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Typically retained for 24 months

13. International Transfers

Some of our cookie providers (like Google Analytics) may transfer data outside the UK/EU. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for any international data transfers.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our practices. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Updating the cookie banner with new consent options
• Posting a notice on our website
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy

15. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have rights regarding cookies and tracking:

• Right to Information: This policy provides transparency about our cookie use
• Right to Consent: You can choose which cookies to accept
• Right to Withdraw Consent: You can change your cookie preferences anytime
• Right to Object: You can object to processing for marketing purposes

16. Contact Us About Cookies

If you have questions about our use of cookies or want to exercise your rights, please contact us: