Cookie Policy

Last updated: 2025-11-21

This Cookie Policy explains how cookies and similar technologies are used on LeenBellens.com, operated as a hobby activity by a private individual (“we”, “us”, “our”).
This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.


What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website.
They help the website function properly and provide information to improve your experience.

Cookies may be:

  • Session cookies – deleted when you close your browser
  • Persistent cookies – stored for longer periods
  • First-party cookies – set by our website
  • Third-party cookies – set by external services (e.g., payment providers, analytics)

Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

  • Ensure proper functioning of the website
  • Improve your browsing experience
  • Collect anonymized statistics (if you consent to analytics)

Necessary Cookies

These are essential for the website to operate:

  • WooCommerce cart and checkout cookies:
    • woocommerce_cart_hash – Helps the site know when your cart data changes
    • woocommerce_items_in_cart – Tracks the number of items in your cart
    • wp_woocommerce_session_ – Contains a unique session ID to link your cart data

These cookies cannot be disabled through the site but can be blocked in your browser (though this may prevent checkout from working).

Functional / Preference Cookies

Some optional cookies may store:

  • Cookie consent preferences
  • Preferred language (if your theme or plugins support it)
  • Display or layout settings

These are not essential but improve your browsing experience.

Analytics Cookies

If enabled, analytics cookies collect anonymized information about how visitors use the site.
Examples include:

  • Google Analytics cookies:
    • _ga_gid_gat – track visitor sessions and interactions

These cookies are set only with consent.


Payment Provider Cookies

During checkout, third-party payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) may set cookies for secure payment processing.
We do not control these cookies, and they are subject to the payment provider’s privacy policies.


Legal Basis for Using Cookies

Under GDPR and the EU ePrivacy Directive:

  • Necessary cookies (WooCommerce session, cart) do not require consent
  • Functional cookies and analytics require prior opt-in consent
  • Your cookie preferences are stored in a first-party cookie so you are not asked repeatedly

Managing and Deleting Cookies

You can manage or delete cookies via your browser:

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
  • Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies
  • Safari: Settings → Privacy → Block All Cookies
  • Edge: Settings → Cookies & Site Permissions

You can also use private/incognito mode to automatically block most cookies.


Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this policy as website features or legal requirements change.
The date at the top indicates the latest version.


6. Contact

For questions about this Cookie Policy or your personal data:

Name: Leen Bellens
Email: leen@leenbellens.com
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden