Cookies
Last updated 25 August 2026.
TradeChamp uses a small number of first-party cookies that are essential to security and core function. We do not use advertising cookies or third-party tracking pixels (no Google Analytics, Meta or TikTok trackers).
Cookies we set
| Cookie | Purpose | Role | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
tc_vid | A signed, random browser identifier used to enforce one vote per person per campaign and to limit duplicate/automated voting. The site stores only a one-way hash of this value, never the value itself. | Essential / security | Up to 180 days |
tc_owner | Keeps a verified business owner signed in to manage their listing. | Essential / security | 7 days |
tc_claim | Links you to your in-progress listing claim while you enter the verification code (so the claim id is not exposed in the URL). | Essential / security | 30 minutes |
tc_admin | Keeps the site operator signed in to the private admin area. Only set for operators. | Essential / security | 8 hours |
All of these are HTTP-only (not readable by page scripts) and set with SameSite=Lax. In production they are sent only over HTTPS.
Analytics — and why there’s no banner
We keep basic, first-party analytics (for example a profile view, a vote started/completed, a share action). These are recorded server-side using a one-way hash of the same tc_vid identifier for coarse de-duplication — we do not set a separate analytics cookie, and we do not track you across other websites.
Because the only cookies we set are strictly necessary for security and core function, and our analytics reuse the same security identifier server-side without profiling or third-party sharing, a cookie-consent banner is not required for the current setup. If we later add non-essential cookies or any third-party analytics, we will introduce a consent mechanism first.
Anti-abuse and your privacy
The tc_vid identifier and your IP address are only ever stored as one-way HMAC hashes — we cannot read the original values back from them. They are used to keep voting fair (one vote per person per campaign; limiting duplicate and automated voting), not to identify you personally. See the Privacy notice for full detail and retention periods.
Managing cookies
You can delete or block cookies in your browser settings. Because our cookies are essential, blocking them may stop voting, sign-in or the claim process from working correctly.
Questions
Use our contact form if you have any questions about cookies.