Last Updated: December 24, 2024
This Cookie Policy explains how Bay Area Home Design (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on bayareahome.design (the “Site”). This policy is part of our Privacy Policy and explains:
- What cookies are
- How we use cookies
- Your choices regarding cookies
- Additional information about tracking technologies
1. WHAT ARE COOKIES?
Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device to store information. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and provide business and marketing information to the website owners.
2. HOW WE USE COOKIES
2.1 Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the Site to function properly. They enable basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the Site. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.
Examples include:
- Session cookies for user authentication
- Security cookies
- Load balancing session cookies
- User interface customization cookies
2.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies
We use Matomo (formerly Piwik) analytics to understand how visitors interact with our Site. Matomo is a privacy-focused analytics platform that helps us improve our Site while respecting user privacy.
Matomo cookies collect information such as:
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Navigation paths
- Technical information about your device
- Anonymous location data
- Referral sources
Matomo is configured to:
- Respect Do Not Track (DNT) browser settings
- Anonymize IP addresses
- Store data on our own servers
- Not share data with third parties
2.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, including:
- Language preferences
- Design preferences
- Local region settings
- Previously viewed designs
2.4 Targeting and Advertising Cookies
These cookies track your browsing habits to enable us to show advertising which is more likely to be of interest to you, including:
- Social media sharing preferences
- Advertisement response rates
- Third-party advertising network cookies
3. SPECIFIC COOKIES WE USE
3.1 First-Party Cookies
- Session Cookie
- Name: BAHDSession
- Purpose: Maintains session state
- Duration: Session
- Preference Cookie
- Name: BAHDPrefs
- Purpose: Stores user preferences
- Duration: 1 year
3.2 Analytics Cookies (Matomo)
- _pk_id
- Purpose: Visitor identification
- Duration: 13 months
- _pk_ses
- Purpose: Session identification
- Duration: 30 minutes
- _pk_ref
- Purpose: Referrer information
- Duration: 6 months
3.3 Third-Party Cookies
- Social Media Buttons
- Payment Processing
- Design Visualization Tools
4. COOKIE CONSENT
When you first visit our Site, you will be shown a cookie banner requesting your consent to place non-essential cookies on your device. You can change your cookie preferences at any time.
5. MANAGING COOKIES
5.1 Browser Settings
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Each browser is different, so check your browser’s Help menu to learn how to:
- Delete existing cookies
- Block new cookies
- Receive notifications about new cookies
- Browse in private/incognito mode
- Disable all cookies
5.2 Common Browser Instructions
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Site permissions → Cookies and site data
5.3 Matomo Opt-Out
You can opt out of Matomo analytics tracking by:
- Using our dedicated opt-out page [Link to Opt-out Page]
- Enabling Do Not Track in your browser
- Using our cookie preferences center
6. DO NOT TRACK SIGNALS
We honor Do Not Track (DNT) signals and do not track, plant cookies, or use advertising when a DNT browser mechanism is in place.
7. IMPACT OF DISABLING COOKIES
If you disable cookies:
- Essential site functions may not work properly
- Your preferences may not be saved
- Some features may be unavailable
- Your experience may be less personalized
8. UPDATES TO THIS POLICY
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or for operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. The revised policy will be effective immediately upon posting.
9. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
9.1 Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we may use local storage and similar technologies for:
- Caching design preferences
- Improving performance
- Enhancing user experience
9.2 Web Beacons
We use web beacons (clear GIFs) to:
- Track email engagement
- Monitor site usage
- Compile statistics
10. CONTACT US
If you have questions about our Cookie Policy or practices, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (555) 867-8746
11. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES
You have the right to:
- Accept or decline cookies
- Delete cookies after they have been set
- Request information about cookies we use
- Opt out of specific tracking technologies
12. DEFINITIONS
To help you understand this policy, here are definitions of key terms:
- Cookie: A small text file stored on your device
- First-party cookie: Cookie set by our Site
- Third-party cookie: Cookie set by another domain
- Session cookie: Temporary cookie deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookie: Cookie that remains until it expires or is deleted
- DNT: Do Not Track browser setting