Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how GCB Marketplace uses cookies and similar technologies across website pages, account areas and related digital services. Read this together with the Privacy Policy and Marketplace Terms.
1. What this Cookie Policy covers
It covers cookies and similar technologies that store or access information on devices, including local storage, pixels, tags, SDK-like tooling and related tracking mechanisms used in website operation.
2. What cookies and similar technologies are
Cookies are small text files set on a device when a website is visited. Similar technologies can support functionality, measurement, preference memory, attribution and campaign analytics.
3. Why we use cookies
- Keep website services secure and maintain session continuity
- Remember preferences and interface settings
- Support sign-in, auction interactions and core account features
- Record consent preferences and manage consent state
- Measure usage and performance statistics
- Understand campaign and referral performance
- Support remarketing/advertising where enabled and consented
4. Legal basis for cookie use
Under PECR, some cookies require consent before set/read access; some may be exempt where strictly necessary or otherwise lawfully exempt. Where personal data is processed, UK GDPR lawful bases also apply.
| Category | Typical purpose | Consent needed? | UK GDPR position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Security, login, payment journey, core functionality | Usually no, if genuinely necessary/exempt | Legitimate interests / legal obligation / contract |
| Preference/appearance | Language, UI preferences, consent settings | Sometimes exempt; consent may apply | Legitimate interests or consent |
| Statistical/analytics | Traffic and engagement measurement | Consent unless exempt conditions are met | Legitimate interests or consent |
| Advertising/attribution | Campaign attribution, remarketing, audience building | Yes, unless a clear exemption applies | Consent |
5. Cookie categories expected on this website
| Category | Provider type | Typical lifespan | Examples | User control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | First-party and selected providers | Session to short-term | Session IDs, CSRF/security tokens, consent-state records | Banner lists exempt items; browser controls may affect function |
| Preference | First-party | Session to 12 months | Language, layout, accessibility preferences | Site and cookie settings |
| Analytics | First-party and analytics vendors | Short to medium term | Visit counts, interaction and performance measurement | Cookie settings and opt-out where relevant |
| Marketing | Advertising/social platforms | Short to medium term | Referral attribution, audience matching, remarketing | Off by default unless consented |
6. Cookie banner and preference centre requirements
- Block non-exempt cookies until valid consent action where required
- Give equal prominence to Accept and Reject non-essential
- Allow category-level control where appropriate
- Store and honour user choices
- Provide persistent Cookie Settings access in footer
- Record consent/objection events for audit
- Avoid pre-ticked boxes and misleading design patterns
7. Browser controls and device settings
Browsers provide cookie controls, but may not cover all technologies. Blocking cookies can affect login, payment and core functionality. Users should use both browser controls and website Cookie Settings where available.
8. Third-party technologies
Third-party services (for example analytics, payments, maps, chat, embedded media, advertising tags) may set or access cookies under their own privacy policies. Where non-exempt third-party cookies are used, consent controls should be in place.
9. Cookie list publication model
The live site should publish a dynamic or regularly maintained cookie table showing cookie name, provider, category, purpose, duration, and first-party/third-party status. Avoid static hard-coded inventories unless there is a process to keep them updated.
10. Updates to this Cookie Policy
This policy may change due to legal, technical, supplier or product updates. Material changes may require fresh consent where applicable.
11. Contact
Questions about this Cookie Policy: info@guaranteedcarbuyers.co.uk or use contact details listed in the Privacy Policy.