1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They store information about your browsing activity and help websites function effectively. Cookies may be:

First-party cookies — set by BuildDirect.

Third-party cookies — set by service providers such as analytics or advertising platforms.

Session cookies — deleted when you close your browser.

Persistent cookies — stored until they expire or you remove them.

2. Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies to support essential Platform features and to improve user experience.
Cookies help us:

2.1 Essential Functionality

Manage login sessions

Maintain account authentication

Enable secure access to user dashboards

Support core features like search, reservations, and messaging

2.2 Performance & Analytics

Understand how visitors use the Platform

Analyse traffic patterns, page views, and interactions

Improve site reliability, speed, and design

2.3 Personalisation

Remember user preferences (e.g., saved searches, filters)

Tailor content or recommendations based on user behaviour

2.4 Security

Detect suspicious activities

Prevent fraud and unauthorised access

Maintain platform integrity

We do not use cookies to store sensitive personal information such as passwords, financial data, or identification documents.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

Required for the Platform to function properly. These cannot be disabled.
Examples:

Authentication/session tokens

Security and fraud-prevention cookies

Load balancing and navigation support

3.2 Functional Cookies

Enhance usability and convenience.
Examples:

Remembering login states

Saving user preferences (location, filters)

3.3 Performance & Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how users interact with the Platform.
Examples:

Google Analytics

Monitoring site performance and errors

Evaluating feature usage

3.4 Third-Party Cookies

Used by integrated services that support platform functionality.
Examples:

Cloud hosting providers

Email or messaging services

Payment processors

Analytics tools

These providers may collect information according to their own privacy policies.

4. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party tools that set cookies, including but not limited to:

Analytics & reporting tools

Error-logging and performance monitoring services

Payment and session security providers

These services help us operate the Platform safely and efficiently.
Some third-party providers may store or process data outside Australia.

5. Managing Cookies

You have control over cookies through your browser settings. You may:

Block all cookies

Allow only certain types of cookies

Delete existing cookies

Receive alerts when cookies are being used

However, disabling essential cookies may impact or prevent:

Logging in

Viewing listings

Making reservations

Using dashboards or messaging

Accessing personalised features

6. Do Not Track Signals

The Platform does not currently respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals.
We may update this behaviour in future.

7. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may amend this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect:

Changes to our cookie practices

Updates to services or third-party tools

Legal or regulatory requirements

The latest version will always be available on the Platform.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact:

BuildDirect Privacy Officer
Email: privacy@builddirectmarketplace.com.au
Address: [insert]