Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 2025
1. Introduction and Overview
1.1 What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences, analyzing how you use our site, and improving our services.
1.2 Why We Use Cookies
VelociShift uses cookies for several essential purposes:
- To remember your login status and preferences
- To provide essential website functionality
- To analyze website performance and user behavior
- To deliver personalized content and advertisements
- To improve our delivery services and customer experience
1.3 Legal Basis
Our use of cookies is based on your consent (where required), our legitimate business interests, and contractual necessity for providing our delivery services.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for our website to function properly. They cannot be disabled without severely affecting your ability to use our services.
Essential Functions:
- User authentication and login sessions
- Shopping cart and booking functionality
- Security features and fraud prevention
- Form data persistence during booking process
- Load balancing and website performance
- CSRF protection and secure transactions
2.2 Functional Cookies
These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your choices and preferences.
Functionality Includes:
- Language and region preferences
- Recently used delivery addresses
- Vehicle type and delivery preferences
- User interface customizations
- Accessibility settings and font sizes
- Notification preferences
2.3 Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website so we can improve performance and user experience.
Data Collected:
- Page views and user journey analytics
- Most popular features and services
- Error tracking and performance monitoring
- Usage statistics and traffic patterns
- Conversion rates and booking completion
- Website speed and loading times
2.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track campaign effectiveness.
Marketing Functions:
- Targeted advertising based on interests
- Social media integration and sharing
- Campaign performance tracking
- Remarketing to previous visitors
- Cross-device user identification
- Affiliate program tracking
3. Detailed Cookie Classification
3.1 Duration-Based Classification
Session Cookies
- • Temporary cookies deleted when browser closes
- • Essential for shopping cart functionality
- • Used for form data preservation
- • Required for secure authentication
Persistent Cookies
- • Remain for specified time periods
- • Remember login preferences
- • Store user customizations
- • Track returning visitor behavior
3.2 Source-Based Classification
First-Party Cookies
- • Set directly by VelociShift
- • Essential website functionality
- • User preferences and settings
- • Booking and delivery management
Third-Party Cookies
- • Set by external service providers
- • Analytics and performance tracking
- • Payment processing and security
- • Social media integration
4. Third-Party Cookies and External Services
We work with several trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies on your device:
Google Services
Google Analytics: Website performance and user behavior analysis
Google Maps: Address lookup and route calculation
Google Ads: Targeted advertising and remarketing
Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy
Payment Processors
Stripe: Secure payment processing and fraud detection
PayPal: Alternative payment method integration
Purpose: Transaction security and compliance
Policies: stripe.com/privacy, paypal.com/privacy
Address Services
GetAddress API: UK postcode lookup and validation
Function: Address autocomplete and verification
Privacy Policy: getaddress.io/privacy
Social Media
Facebook/Meta: Social sharing and advertising
Twitter: Social media integration
LinkedIn: Professional networking features
Purpose: Social engagement and marketing
5. Cookie Consent and Management
5.1 Consent Mechanism
When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:
- Accept all cookies for the full website experience
- Customize your cookie preferences by category
- Reject non-essential cookies (some features may be limited)
- Access detailed information about each cookie type
5.2 Granular Control Options
Always Active
Strictly necessary cookies (cannot be disabled)
Optional Categories
Functional, Analytics, and Marketing cookies
5.3 Changing Your Preferences
You can modify your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer
- Accessing the preference center in your account settings
- Using your browser's cookie management tools
- Contacting our customer support team
6. Browser-Based Cookie Management
6.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- Block all cookies from being set
- Block third-party cookies only
- Delete existing cookies
- Set cookies to be deleted when the browser closes
- Receive notifications when cookies are being set
6.2 Browser-Specific Instructions
Chrome
Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
Firefox
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge
Settings → Site Permissions → Cookies and stored data
6.3 Impact of Blocking Cookies
Important Notice: Blocking certain cookies may affect website functionality:
- Unable to stay logged in to your account
- Loss of shopping cart contents
- Inability to complete bookings
- Reduced personalization features
- Repeated cookie consent prompts
7. Mobile and App-Based Tracking
7.1 Mobile Browser Cookies
Mobile browsers handle cookies similarly to desktop browsers, but with additional considerations:
- Limited storage capacity may affect cookie lifespan
- Cross-app tracking restrictions on iOS and Android
- Enhanced privacy settings in modern mobile browsers
- Automatic cookie deletion in private browsing modes
7.2 Future App Development
If we develop mobile applications in the future, we will implement similar tracking technologies and provide appropriate privacy controls within the app settings.
8. Data Security and Cookie Protection
8.1 Security Measures
We implement several security measures to protect cookie data:
- Secure Flag: Cookies transmitted only over HTTPS connections
- HttpOnly Flag: Prevents JavaScript access to sensitive cookies
- SameSite Attribute: Protects against cross-site request forgery
- Encryption: Sensitive data within cookies is encrypted
- Regular Audits: Periodic security reviews of cookie implementation
8.2 Data Minimization
We follow data minimization principles by:
- Storing only necessary information in cookies
- Using session cookies where persistent storage isn't required
- Setting appropriate expiration dates
- Regularly purging expired cookie data
9. Cookie Retention and Expiration
9.1 Retention Periods
Session Cookies
Deleted when browser session ends
Authentication Cookies
30 days (with "Remember Me" option)
Preference Cookies
1 year from last interaction
Analytics Cookies
2 years (standard industry practice)
Marketing Cookies
90 days to 2 years (varies by provider)
Security Cookies
Until security session expires
9.2 Automatic Cleanup
Our systems automatically remove expired cookies and associated data to maintain optimal performance and comply with data protection requirements.
10. Cross-Border Data Transfers
10.1 International Transfers
Some of our third-party service providers may process cookie data outside the United Kingdom. We ensure appropriate safeguards through:
- Adequacy decisions for approved countries
- Standard Contractual Clauses with service providers
- Binding Corporate Rules for multinational companies
- Certification schemes and codes of conduct
10.2 Data Protection Standards
Regardless of where cookie data is processed, we maintain the same high standards of protection and security required by UK and EU data protection laws.
11. Children's Privacy and Cookies
11.1 Age Restrictions
Our services are not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect cookie data from children under 16.
11.2 Parental Controls
Parents can help protect their children's privacy by:
- Using parental control software and browser settings
- Educating children about online privacy
- Monitoring their children's internet usage
- Contacting us if they believe their child's data has been collected
12. Industry Standards and Compliance
12.1 Regulatory Compliance
Our cookie practices comply with applicable regulations including:
GDPR (EU)
General Data Protection Regulation
UK GDPR
UK Data Protection Act 2018
PECR
Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations
ePrivacy
European ePrivacy Directive
12.2 Industry Best Practices
We follow industry best practices including:
- IAB Europe Transparency and Consent Framework
- Cookie classification standards
- Privacy by design principles
- Regular compliance audits and assessments
13. Emerging Technologies and Future Updates
13.1 Cookie Alternatives
As technology evolves, we may implement cookie alternatives such as:
- Local storage and session storage
- Web beacons and pixel tags
- Server-side tracking technologies
- Privacy-preserving analytics methods
13.2 Technology Updates
We continuously monitor developments in privacy technology and will update our practices to maintain the highest standards of user privacy while delivering excellent service.
14. Updates to This Cookie Policy
14.1 Policy Changes
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make changes, we will:
- Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
- Notify users via email for significant changes
- Display prominent website notices
- Request renewed consent where required by law
14.2 Monitoring Changes
We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and protect your privacy.
15. Contact Information and Support
For questions about our cookie practices, exercising your rights, or managing your preferences:
Data Protection Officer
dpo@velocishift.com
+44 20 1234 5678 (Ext. 101)
Cookie-related inquiries
Privacy Team
privacy@velocishift.com
Response within 48 hours
General privacy questions
Technical Support
support@velocishift.com
+44 20 1234 5678
Cookie management assistance
Postal Address
VelociShift Limited
Privacy Team
Business Address
City, Postal Code, United Kingdom
Regulatory Authority: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe our cookie practices violate your privacy rights. Visit ico.org.uk for more information.