1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how UrbanFind (“we,” “our,” or “us”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website urbanfind.co.za. This policy provides detailed information about what cookies are, how we use them, the types of cookies we use, and how you can control your cookie preferences.
By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. If you do not agree to our use of cookies, you should adjust your browser settings accordingly or refrain from using our website.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide a better user experience.
2.1 How Cookies Work
When you visit our website:
- Your browser requests a web page from our server
- Our server sends the page along with cookies
- Your browser stores these cookies on your device
- On subsequent visits, your browser sends the cookies back to our server
- This allows us to recognize you and remember your preferences
2.2 Types of Information Cookies Collect
Cookies may collect various types of information, including:
- Your browsing behavior and preferences
- Pages you visit and time spent on each page
- Products you view or add to your cart
- Your device type and browser information
- Your general geographic location
- How you arrived at our website
3. Categories of Cookies We Use
We use different types of cookies for various purposes. Below is a detailed breakdown of each category:
4. Detailed Cookie Table
Below is a comprehensive list of cookies we use on our website:
| Cookie Name | Category | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| session_id | Strictly Necessary | Maintains your browsing session and shopping cart | Session (deleted when browser closes) |
| user_token | Strictly Necessary | Authenticates logged-in users securely | 30 days |
| cart_items | Strictly Necessary | Stores products added to shopping cart | 7 days |
| _ga | Analytics | Google Analytics – distinguishes unique visitors | 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics | Google Analytics – distinguishes users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Analytics | Google Analytics – throttles request rate | 1 minute |
| preferences | Functionality | Stores language, currency, and display preferences | 1 year |
| recently_viewed | Functionality | Remembers recently viewed products | 30 days |
| wishlist | Functionality | Stores items saved to your wishlist | 90 days |
| _fbp | Advertising | Facebook Pixel – tracks conversions and retargeting | 90 days |
| ads_preferences | Advertising | Stores advertising preferences and targeting data | 1 year |
| utm_source | Analytics | Tracks referral source and marketing campaigns | 6 months |
5. Third-Party Cookies
5.1 What Are Third-Party Cookies?
Third-party cookies are set by domains other than UrbanFind. These are typically set by external services we use to enhance website functionality or measure performance.
5.2 Third-Party Services We Use
- Google Analytics: Website traffic and user behavior analysis
- Google Ads: Advertising and remarketing campaigns
- Facebook Pixel: Social media advertising and conversion tracking
- Payment Processors: Secure payment processing (e.g., PayFast, PayGate)
- Shipping Providers: Real-time shipping rates and tracking
- Email Marketing Platforms: Newsletter delivery and engagement tracking
- Customer Support Tools: Live chat and help desk functionality
5.3 Control Over Third-Party Cookies
We do not have direct control over third-party cookies. To manage these cookies, you can:
- Adjust settings directly with the third-party provider
- Use browser settings to block third-party cookies
- Opt out of interest-based advertising (see Section 7)
- Review privacy policies of third-party services
6. First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies
| Feature | First-Party Cookies | Third-Party Cookies |
|---|---|---|
| Set by | UrbanFind (urbanfind.co.za) | External services (e.g., google.com, facebook.com) |
| Purpose | Website functionality and user experience | Analytics, advertising, social media integration |
| Access | Only accessible by UrbanFind | Accessible across multiple websites |
| Tracking | Limited to our website only | Can track across multiple websites |
| Examples | Shopping cart, login status, preferences | Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, ad networks |
7. How to Manage and Control Cookies
You have several options to manage cookies on our website:
7.1 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
- Block all cookies
- Block third-party cookies only
- Delete cookies after each browsing session
- Accept cookies only from specific websites
- Receive notifications when cookies are set
7.2 Browser-Specific Cookie Instructions
🌐 Google Chrome
- Click the three dots menu (top right) → Settings
- Click “Privacy and security” → “Cookies and other site data”
- Choose your preferred cookie settings
- To delete existing cookies: click “See all cookies and site data” → “Remove all”
🦊 Mozilla Firefox
- Click the menu button (three lines) → Settings
- Select “Privacy & Security” panel
- Under “Cookies and Site Data,” choose your settings
- Click “Clear Data” to remove existing cookies
🧭 Safari (Mac)
- Click Safari menu → Preferences
- Click “Privacy” tab
- Choose cookie preferences under “Website tracking”
- Click “Manage Website Data” to view and remove cookies
🌊 Microsoft Edge
- Click the three dots menu → Settings
- Click “Cookies and site permissions”
- Click “Manage and delete cookies and site data”
- Choose your cookie preferences or clear existing cookies
📱 Safari (iPhone/iPad)
- Go to Settings → Safari
- Scroll down to “Privacy & Security”
- Toggle “Block All Cookies” or “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking”
- Tap “Clear History and Website Data” to remove cookies
🤖 Chrome (Android)
- Open Chrome app → tap three dots menu → Settings
- Tap “Site settings” → “Cookies”
- Choose to allow or block cookies
- Go back and tap “Clear browsing data” to remove cookies
7.3 Opt-Out of Interest-Based Advertising
To opt out of targeted advertising from participating companies:
- Digital Advertising Alliance: www.aboutads.info/choices
- Network Advertising Initiative: www.networkadvertising.org/choices
- Google Ads Settings: www.google.com/settings/ads
- Facebook Ad Preferences: www.facebook.com/ads/preferences
7.4 Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers have a “Do Not Track” feature that signals to websites that you don’t want to be tracked. However, there is currently no industry standard for responding to DNT signals, and our website does not currently respond to DNT requests.
8. Session Cookies vs. Persistent Cookies
8.1 Session Cookies
Duration: Temporary – deleted when you close your browser
Purpose: Essential for navigation and using website features during your visit
Examples: Shopping cart contents, login session, form data
8.2 Persistent Cookies
Duration: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted
Purpose: Remember your preferences and actions for future visits
Examples: Language preference, “Remember Me” login, recently viewed products
| Cookie Type | Lifespan | Purpose | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session Cookie | Until browser closes | Temporary functionality | Shopping cart during your visit |
| Persistent Cookie | Days/months/years | Long-term preferences | Remembering login across visits |
9. Cookies and Mobile Devices
When you access our website through mobile devices (smartphones, tablets), we may use cookies and similar technologies including:
9.1 Mobile-Specific Technologies
- Mobile Cookies: Similar to desktop cookies but optimized for mobile browsers
- Device Identifiers: Unique identifiers assigned to your mobile device
- App-Based Tracking: If you use our mobile app (when available)
- Location Data: GPS or location services (with your permission)
9.2 Managing Mobile Cookies
You can manage cookies on mobile devices through:
- Your mobile browser settings (see browser guides above)
- Device privacy settings (iOS Settings or Android Settings)
- Limiting ad tracking in device settings
- Resetting your advertising ID
10. Cookies and Your Privacy
10.1 Personal Data Protection
While most cookies contain only anonymous identifiers, some may be linked to personal information if you:
- Create an account on our website
- Make a purchase
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Contact customer support
10.2 POPIA Compliance
Our use of cookies complies with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). We:
- Obtain consent for non-essential cookies
- Provide clear information about cookie usage
- Give you control over cookie preferences
- Protect cookie data with appropriate security measures
- Limit data collection to what is necessary
10.3 Data Security
Cookie data is protected through:
- Secure transmission (HTTPS/SSL encryption)
- Access controls limiting who can view cookie data
- Regular security audits and updates
- Compliance with data protection regulations
11. Cookie Consent
11.1 How We Obtain Consent
When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie banner or notification informing you about our use of cookies. You can:
- Accept All Cookies: Allow all cookies for full functionality and personalization
- Customize Settings: Choose which cookie categories to enable
- Reject Non-Essential Cookies: Only allow strictly necessary cookies
11.2 Changing Your Consent
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:
- Clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in our website footer
- Adjusting your browser settings
- Contacting us at info@urbanfind.co.za
11.3 Implied Consent
By continuing to use our website after seeing our cookie notice, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.
12. Other Tracking Technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other tracking technologies:
12.1 Web Beacons (Pixel Tags)
Small transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that track:
- Whether you’ve opened an email
- Which links you clicked
- Page views and browsing patterns
12.2 Local Storage
Browser storage that allows websites to store data locally:
- Larger storage capacity than cookies
- Data persists until manually cleared
- Used for enhanced website functionality
12.3 Flash Cookies (LSOs)
Cookies stored by Adobe Flash Player:
- Store multimedia content preferences
- Not controlled by browser cookie settings
- Can be managed through Adobe Flash settings
13. Impact of Blocking Cookies
If you choose to block or delete cookies, the following website features may be affected:
| Feature | Impact of Blocking Cookies |
|---|---|
| Shopping Cart | Items will not be saved; cart empties when you navigate away |
| User Login | Cannot stay logged in; must re-enter credentials each page |
| Preferences | Language, currency, and display settings not remembered |
| Recently Viewed | Previously viewed products not displayed |
| Personalization | Product recommendations less relevant |
| Analytics | Your visits won’t be tracked (may limit our ability to improve) |
| Advertising | Ads will be less relevant to your interests |
| Social Sharing | Social media integration features may not work |
14. Children’s Privacy and Cookies
Our website is not directed at children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect information from children through cookies or any other means. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided information through cookies, please contact us immediately at info@urbanfind.co.za.
15. Updates to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, our business practices, or for other operational reasons.
When we make significant changes:
- We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
- We may display a prominent notice on our website
- We may request renewed consent for cookie usage
- We will email registered users about material changes
We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
16. Contact Us About Cookies
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding our use of cookies, please contact us:
UrbanFind Cookie Policy Inquiries
Email: info@urbanfind.co.za
Subject Line: “Cookie Policy Inquiry”
Physical Address:
Unit 15 Honeydew Business Park
1503 Citrus Street, Laser Park
Roodepoort, Gauteng, 2040
South Africa
Website: urbanfind.co.za
Response Time: We will respond to all cookie-related inquiries within 48 hours.
17. Related Policies
For more information about how we protect your privacy and handle your data, please review:
- Privacy Policy – How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
- Terms and Conditions – General terms governing use of our website
We use cookies to provide you with the best possible shopping experience. By understanding and managing your cookie preferences, you maintain control over your online privacy while enjoying our services.