Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your actions and preferences (such as login details or region) so you don't have to re-enter them every time you return.

We also use similar technologies – for example local storage – to keep you logged in and to store basic settings (such as your cookie consent choice) while you use AuctionMyPlate to browse and bid on number plates.

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following:

• Essential cookies (strictly necessary): these are required for the site to function. They keep you logged in, secure forms, remember basic security/session information and enable core features like bidding and checkout. Without these, the website will not work correctly.
• Preference cookies: these remember basic choices (for example, cookie consent or interface preferences) to make repeat visits easier.
• Analytics / performance cookies: these help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve layout, performance and content (for example, which pages are most popular, or whether a particular feature is working properly).

At the moment, we use a small number of cookies and similar technologies to run the platform and measure performance – we do not use them to build invasive marketing profiles of individual users.

3. Types of Cookies We May Use

• Session cookies: temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. These are often used for login and security.
• Persistent cookies: remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them (for example, remembering that you've already seen the cookie banner).
• First-party cookies: set by AuctionMyPlate.co.uk and used only by our website.
• Third-party cookies: set by external services such as analytics, payment providers or future advertising partners.

4. Examples of Cookies & Similar Technologies

Examples include (this is not a complete list):

• Cookies or local storage entries that store your login session so you don't have to sign in on every page view.
• A small local storage value that remembers whether you've already accepted the cookie banner on AuctionMyPlate.
• Analytics tools that count how many people visit certain pages and how long they stay there, so we can identify which parts of the site are working well and where we need to improve.
• Cookies or similar technologies set by payment providers (such as Stripe) to help prevent fraud and complete secure card payments.

5. Consent & Managing Your Cookies

When you first visit AuctionMyPlate, you'll see a cookie banner at the bottom of the page. By clicking "Accept" or by continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies as described in this Policy, including essential cookies and any analytics cookies we use.

You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers let you:

• Delete existing cookies from your device.
• Block all cookies or certain types of cookies.
• Receive a warning before cookies are stored so you can decide whether to allow them.

Please note that if you block or delete essential cookies, some parts of the website may not work properly (for example, you may not be able to stay logged in, place bids, or complete purchases).

If you want to limit analytics and advertising cookies specifically, you can also adjust settings provided by the relevant third parties (for example, Google or other ad/analytics providers) in addition to your browser controls.

6. Third-Party Cookies & Services

We may use third-party services that set their own cookies or similar technologies. These include:

• Payment providers: such as Stripe, which may use cookies or similar technologies to help prevent fraud, remember certain payment- related information and support secure transactions.
• Analytics providers: tools that help us understand site usage and performance (for example, how many visitors we receive and which pages they view).
• Future advertising / marketing tools: if we use online advertising platforms (such as Google Ads or similar) they may use cookies to measure campaign performance or, where permitted, to show relevant ads.

These third parties are responsible for their own cookies and will process your data in line with their own privacy and cookie policies. Where required by law, we aim to ensure appropriate safeguards and agreements are in place.

7. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law or how we operate the site. When we do, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. If the changes are significant, we may also show a notice on the website or via your account.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or how we use cookies and similar technologies, you can contact us at support@auctionmyplate.co.uk.