Cookie Policy

Version 1.0 | Effective Date: 2024-01-01

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences and improve your browsing experience.

This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them on dispatching.pro, what types of cookies we use, and how you can control or disable them.

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for essential functionality and to understand how users interact with our Service. We believe in minimal data collection and only use cookies that are necessary for the Service to function properly or to provide basic analytics.

We do not use cookies for advertising, tracking across websites, or selling your information to third parties.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are required for the Service to function properly. Without these cookies, you would not be able to use our platform.

Authentication Cookie: auth_token

  • Purpose: Maintains your login session using JWT (JSON Web Token)
  • Type: HttpOnly, Secure, SameSite
  • Duration: Session-based (typically 7 days or until logout)
  • Contains: Encrypted authentication token with user ID and session information
  • Can be disabled? No - essential for using the Service

The auth_token cookie is set with the following security attributes:

  • HttpOnly: Prevents JavaScript from accessing the cookie, protecting against XSS attacks
  • Secure: Cookie is only transmitted over HTTPS connections
  • SameSite: Protects against CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) attacks

3.2 Analytics Cookies (Performance)

We use analytics cookies to understand how users interact with our Service, helping us improve functionality and user experience.

Vercel Analytics

  • Provider: Vercel Inc.
  • Purpose: Collect aggregate usage statistics and performance metrics
  • Type: First-party analytics
  • Data Collected: Page views, navigation paths, performance timing, device type, browser information
  • Personal Information: Minimal - does not track individuals across sites
  • Duration: Session-based and persistent (varies)
  • Privacy Policy: Vercel Privacy Policy

Vercel Analytics is designed with privacy in mind and does not:

  • Track users across different websites
  • Store personally identifiable information
  • Use the data for advertising purposes
  • Sell data to third parties

4. Cookies We Do NOT Use

To respect your privacy, we explicitly do not use:

  • Advertising Cookies: We do not serve advertisements or use cookies for ad targeting
  • Social Media Cookies: We do not embed social media tracking pixels
  • Third-Party Marketing Cookies: We do not allow third parties to place marketing cookies
  • Cross-Site Tracking: We do not track your activity across other websites

5. Third-Party Services

While we minimize third-party cookies, certain integrated services may set their own cookies:

5.1 Stripe Payment Processing

When you enter payment information, Stripe (our payment processor) may set cookies to:

  • Process your payment securely
  • Prevent fraud and detect abuse
  • Comply with PCI DSS requirements

Stripe's cookies are only set when you interact with payment forms. See Stripe's Cookie Policy for details.

6. Session Storage and Local Storage

In addition to cookies, we use browser storage technologies for temporary data:

6.1 Session Storage

We use session storage to temporarily store form data during multi-step signup processes:

  • Purpose: Preserve form data when navigating between signup steps
  • Data Stored: User registration information (name, email, company details)
  • Duration: Cleared when the browser tab is closed
  • Privacy: Stored locally in your browser, not transmitted to our servers until form submission

6.2 Local Storage

We may use local storage for:

  • User interface preferences (theme, dark mode, dashboard layout)
  • Temporary caching to improve performance

Local storage persists until explicitly cleared by you or our application.

7. How to Manage Cookies

7.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

  • View which cookies are stored
  • Delete existing cookies
  • Block all cookies
  • Block third-party cookies only
  • Clear cookies when you close your browser

Important: Disabling essential cookies (especially auth_token) will prevent you from using our Service, as you will not be able to log in or maintain your session.

7.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
Chrome Cookie Settings Guide

Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Firefox Cookie Settings Guide

Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
Safari Cookie Settings Guide

Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
Edge Cookie Settings Guide

7.3 Opt-Out of Analytics

While our analytics cookies do not track personal information, you can opt out of analytics tracking by:

  • Using browser "Do Not Track" settings (we respect DNT headers)
  • Blocking third-party cookies in your browser
  • Using privacy-focused browser extensions

8. Cookie Lifespan

Cookie/StorageDurationType
auth_token7 days or until logoutSession
Vercel AnalyticsVaries (session and persistent)Analytics
Session StorageUntil tab/browser closedTemporary
Local Storage (preferences)Until manually clearedPersistent

9. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you disable cookies, your experience with our Service will be affected:

Essential Cookies (auth_token) Disabled:

  • ❌ You will NOT be able to log in to your account
  • ❌ You will NOT be able to use the Service
  • ❌ Multi-step forms may not function properly

Analytics Cookies Disabled:

  • ✅ You can still use all Service features
  • ℹ️ We will have less insight into how to improve the Service

10. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. When we make changes:

  • We will update the version number and effective date at the top of this policy
  • Material changes will be communicated through our Service or via email
  • Your continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

11. Contact Us

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

[Company Name]
Email: legal@dispatching.pro
Service: dispatching.pro

Last Updated: 2024-01-01
Version: 1.0