Privacy Policy
Last updated: 02/11/2025
Controller: Reviews Mint
Website: https://mreviewsmint.com/
Contact: info@thebesthomereviews.com
Registered office: 21 Durrington Tower, Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 3LE, United Kingdom
This Cookies Policy explains what cookies and similar technologies are, what we use them for, and how you can control them. For information about how we process personal data more generally, please read our Privacy Policy.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (for example, a computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to site owners.
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies: deleted when you close your browser; or
- Persistent cookies: remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them.
Cookies may be:
- First-party: set by this Site; or
- Third-party: set by another domain (e.g., analytics, advertising, embedded content).
We also use similar technologies (such as SDKs, pixels, tags, local storage, and device identifiers) that operate like cookies.
Our legal basis and consent (PECR + UK GDPR)
Under PECR, we can only store or access non-essential cookies on your device with your consent. Essential cookies that are strictly necessary to provide the service you request do not require consent.
When you first visit the Site, we display a cookie banner:
- You can accept all, reject all, or manage preferences.
- You can change your choices at any time via Cookie Settings (link or icon in the footer).
- We will not set non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics/advertising) until you consent.
Where cookies involve the processing of personal data, we rely on:
- Legitimate interests for essential, strictly necessary cookies; and
- Consent for non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics, advertising/affiliate tracking).
How we use cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Operate the Site (e.g., page navigation, security, load balancing);
- Measure performance and improve content and user experience;
- Remember your preferences (e.g., cookie choices);
- Support affiliate links (e.g., Amazon) and, if configured, limited advertising.
Affiliate disclosure: If you click an affiliate link (including Amazon), third-party partners may set cookies or similar identifiers to attribute a subsequent purchase. Such tracking is non-essential and is only used with your consent through our cookie banner. Purchases are governed by the third party’s terms and policies.
Types of cookies we use
Below is a general description of the categories we may use. The exact cookies in use will be listed in the cookie table (Section 5).
- Strictly necessary (essential): Required for core functions (e.g., security, network management, accessibility, consent storage). These cannot be switched off in our systems.
- Performance/analytics: Help us understand how visitors use the Site (e.g., pages visited, time on site) so we can improve it. Set only with your consent. (Examples include tools like Google Analytics/GA4.)
- Functionality (preferences): Remember choices you make (e.g., language, cookie preferences) to provide enhanced features.
- Advertising/affiliate: Used to deliver or measure advertising, or to attribute affiliate commissions when you visit a retailer after following a link on our Site. Only set with your consent.
Cookie table (complete before publishing)
List each cookie and similar technology currently in use. Update this table whenever you add/remove tools.
| Cookie / Identifier | Provider | Purpose | Duration | Type (1st/3rd party) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
__cf_bm | [Cloudflare] | Bot mitigation / performance | [30 mins] | 3rd | Strictly necessary |
cookie_consent | Reviews Mint | Stores your cookie choices | [6–12 months] | 1st | Strictly necessary |
_ga / _ga_* | [Google Analytics/GA4] | Analytics – session stats, pages visited | [13 months] | 1st | Performance/analytics |
afid / pixel | [Amazon Associates] | Affiliate attribution after click-through | [Varies, e.g., 24h–30d] | 3rd | Advertising/affiliate |
| [add others] | [vendor] | [purpose] | [expiry] | [1st/3rd] | [category] |
Note: Names and durations vary by vendor/configuration. Please confirm each value in your consent management platform (CMP) or vendor documentation.
Third-party providers (examples)
Depending on your choices in the banner:
- Analytics: e.g., Google Analytics/GA4 to measure traffic and usage.
- Affiliate tracking: e.g., Amazon Associates tags to attribute qualifying purchases.
- CDN/performance/security: e.g., Cloudflare may set essential cookies to deliver the Site securely and efficiently.
These third parties may process data outside the UK. Where applicable, we ensure appropriate transfer safeguards (see Privacy Policy for details).
Managing cookies
You have several options:
- Cookie Settings on this Site
Use the Cookie Settings link (footer) to change or withdraw your consent at any time. Your previous choices will be respected on your next page load. - Browser controls
Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. The steps vary by browser. Typically you can find these controls under Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and site data (wording varies).
If you block all cookies, parts of the Site may not function properly. - Global Privacy Control (GPC) / Do Not Track
Where your browser sends a recognised GPC signal, we will treat it as a preference to reject non-essential cookies, to the extent technically feasible.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Cookies Policy to reflect changes in law, guidance, or our use of cookies. The newest version will always be available on this page with the last updated date at the top. If changes are material, we will take reasonable steps to inform you in advance.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Cookies Policy or your cookie preferences, contact us at info@thebesthomereviews.com.
We are committed to safeguarding your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, the lawful bases we rely on, how long we keep it, who we share it with, and your rights under UK data protection law.
By using the Site, you acknowledge you have read this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please refrain from using the Site.
Scope and legal framework
We process personal data in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and we use cookies and similar technologies under PECR. Where relevant, the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 apply to our online service information.
The data we collect
We only collect the data that is necessary for stated purposes:
- Contact and interaction data: name, email address, any information you include when contacting us (e.g., via forms or email).
- Usage and technical data: IP address, device identifiers, browser type, pages viewed, time on page, referral source, approximate location (derived from IP), and similar diagnostic data.
- Marketing preferences: your choices regarding newsletters or other communications.
- Cookies and similar technologies: as described in our Cookies Policy (analytics, performance, and—if configured—advertising/affiliate tracking). Essential cookies may be necessary for core Site functions.
We do not intentionally collect special category data through the Site.
Sources of data
- Directly from you (e.g., form submissions, emails).
- Automatically through the Site (e.g., cookies, server logs, analytics tools).
- From third parties you authorise (e.g., analytics or advertising partners, if enabled).
Purposes and lawful bases
| Purpose | Examples | Lawful basis |
|---|---|---|
| Responding to enquiries and providing support | Handling your requests sent via forms or email | Legitimate interests (to operate our Site and respond to you) or Contract if your enquiry relates to a service you requested |
| Operating and securing the Site | Diagnostics, troubleshooting, preventing fraud/abuse, ensuring availability | Legitimate interests (running a secure, reliable Site) |
| Analytics and performance | Measuring traffic, improving content and UX (e.g., Google Analytics/GA4) | Consent via our cookie banner for non-essential cookies (PECR) |
| Marketing communications | Newsletters or updates (if used) | Consent (PECR) with the right to withdraw at any time |
| Compliance and legal claims | Record-keeping, responding to regulators, enforcing rights | Legal obligation; Legitimate interests (establish, exercise, defend claims) |
Affiliate links (including Amazon): If you click an affiliate link, the third party may set cookies or similar trackers to attribute any subsequent purchase. We will only deploy non-essential trackers with your consent through the cookie banner and will clearly label affiliate content (e.g., “Ad”, “Affiliate link”). Purchases are governed by the third party’s own terms and privacy notices. (See also our Legal Notice.)
Children’s data
Our Site is not directed at children and we do not knowingly collect data from children. Where consent is relied upon for information society services offered directly to a child in the UK, the child must be at least 13; if under 13, consent must be given or authorised by someone with parental responsibility.
Retention
We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described above, including to meet legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Typical examples:
- Enquiry records: up to 24 months after last correspondence.
- Analytics data: per tool default or [6–26 months] depending on configuration.
- Marketing preferences: until you withdraw consent or your subscription becomes inactive.
When retention ends, we securely delete or anonymise data.
Sharing your data
We use trusted processors to help deliver the Site (e.g., hosting, security, analytics, email service, error logging). They act under our instructions and are bound by appropriate contractual terms (including confidentiality and security). Examples may include:
- Hosting / infrastructure / CDN providers;
- Analytics (e.g., Google Analytics/GA4);
- Email or CRM tools for communications (if used);
- Security and performance services.
We do not sell your personal data. We may disclose data where required by law, to competent authorities, or to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims (including to our professional advisers).
International transfers
Some providers may process data outside the UK. Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards, for example:
- UK adequacy regulations (e.g., the UK-US Data Bridge for certified US organisations); and/or
- International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA) or UK Addendum to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses, plus supplementary measures where needed.
Information about the UK-US Data Bridge is available from the UK Government and ICO.
Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies as described in our Cookies Policy. On first visit, our banner requests your consent for non-essential cookies (analytics/advertising). You can accept, reject, or manage preferences at any time. Essential cookies that are strictly necessary to deliver the service do not require consent.
Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised or unlawful processing, accidental loss, destruction, or damage. No online service can be guaranteed as 100% secure, but we continually assess and improve our controls.
Your rights
Under the UK GDPR you have the right to:
- Access your personal data and obtain a copy;
- Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data;
- Erase data in certain circumstances;
- Restrict processing in certain circumstances;
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests or to direct marketing;
- Data portability (receive your data in a structured, commonly used format and transmit it to another controller);
- Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent (e.g., marketing or non-essential cookies);
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your rights have been infringed.
You can contact the ICO via https://ico.org.uk or its helpline 0303 123 1113.
How to exercise your rights
To exercise any rights or to ask a question about this Policy, contact us at info@thebesthomereviews.com. We may ask for information to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.
Third-party sites and services
Our Site may link to external websites (including retailers such as Amazon). Those sites are operated by third parties with their own terms and privacy notices. We are not responsible for their content, practices, or compliance. Please review those policies before using their services.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Policy to reflect changes in law or in our operations. The latest version will be posted on this page with the last updated date at the top. If changes are material, we will take reasonable steps to inform you in advance.
Optional implementation notes (remove before publishing)
- If you want, I can add a Processors appendix (named vendors, purpose, location, transfer mechanism, retention).
- If you use specific analytics/ads tools (e.g., GA4, Google Ads, Meta), we can add tool-specific disclosures and links to their opt-outs.
- Ensure your cookie banner actually blocks non-essential cookies until consent is given, and that your Cookies Policy lists each cookie category with purposes and lifetimes (PECR).