Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

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

Cookies allow websites to remember your actions and preferences (such as login details, language, font size, and other display preferences) over a period of time, so you don't have to keep re-entering them whenever you come back to the site or browse from one page to another.

2. How We Use Cookies

The African Bead Box uses cookies for several important purposes:

• To enable essential website functionality (e.g., keeping you logged in)
• To understand how you use our website and improve your experience
• To remember your preferences and settings
• To analyze website traffic and performance
• To deliver relevant advertising (if applicable)
• To protect against fraud and ensure security

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies.

3.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve our website.

3.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language, or region) and provide enhanced, more personalized features.

3.4 Marketing/Targeting Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver advertisements that are more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these cookies and you should check the third-party websites for more information about how they use cookies.

Third-party services we use include:

• Google Analytics: To analyze website traffic and user behavior
• Google Tag Manager: To manage tracking codes and marketing tags
• Stripe: To process payments securely
• Facebook: For social media integration and advertising
• Pinterest: For social media integration and advertising
• MailerLite: For email marketing (if subscribed)

5. How Long Do Cookies Last?

Cookies can be either "session" cookies or "persistent" cookies:

Session Cookies

These are temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. They help us track your movements from page to page so you don't get asked for information you've already provided.

Persistent Cookies

These remain on your device for a set period of time specified in the cookie (or until you delete them). They help us recognize you as a returning visitor and remember your preferences.

The duration of persistent cookies varies:

• Authentication cookies: Up to 30 days
• Analytics cookies: Up to 2 years
• Marketing cookies: Up to 1 year

6. How to Control Cookies

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences by adjusting your browser settings.

Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. However, if you limit the ability of websites to set cookies, you may worsen your overall user experience since some features may not function properly.

Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

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

Opt-Out Tools

You can also use third-party tools to opt out of certain cookies:

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Your Online Choices: www.youronlinechoices.com
• Network Advertising Initiative: www.networkadvertising.org/choices

7. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. Currently, there is no uniform standard for how DNT signals should be interpreted.

We do not currently respond to DNT browser signals or other mechanisms that provide a similar capability. However, you can still manage cookies through your browser settings as described above.

8. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our business operations. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

10. More Information

For more information about cookies and how they work, you can visit:

• www.allaboutcookies.org
• ICO - Cookies and similar technologies