Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

This Cookie Policy explains how schmertel ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies on our website schmertel.

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how our website is used
• Improve your browsing experience
• Provide personalized content
• Ensure website security
• Enable social media features

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable basic functions like page navigation, access to secure areas, and age verification.

3.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously.

3.3 Preference Cookies

These cookies remember your choices and preferences to provide a more personalized experience.

3.4 Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns.

4. Third-Party Cookies

We may also use third-party cookies from trusted partners:

4.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behavior. Google's privacy policy can be found at https://policies.google.com/privacy.

4.2 Social Media Cookies

We may include social media features that set cookies from platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

4.3 Advertising Networks

We may work with advertising networks that use cookies to deliver relevant advertisements.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Consent

When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can:

• Accept all cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences
• Reject non-essential cookies

5.2 Changing Your Preferences

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our cookie banner
• Using your browser settings (see below)
• Contacting us at privacy@schmertel.com

5.3 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
• Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you disable cookies, some features of our website may not work properly:

• You may need to re-enter information more frequently
• Some personalized features may not be available
• We may not be able to remember your preferences
• Some games or interactive features may not function correctly

7. Local Storage and Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other technologies to store information on your device:

7.1 Local Storage

We use browser local storage to:

• Store game progress and preferences
• Remember your account settings
• Cache frequently used data

7.2 Session Storage

We use session storage for temporary data that is cleared when you close your browser.

7.3 Web Beacons

We may use web beacons (small images) to track email opens and website usage.

8. Data Retention

We retain cookie data for different periods depending on the type of cookie:

• Essential cookies: Until you delete them or they expire
• Analytics cookies: Up to 2 years
• Preference cookies: Up to 1 year
• Marketing cookies: Up to 1 year

9. International Transfers

Some of our cookie providers may transfer data outside the UK and EEA. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Displaying a notice on our website
• Sending you an email notification (if you have provided your email)

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us: