Cookie Policy
Which cookies and similar technologies vandates.com uses, what they do, and how you can control them.
Last updated: 20 October 2026
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In short: we use cookies that are needed for the website to work. The only optional cookie is a referral cookie, which we set only if you arrive through a member’s invite link and say yes. We do not use advertising or analytics cookies.
1. What cookies are
Cookies are small text files that a website saves on your device. Some are essential for the site to work, such as keeping you logged in. Others track what you do, usually for analytics or advertising. The law (the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations) says websites must ask your permission before using any cookies that are not strictly necessary.
2. Cookies we use
| Cookie | What it does | Type | How long |
|---|---|---|---|
| vd_consent | Remembers your cookie choice, so we don’t ask again | Strictly necessary | 6 months |
| wordpress_test_cookie | Checks your browser accepts cookies when you log in | Strictly necessary | Until you close your browser |
| wordpress_logged_in_* wordpress_sec_* | Keeps you securely logged in | Strictly necessary | Until you close your browser, or 14 days if you tick “remember me” |
| __stripe_mid __stripe_sid | Set by Stripe, our payment provider, when you pay for membership, to process the payment securely and prevent fraud | Strictly necessary | 1 year / 30 minutes |
| wp-settings-* wp-settings-time-* | Remembers display preferences for logged-in site administrators | Functional | 1 year |
| vd_pending_reg | Remembers a registration you entered in the van check on our home page, so it is ready in your garage if you join | Functional | Up to 14 days, or until you log in |
| f_aff | Remembers which member invited you, so they can get their referral reward if you join | Optional. Only set if you agree | 30 days |
If you are just browsing and do not log in, pay or accept the referral cookie, the website does not normally set any cookies at all.
Some page features may also use your browser’s local storage to display correctly. This does not identify you or track you across other websites.
3. Third-party content
We load our fonts from Google Fonts. Google Fonts does not set cookies, but your browser connects to Google’s servers to download the fonts, so Google receives your IP address. You can read how Google handles this in the Google Privacy Policy.
Our maps are displayed by Google Maps. When a map loads, your browser connects to Google, which receives your IP address and may use cookies on Google’s own websites. Member locations shown on our maps are always approximate.
4. Referral cookie, analytics and advertising
If you arrive on VanDates through a member’s invite link, we ask whether you are happy for us to set a referral cookie. It remembers which member invited you for 30 days, so they can get a free month if you become a member. It is managed by our referral software, FluentAffiliate, which runs on our own website. No information is sent to advertisers.
If you choose Essential cookies only, the referral cookie is not set, and any existing one is deleted. Saying no will not affect how VanDates works for you.
We do not use any analytics, tracking or advertising cookies. If we add any in future, we will ask you first, and they will stay off unless you agree.
5. How to control cookies
You can change your choice about the referral cookie at any time using the Cookie settings link, which is also at the bottom of every page.
You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Your browser’s help pages explain how. If you block strictly necessary cookies, you will not be able to log in to VanDates or pay for membership.
The Information Commissioner’s Office has more guidance on cookies at ico.org.uk.
6. Changes and contact
We will update this page whenever the cookies we use change. Questions? Email privacy@vandates.com.