Cookie Policy

At Hovenier.frl we respect your privacy and want to be transparent about our use of cookies and similar technologies.

This cookie policy explains which cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your cookie preferences. By using our website, you agree to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

2. What are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. These files contain information that the website can read on a subsequent visit.

Cookies can be placed by the website owner themselves (first-party cookies) or by external parties such as advertisers or analytics tools (third-party cookies). They can be temporary (session cookies) which are deleted when you close your browser, or permanent (persistent cookies) which remain on your device for a specified period.

In addition to cookies, we also use similar technologies such as web beacons, pixels, and local storage to collect information about how you use our website.

3. Why do we use cookies?

Hovenier.frl uses cookies for various purposes to provide you with the best possible and most relevant experience on our website. Our cookies serve the following purposes:

• Essential functionality: For the proper functioning of the website and security purposes
• User experience: To remember your preferences and settings for future visits
• Website analytics: To understand how visitors use our website and improve it
• Personalized content: To show relevant content and offers
• Marketing purposes: For showing relevant advertisements and measuring campaign effectiveness
• Social media integration: To enable features such as sharing and logging in via social media
• Performance monitoring: To monitor and optimize the speed and performance of our website

We only use cookies that are necessary for our services or for which you have given explicit consent, in accordance with applicable privacy and cookie legislation.

4. Which cookies do we use?

We use different types of cookies on our website. Below you will find an overview of all cookie categories and the specific cookies we place:

4.1 Necessary cookies

These cookies are essential for the functioning of our website and cannot be disabled without affecting the functionality of the site. They are usually only placed in response to actions you take.

4.2 Analytical cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website by collecting information about pages visited, error messages, and other website interactions. All data is collected anonymously.

4.3 Functional cookies

These cookies enable extra functionalities and provide a personalized experience. They remember your choices and preferences.

4.4 Marketing cookies

These cookies are used for showing relevant advertisements and measuring advertising effectiveness. We ask for your explicit consent for these cookies.

6. Consent and legal bases

Placing cookies on your device requires a valid legal basis under the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Dutch Telecommunications Act. We use different legal bases depending on the type of cookie.

6.1 Legal bases per cookie category

• Necessary cookies: Legitimate interest - essential for the functioning of the website
• Functional cookies: Consent - you give explicit consent for these
• Analytical cookies: Consent - only placed after your explicit agreement
• Marketing cookies: Consent - requires your active and specific consent

6.2 Giving and withdrawing consent

On your first visit to our website you will see a cookie banner where you can choose which cookie categories you want to accept. Your consent is:

• Voluntary: You can use our website without marketing cookies
• Specific: You can choose per category what you accept/reject
• Informed: This policy explains what each cookie does
• Revocable: You can withdraw your consent at any time

6.3 Validity period of consent

Your cookie consent is valid for a period of 12 months. After this period we will ask you for consent again. You will then see the cookie banner again to set your preferences.

In the meantime you can always change or withdraw your consent via the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of every page, or by contacting us.

5. Managing and deleting cookies

You have various options to manage your cookie preferences. You can withdraw or change your consent for non-essential cookies at any time.

5.1 Via our Cookie Center

The easiest way to change your cookie preferences is via our Cookie Center. You can access this center via:

• The cookie banner that appears on your first visit
• The "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of every page
• By contacting us via [email protected]

In the Cookie Center you can indicate per category whether you want to accept or reject these cookies. Necessary cookies cannot be disabled.

5.2 Via your web browser

You can also manage cookies directly via your web browser settings. Each browser has its own method for cookie management:

• Google Chrome - Managing cookies in Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox - Firefox privacy and security settings
• Microsoft Edge - Edge cookie management
• Safari - Safari privacy settings

Please note: blocking cookies via your browser blocks all cookies for all websites, not just Hovenier.frl.

5.3 Third-party opt-out tools

For some third-party cookies you can use specific opt-out tools:

• Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Facebook Ad Preferences
• Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-out Page

5.4 Consequences of disabling cookies

Disabling certain cookies may affect your experience on our website:

• Necessary cookies: Cannot be disabled without loss of basic functionality
• Functional cookies: Your preferences will not be remembered (language, region, etc.)
• Analytical cookies: We cannot optimize the website as well for users
• Marketing cookies: Advertisements may be less relevant to your interests

Even after disabling cookies, the basic functionality of our website remains available. You can still search for gardeners, contact us and request quotes.

7. Third-party cookies and services

Our website uses various external services that may place their own cookies. These "third-party cookies" are governed by the privacy policies of the respective service providers.

7.1 Google services

We use various Google services:

• Google Analytics: For website traffic analysis and user behavior insights
• Google Ads: For advertising campaigns and conversion tracking
• Google Maps: For location services and route maps to gardeners
• reCAPTCHA: For spam and bot protection on our contact forms

Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

7.2 Social Media platforms

Our website contains buttons and widgets from social media platforms:

• Facebook/Meta: For sharing content and Facebook Pixel tracking
• Instagram: For displaying our Instagram posts
• LinkedIn: For professional networking functionalities
• WhatsApp: For direct communication options

These services may collect information about your visit, even if you are not logged in to their service. Please consult their privacy policies for more information.

7.3 Security and performance services

For the security and optimization of our website we use:

• Cloudflare: For DDoS protection, CDN services and website performance
• Sentry: For error monitoring and performance tracking

9. Security of your data

We take the security of your personal data and cookie information very seriously. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data.

9.1 Technical security measures

• Encryption: All data is secured with SSL/TLS encryption during transfer
• Access control: Limited access to systems based on role requirements
• Firewalls & Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring of our systems and networks
• Regular Updates: Systems are regularly updated with security patches
• Backup & Recovery: Regular backups with secure storage

9.2 Organizational measures

• Privacy Training: All employees receive training on data protection
• Access Management: Strict procedures for access to personal data
• Incident Response: Procedures for handling data breaches
• Audit & Control: Regular reviews of our security procedures

9.3 Cookie-specific security

For cookies we implement specific security measures:

• Secure flag: Cookies are only sent over secure HTTPS connections
• HttpOnly flag: Functional cookies are protected against client-side scripts
• SameSite: Protection against CSRF attacks via SameSite cookie attributes
• Minimal data: We only collect the minimum necessary information
• Retention policy: Cookies are automatically deleted after the set period

9.4 Your role in security

You can also contribute to the security of your data by:

• Using an up-to-date browser with the latest security updates
• Configuring your browser settings for optimal privacy
• Reporting suspicious activity on your account
• Keeping your login credentials (if applicable) safe

8. Changes to this cookie policy

We reserve the right to update this cookie policy from time to time to reflect changes in our use of cookies, technological developments, or changes in laws and regulations.

8.1 Notification of changes

For important changes to this cookie policy, we will notify you via:

• A notice on our website (banner or pop-up)
• An update of the "last updated" date at the top of this policy
• An email to registered users (if applicable)
• Via our social media channels for significant changes

8.2 New consent

When we introduce new types of cookies that require your consent, we will explicitly ask you for it via our cookie banner or a separate consent prompt.

8.3 Regular review

We review this cookie policy at least annually to ensure it remains accurate and up-to-date. The last review date is listed at the top of this document.

We advise you to regularly consult this cookie policy to stay informed of any changes. Your continued use of our website after publication of changes means you agree to the updated policy.