This Cookie Policy explains how TaapCraft Ltd ("we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and mobile apps (collectively, the "Platform"). By using TaapCraft, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website or use an app. They help the platform "remember" your preferences, login status, and usage patterns to provide a better user experience.

Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use:

Pixels (Web Beacons): Tiny invisible images embedded in emails or web pages to track opens, clicks, and engagement
Local Storage: Browser storage that retains data locally on your device (e.g., HTML5 localStorage)
Session Storage: Temporary storage that is cleared when you close your browser
Software Development Kits (SDKs): Third-party code in mobile apps for analytics and advertising

Throughout this policy, we refer to all these technologies collectively as "cookies" for simplicity.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

We use different types of cookies for various purposes:

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies (Essential)

Purpose: Enable core platform functionality

Examples:

Authentication: Keep you logged in across pages
Security: Protect against fraud and unauthorized access
Load Balancing: Distribute traffic across servers for stability
Session Management: Maintain your session while you browse

Can You Disable Them? No. These cookies are essential for the platform to function. Without them, you cannot use TaapCraft.

2.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies

Purpose: Help us understand how users interact with the platform

Examples:

Google Analytics: Track page views, session duration, bounce rates
Hotjar or Mixpanel: Heatmaps, session recordings, funnel analysis
Error Logging: Identify bugs and performance issues

Data Collected: Pages visited, time spent, device type, browser version, referral source

Can You Disable Them? Yes, via your cookie preferences (see Section 6).

2.3 Functionality Cookies

Purpose: Remember your preferences and settings

Examples:

Language preference (English, Welsh, etc.)
Dark mode / light mode toggle
Location settings (saved postcode for job searches)
Previously viewed jobs or traders

Can You Disable Them? Yes, but this may limit certain features (e.g., you'll need to re-enter preferences each time).

2.4 Targeting & Advertising Cookies

Purpose: Show you relevant ads based on your interests

Examples:

Facebook Pixel: Track conversions and retarget users who visited TaapCraft
Google Ads: Measure ad performance and show relevant ads on Google
LinkedIn Insight Tag: Track professional users and B2B ad campaigns

Data Collected: Pages viewed, jobs searched, time spent, inferred interests

Can You Disable Them? Yes, via your cookie preferences or by opting out of ad networks (see Section 7).

2.5 Social Media Cookies

Purpose: Enable social sharing and track engagement

Examples:

Facebook: Share job posts or trader profiles on Facebook
Twitter/X: Tweet about TaapCraft
LinkedIn: Share B2B content for traders

Data Collected: Social media interactions, shares, likes

Can You Disable Them? Yes, but social sharing features may not work.

3. First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies

First-Party Cookies

Set directly by TaapCraft and used exclusively by us to improve your experience on our platform.

Third-Party Cookies

Set by external services we use (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook, Stripe). These cookies are governed by the third party's privacy policy.

Third Parties We Work With:

Google Analytics: Analytics and performance tracking
Facebook: Advertising and retargeting
Stripe: Payment processing
Hotjar / Mixpanel: User behavior analysis

4. Session vs. Persistent Cookies

Session Cookies

Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. Used for session management and login state.

Persistent Cookies

Remain on your device until they expire or you manually delete them. Used for preferences, analytics, and advertising.

Typical Lifespan:

Analytics cookies: 2 years
Advertising cookies: 30-90 days
Functionality cookies: 1 year

5. Why We Use Cookies

Cookies help us:

Provide Essential Features: Keep you logged in, process payments, remember your cart
Improve User Experience: Remember your preferences (language, location, dark mode)
Analyze Platform Performance: Understand which features are popular, identify bugs, optimize load times
Personalize Content: Show relevant job recommendations and trader suggestions
Deliver Targeted Ads: Show you ads for services you might be interested in (e.g., if you searched for "plumbers in Manchester", you may see plumbing ads)
Measure Marketing Effectiveness: Track which ads, emails, or referrals bring users to TaapCraft
Comply with Legal Requirements: Fraud prevention, age verification, GDPR compliance

6. How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences

You have control over which cookies are set on your device. Here's how to manage them:

6.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit TaapCraft, you'll see a cookie consent banner with options to:

Accept All: Allow all cookies (essential, analytics, advertising, social media)
Reject Non-Essential: Only use strictly necessary cookies
Customize Preferences: Choose which cookie categories to enable

6.2 Changing Your Preferences Later

You can update your cookie settings at any time by:

Clicking the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer
Accessing your account settings → Privacy → Cookie Settings

6.3 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies via their settings:

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 → Cookies and Site Permissions

Note: Blocking all cookies may prevent you from using certain features of TaapCraft.

6.4 Mobile Apps

For mobile apps, you can manage tracking via:

iOS: Settings → Privacy → Tracking → TaapCraft (toggle off)
Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization

7. Opting Out of Third-Party Advertising

To opt out of targeted advertising from third-party networks, visit:

Google Ads: adssettings.google.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ads/preferences
Your Online Choices (UK/EU): youronlinechoices.com
Digital Advertising Alliance (US): optout.aboutads.info

Note: Opting out does not stop all ads - it only makes them less relevant to you.

8. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) setting. However, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. Currently, TaapCraft does not respond to DNT signals, but you can still manage cookies via your browser settings or our cookie consent banner.

9. Cookies and Children

TaapCraft is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children via cookies. If we become aware that a child has interacted with our platform, we will delete their data promptly.

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our practices. When we make changes:

The "Effective from" date at the top will be updated
For significant changes, we'll notify you via email or in-app notification
We recommend reviewing this policy periodically

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about our use of cookies, please contact us:

TaapCraft Ltd

179 Lomeshaye Business Village, Turner Road, Nelson, BB9 7DR

Summary: TaapCraft uses cookies to provide essential features, improve user experience, analyze performance, and deliver targeted advertising. You can manage your cookie preferences via our cookie banner, account settings, or browser controls. For more details on how we handle your personal data, see our Privacy Policy.