Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, provide a better browsing experience, and supply information to the website operator.

This Cookie Policy explains how GrindSpot (grindspot.ie), operated by Softlab Software Solutions Limited, uses cookies and similar technologies in compliance with the EU ePrivacy Directive 2002/58/EC (as transposed into Irish law by S.I. No. 336/2011) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which provides further details on how we handle your personal data.

2. Cookies We Use

GrindSpot uses only a minimal number of cookies, all of which are essential for the Platform to function correctly. We do not use any third-party tracking, analytics, or advertising cookies.

3. Essential Cookies Explained

Essential cookies (also known as "strictly necessary" cookies) are required for the basic functioning of the Platform. These cookies enable core features such as:

• Authentication: Keeping you logged in as you move between pages so you do not need to re-enter your credentials.
• Security: CSRF tokens embedded in your session protect every form submission on the Platform from cross-site request forgery attacks.
• Consent management: Remembering whether you have accepted or dismissed the cookie notice banner.

Under Article 5(3) of the ePrivacy Directive and GDPR Recital 32, essential cookies do not require your consent because they are strictly necessary for the provision of the service you have requested. Disabling these cookies will prevent the Platform from functioning correctly.

4. Third-Party Cookies

• Analytics cookies (Google Analytics 4): We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it. These cookies load only for logged-out visitors and only after you accept them in our cookie banner. If you decline, they are never set. Once you log in, analytics is switched off entirely and any analytics cookies are removed — we do not track logged-in users. You can withdraw consent at any time by clearing your browser data. See Google's Privacy Policy.
• No advertising cookies: We do not use any advertising, remarketing, or retargeting cookies.
• No social media cookies: We do not embed social media widgets or plugins that set tracking cookies.

Stripe (Payment Processor)

When you make a payment on GrindSpot, you are redirected to a Stripe-hosted checkout page. Stripe may set its own cookies on that page for fraud prevention and security purposes. These cookies are set by Stripe on their own domain and are governed by Stripe's Cookie Policy. GrindSpot does not control or have access to these cookies.

Future Changes

If we introduce any non-essential cookies (such as analytics or marketing cookies) in the future, we will:

• Update this Cookie Policy before introducing them
• Request your explicit consent before setting any non-essential cookies
• Provide granular controls so you can choose which categories of cookies to accept

5. How to Manage Cookies

You can manage, block, or delete cookies through your web browser settings. Please note that disabling essential cookies will affect the functionality of GrindSpot -- you may not be able to log in or submit forms.

Browser Settings

Each browser provides different methods for managing cookies. Below are links to cookie management instructions for popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Third-party cookies > See all site data and permissions
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data
• Opera: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies

Mobile Devices

On mobile devices, you can manage cookies through your mobile browser settings or your device settings. The process varies by device and browser, but typically you will find cookie controls under Privacy or Security settings.

Opting Out of Future Non-Essential Cookies

Should we introduce non-essential cookies in the future, you will be able to manage your preferences through a cookie consent banner displayed on the Platform. You will be able to accept or reject non-essential cookie categories at any time.

6. Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, websites may use similar technologies to store information on your device:

• Local storage: GrindSpot does not currently use browser local storage or session storage to track users.
• Pixel tags / web beacons: We do not use tracking pixels on the Platform itself. Our email service provider (Brevo) may use tracking pixels in transactional emails to confirm delivery. You can disable image loading in your email client to prevent this.
• Fingerprinting: We do not use browser or device fingerprinting techniques.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. If we introduce new categories of cookies (such as analytics or advertising), we will notify you and request your consent as required by law.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

8. Contact

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

Softlab Software Solutions Limited
Kilcash, Rahara, Roscommon, F42 TW60, Ireland
Company registration no. 792876 · VAT no. IE4458879TH
Email: info@grindspot.ie
Web: grindspot.ie

For broader questions about how we handle your personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.