Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device when you visit them. Think of them as digital sticky notes that help websites remember things about you – like your preferences or login status.

There are different types:

• Session cookies: Temporary files that disappear when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Stay on your device until they expire or you delete them
• First-party cookies: Set by our website directly
• Third-party cookies: Set by other services we use (like analytics tools)

2. How We Use Cookies

Essential Cookies

These are absolutely necessary for our site to work properly. They enable core functionality like:

• Keeping you logged in as you navigate between pages
• Remembering items in your shopping cart
• Maintaining your security and preventing fraud
• Storing your cookie preferences

You can't opt out of these cookies if you want to use our site.

Performance Cookies

These help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it:

• Which pages are most popular
• How long people spend on different sections
• Where users encounter problems or errors
• Which features are used most often

All information is anonymized – we can't identify individual users.

Functionality Cookies

These enhance your experience by remembering your choices:

• Your preferred language and region settings
• Display preferences (like text size)
• Previous search queries and filters
• Customized content based on your interests

Marketing Cookies

These track your browsing habits to show you relevant advertisements:

• Which products or services you've viewed
• Time spent on different pages
• Links clicked and content shared
• Cross-device activity (if you're logged in)

You can opt out of these cookies without affecting site functionality.

3. Third-Party Cookies

We work with trusted partners who may also set cookies on our site:

Google Analytics

Helps us understand site traffic and user behavior. Google's privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy

Payment Processors

Services like PayPal and Stripe use cookies to process payments securely and prevent fraud.

Customer Support

Live chat and helpdesk tools use cookies to maintain conversation history and provide better support.

Social Media

If you interact with social media widgets on our site, those platforms may set their own cookies.

4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Our Cookie Consent Tool

When you first visit our site, you'll see a cookie banner letting you choose which types of cookies to accept. You can change these preferences anytime by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our footer.

Browser Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions

Note: Blocking all cookies may break some website functionality.

Opt-Out Tools

For advertising cookies specifically:

• Digital Advertising Alliance: optout.aboutads.info
• Network Advertising Initiative: optout.networkadvertising.org
• European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance: youronlinechoices.eu

5. Mobile Apps and Other Technologies

Besides cookies, we may use similar technologies:

Local Storage

Web storage that persists even when cookies are disabled. Used for essential functionality and performance optimization.

Pixels and Beacons

Tiny invisible images that help us track email opens, page views, and campaign effectiveness.

Device Fingerprinting

Collecting device information (screen size, installed fonts, etc.) to detect fraud and enhance security.

Mobile Identifiers

In mobile apps, we may use device advertising IDs instead of cookies for similar purposes.

6. Cookie Lifespan

Different cookies stay on your device for different periods:

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Login cookies: Usually 30 days (or until you log out)
• Preference cookies: Up to 1 year
• Analytics cookies: 2 years maximum
• Marketing cookies: Varies by provider, typically 30-365 days

You can manually delete cookies anytime through your browser settings.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. When we make significant changes:

• We'll update the "Last updated" date
• Display a notice on our website
• Email registered users about important changes

Continued use of our site after changes means you accept the updated policy.

8. Questions and Contact

Got questions about our use of cookies? We're here to help:

9. Useful Resources

Want to learn more about cookies and online privacy?

• Australian Privacy Commissioner: www.oaic.gov.au
• All About Cookies: www.allaboutcookies.org
• Your Online Choices: youronlinechoices.com.au