Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They contain information that helps us recognize you, remember your preferences, and understand how you interact with our website. Cookies may be stored for the duration of your session or for longer periods, depending on their type and purpose.

This Cookie Policy explains what cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage or delete them.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

Purpose: These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.

Examples:

• Session cookies (user authentication and security)
• Security cookies (fraud detection and prevention)
• Cookies required for form submission and navigation
• Load balancing and performance optimization cookies

⚠️ Note: Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for the website to function.

2.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies

Purpose: These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting anonymous usage data.

Examples:

• Google Analytics cookies (page visits, user behavior, bounce rates)
• Hotjar cookies (heatmaps and user session recordings)
• Performance monitoring cookies (page load times, errors)

Duration: Typically 2 years

2.3 Functional Cookies

Purpose: These cookies remember your preferences and choices to enhance your user experience on future visits.

Examples:

• Language preference cookies
• Theme preference cookies (light/dark mode)
• Cookies remembering your equipment inquiry history

Duration: Typically 1 year

2.4 Marketing & Advertising Cookies

Purpose: These cookies track your browsing behavior across websites to deliver targeted advertisements and measure advertising effectiveness.

Examples:

• Google Ads cookies (remarketing and conversion tracking)
• Facebook Pixel cookies (audience building and retargeting)
• Third-party advertising network cookies

Duration: Typically 1-3 years

2.5 Social Media Cookies

Purpose: These cookies are set by social media platforms when you use social sharing features or interact with embedded social content.

Examples:

• Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter cookies
• Social share tracking cookies

Duration: Varies by platform (typically 1-2 years)

3. Third-Party Cookies

We use cookies from trusted third-party service providers to enhance our website functionality and services:

Each third-party provider has its own privacy policy governing how they use your data. We recommend reviewing their policies for more information.

4. Cookie Consent & Your Choices

When you first visit our website, we will request your consent for non-essential cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time:

• Accept All: Accept all cookies except where prohibited by law
• Reject Non-Essential: Accept only essential cookies
• Manage Preferences: Choose specific cookie categories to accept

Your consent choices are stored in a preference cookie and respected for future visits. You can change your preferences at any time using our cookie settings banner or this page.

5. How to Control Cookies

5.1 Browser Controls

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

• View cookies stored on your device
• Delete cookies automatically when closing your browser
• Block specific sites from setting cookies
• Block third-party cookies

Instructions for managing cookies in popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Clear browsing data
• Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data

5.2 Opting Out of Analytics

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5.3 Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature. While we respect this signal, third-party services on our site may not honor DNT requests. For more information, visit allaboutdnt.com.

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Essential cookies will always be necessary for the website to function properly.

7. Cookie Lifespan & Data Retention

Cookies are categorized as follows:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Stored on your device for a specified duration (days, months, or years) or until manually deleted
• Third-Party Cookies: Governed by each provider's privacy policy

8. Privacy & Compliance

Our use of cookies complies with:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): We obtain explicit consent for non-essential cookies
• PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations): We respect electronic marketing preferences
• UK Data Protection Act 2018: We follow UK data protection requirements
• ePrivacy Directive: We comply with EU ePrivacy standards

For more information about how we use your personal data, see our Privacy Policy.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our cookie use or legal requirements. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when this policy was last revised. We will request your consent if we make material changes to our cookie practices.