Cookie Policy

Last Updated:

This Cookie Policy explains how SpottersGuide ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and mobile application (the "Service").

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to the website owners.

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

  • Essential Cookies: These cookies are necessary for the Service to function properly. They enable core functionality such as authentication, security, and session management.
  • Analytics Cookies: We use Vercel Web Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our Service. This helps us improve our website and user experience. These cookies collect anonymous information about page views and user interactions.
  • Preference Cookies: These cookies remember your preferences (such as location settings, theme preferences) to provide a more personalised experience.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following types of cookies:

  • Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. These are essential for maintaining your session and authentication state.
  • Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. These remember your preferences and settings.
  • First-Party Cookies: Cookies set directly by our Service for core functionality.
  • Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by third-party services we use (see below).

4. Third-Party Cookies

We use the following third-party services that may set cookies:

  • Vercel Analytics: For website analytics and performance monitoring. Vercel's privacy policy applies to this service. These cookies help us understand how users interact with our Service.
  • Supabase: For authentication and database services. Supabase's privacy policy applies to this service. These cookies are essential for user authentication and session management.
  • Stripe: For payment processing. Stripe's privacy policy applies to this service. These cookies are necessary for secure payment transactions.
  • Google Maps API: For map visualization and location services. Google's privacy policy applies to this service.
  • Google Ads: For advertising purposes. Google's privacy policy and cookie policy apply to this service. You can opt out of personalized advertising through Google's Ad Settings.

5. Cookie Duration

Cookies we use have different lifespans:

  • Session Cookies: Expire when you close your browser
  • Authentication Cookies: Typically expire after 30 days of inactivity or when you log out
  • Preference Cookies: May persist for up to 1 year
  • Analytics Cookies: Typically expire after 2 years

6. Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. However, if you disable cookies, some features of our Service may not function properly.

To manage cookies in your browser:

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
  • Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
  • Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

7. Cookie Consent

When you first visit our Service, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can accept or reject non-essential cookies. Essential cookies are required for the Service to function and cannot be disabled.

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clearing your browser cookies or contacting us at helpdesk@spottersguide.co.uk.

8. Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we use browser local storage to store preferences and session data. This includes:

  • User location preferences
  • Legal agreement acceptance status
  • App settings and preferences
  • Logbook data (stored locally on your device)

You can clear local storage through your browser settings, but this may affect the functionality of the Service.

9. Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other similar technologies such as:

  • Web Beacons: Small transparent images used to track email opens and page views
  • Pixel Tags: Used to measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
  • Local Storage: Browser storage for preferences and session data (see section 8)

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Cookie Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at helpdesk@spottersguide.co.uk.