Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Mercoly ("Mercoly," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on https://mercoly.com and any related websites, subdomains, applications, and services we operate (collectively, the "Platform"). It describes what these technologies are, the categories we use, why we use them, the difference between first-party and third-party technologies, and the choices available to you for managing or disabling them.

Mercoly operates a nationwide online business directory, multi-vendor marketplace, and lead-generation platform that connects Customers and Buyers with independent third-party Businesses and Sellers who list and sell their own products and services. Mercoly is a neutral platform, venue, and intermediary only. We are not a party to any transaction between a Buyer and a Seller, and we do not control the cookies, tags, pixels, or other technologies that independent Sellers, advertisers, or other third parties may deploy through their own listings, links, integrations, or off-Platform websites. This Policy addresses cookies and similar technologies used on the Mercoly Platform itself; it does not cover the practices of any Seller, advertiser, payment processor, or other third party, each of which maintains its own separate policies for which it is solely responsible.

This Cookie Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, which are incorporated by reference. By continuing to use the Platform, or where required by law by accepting cookies through our consent banner or tools, you consent to the use of cookies and similar technologies as described here, except for those that are strictly necessary, which do not require consent.

2. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?

A "cookie" is a small text file that a website places on your browser or device when you visit. Cookies allow a website to recognize your browser, remember information about your visit, and improve your experience. Cookies may be "session" cookies, which expire when you close your browser, or "persistent" cookies, which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them.

"Similar technologies" include a range of tools that perform comparable functions, such as:

• Web beacons / pixels / tags: tiny graphics or code snippets that record whether a page or email was opened, viewed, or interacted with.
• Local storage and session storage: browser-based storage (including HTML5 local storage) used to store preferences or data on your device.
• Software development kits (SDKs): code embedded in mobile or other applications that performs functions similar to cookies.
• Device identifiers and fingerprinting signals: information about your device, browser, operating system, or settings used to recognize a returning user.

In this Policy, we refer to all of these collectively as "cookies" unless otherwise specified.

3. Categories of Cookies We Use

We group the cookies and similar technologies used on the Platform into the following categories. The specific cookies in each category may change over time as we update the Platform and our service providers.

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Platform to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are typically set in response to actions you take, such as signing in, setting privacy preferences, filling out forms, navigating secure areas, maintaining a session, routing requests, load balancing, or protecting against fraud and abuse. Without these cookies, core services such as account access, the marketplace cart and checkout hand-off to Sellers, and security functions cannot be provided. Because they are required to deliver a service you have requested, these cookies do not require consent. You can configure your browser to block them, but parts of the Platform may not work.

3.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your language, region, search filters, recently viewed listings, or other preferences. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these features may not function properly.

3.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the Platform by collecting and reporting information on an aggregated and generally pseudonymous basis, such as pages visited, listings viewed, click paths, load times, errors, and general usage trends. We use this information to measure and improve Platform performance, diagnose problems, and develop new features. Some analytics cookies are provided by third-party analytics services that process data on our behalf.

3.4 Advertising and Targeting Cookies

These cookies may be set through the Platform by us or by our advertising and marketing partners. They may be used to build a profile of your interests, measure the effectiveness of advertising and lead-generation campaigns, limit the number of times you see an advertisement, and show you content or offers that may be more relevant to you on the Platform or on third-party sites. These cookies rely on uniquely identifying your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you may still see advertising, but it will be less tailored to you.

Important: Independent Sellers and third-party advertisers may also deploy their own advertising or tracking technologies in connection with their listings, banners, or external links. Mercoly does not control and is not responsible for those technologies, and your interactions with Seller or third-party content are governed by the policies of those parties, not this Policy.

4. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies for purposes that include:

• Operating, securing, and maintaining the Platform and authenticating users;
• Remembering your settings, preferences, and prior activity to improve usability;
• Facilitating browsing of directory listings and the multi-vendor marketplace, including connecting Buyers with independent Sellers and supporting lead-generation features;
• Understanding how the Platform is used so we can measure performance, troubleshoot, and improve our services;
• Detecting and preventing fraud, spam, abuse, and security threats;
• Measuring the effectiveness of marketing, advertising, and lead-generation campaigns and, where permitted, delivering more relevant content and offers; and
• Complying with our legal obligations and enforcing our terms.

Cookies are not used by Mercoly to verify, endorse, or guarantee any Seller, listing, product, service, review, or content. All transactions, communications, fulfillment, warranties, and disputes remain solely between Buyers and Sellers.

5. First-Party and Third-Party Cookies

First-party cookies are set by Mercoly directly through the mercoly.com domain. We use first-party cookies primarily for essential functionality, preferences, security, and our own analytics.

Third-party cookies are set by parties other than Mercoly, such as analytics providers, advertising networks, content delivery networks, payment processors, and similar service providers, as well as by independent Sellers and advertisers operating on or linked from the Platform. These third parties may use cookies to provide services to us, to measure performance, or to deliver and measure advertising. The information collected by third-party cookies is governed by the privacy and cookie policies of those third parties, and Mercoly does not control how those parties use the data they collect. We encourage you to review the policies of any third party whose services or listings you interact with.

6. Managing and Opting Out of Cookies

You have several options for controlling cookies and similar technologies:

6.1 Consent Tools

Where required by applicable law, we present a cookie banner or preference center that allows you to accept or reject non-essential categories of cookies (functional, analytics, and advertising). You can change your choices at any time through the cookie settings link available on the Platform, where provided.

6.2 Browser Controls

Most web browsers allow you to view, manage, delete, and block cookies through their settings. You can usually find these controls in the "Settings," "Preferences," or "Privacy" menu of your browser. You can set your browser to refuse all or some cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. Please note that if you block or delete strictly necessary cookies, parts of the Platform may not function correctly, and blocking other cookies may degrade your experience.

6.3 Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control (GPC)

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Because there is no common industry or legal standard for interpreting DNT signals, the Platform does not currently respond to DNT signals. Where required by applicable law, including certain U.S. state privacy laws, we honor recognized opt-out preference signals such as the Global Privacy Control (GPC) as a request to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information and/or targeted advertising for the browser or device transmitting the signal, to the extent such signals are detected and legally required to be honored.

6.4 Advertising Opt-Outs

To opt out of interest-based advertising from participating companies, you can use industry tools such as the Digital Advertising Alliance (optout.aboutads.info), the Network Advertising Initiative (optout.networkadvertising.org), and, for EEA/UK users, the European Digital Advertising Alliance (youronlinechoices.eu). These opt-outs are device- and browser-specific and may need to be renewed if you clear cookies or use a different device or browser.

6.5 Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have additional rights regarding personal information collected through cookies under laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CCPA/CPRA), other U.S. state privacy laws, and the EU/UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in those jurisdictions. Please see our Privacy Policy for details on how to exercise those rights and on how we handle requests, including verifiable consumer requests and any submitted through support@mercoly.com.

6.6 Children

The Platform is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly use cookies to collect personal information from children under 13 in violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If you believe a child has provided information to us, please contact support@mercoly.com.

7. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, our practices, or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. When we make changes, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page, and where required by law we will provide additional notice or seek renewed consent. We may modify, suspend, add, or remove cookies, technologies, providers, or features at our sole discretion, with or without notice. Your continued use of the Platform after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy to the extent permitted by law.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies and similar technologies, or if you wish to exercise any privacy choices, please contact us at support@mercoly.com. This Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, USA, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles, as further described in our Terms of Service.