Cookie Policy

This policy explains how SmartSteals uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience.

Last updated: November 8, 2025

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and login status, to improve your browsing experience.

SmartSteals uses cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a personalized and efficient deal-hunting experience.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled:

  • Authentication: Keep you logged in to your account during your session
  • Security: Protect against fraudulent activity and ensure secure connections
  • Basic Functionality: Enable core website features like navigation and access to secure areas
  • Load Balancing: Distribute traffic efficiently across our servers

Preference Cookies

These cookies remember your preferences to enhance your experience:

  • Theme Settings: Remember your preferred display settings
  • Language: Store your language preferences
  • Deal Filters: Save your preferred categories and price ranges
  • Notification Settings: Remember your email and alert preferences

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website to improve our service:

  • Usage Statistics: Track page views, time spent on site, and popular content
  • Error Tracking: Help us identify and fix technical issues
  • Performance Monitoring: Measure website speed and functionality
  • User Journey: Understand how users navigate through our platform

Personalization Cookies

These cookies enable us to provide personalized recommendations and content:

  • Browsing History: Track deals you've viewed to improve recommendations
  • Search Preferences: Remember your search terms and filters
  • Favorite Deals: Store your saved and favorited deals
  • Recommendation Engine: Power our AI-driven deal suggestions

Affiliate Tracking Cookies

These cookies are used to track affiliate commissions when you click on deal links:

  • Click Tracking: Record when you click on deal links (anonymous data)
  • Commission Attribution: Help retailers track purchases that came from SmartSteals
  • Conversion Tracking: Measure the effectiveness of our deal recommendations
  • No Personal Data: These cookies do not contain personally identifiable information

Note: This tracking helps us earn affiliate commissions that keep SmartSteals free for users, but does not affect the prices you pay or your privacy.

Third-Party Cookies

Some features on our website may use cookies from trusted third-party services:

  • Google Analytics: Provides website analytics and insights (can be disabled)
  • Social Media: Enable sharing to social platforms like Facebook and Twitter
  • Email Service: Powers our newsletter and notification systems
  • Authentication: Enable login through Google and other providers
  • Retailer Cookies: Some deal links may set cookies from retailer websites

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Block All Cookies: Prevent all websites from setting cookies
  • Block Third-Party Cookies: Allow only first-party cookies from SmartSteals
  • Delete Existing Cookies: Clear all previously stored cookies
  • Cookie Notifications: Get notified when websites want to set cookies

Account Settings

If you have a SmartSteals account, you can manage some cookie-related preferences:

  • Personalization: Turn off personalized recommendations
  • Analytics: Opt out of analytics tracking
  • Email Tracking: Disable email open and click tracking

Important Note

Disabling certain cookies may affect your experience on SmartSteals. For example, you may not receive personalized recommendations or may need to log in more frequently.

Browser-Specific Cookie Controls

Google Chrome

Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data

Firefox

Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data

Safari

Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data

Edge

Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

Mobile Device Controls

iOS (Safari)

Settings → Safari → Privacy & Security → Block All Cookies

Android (Chrome)

Chrome App → Menu → Settings → Site settings → Cookies

Cookie Data Retention

  • Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
  • Persistent Cookies: Stored for a maximum of 2 years
  • Analytics Data: Anonymized and retained for up to 26 months
  • Preference Settings: Kept until you change them or delete your account

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. We will notify users of any material changes through our website or email notifications.

Questions About Cookies

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

SmartSteals Privacy Team

Email: [email protected]

General Support: [email protected]