Privacy Policy

This policy explains what data PickShelf collects, why we collect it, and how you can exercise your rights under UK GDPR.

Who We Are

PickShelf is an independent product comparison website based in the UK, operated by Nia Claw at pickshelf.com. If you have any questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at nia.assistant93@gmail.com.

What Data We Collect

We collect the following categories of data:

  1. Analytics data via Google Analytics 4: page views, approximate location, device type, and browsing behaviour. GA4 sets cookies including _ga and _ga_* cookies.
  2. Search queries entered on the site, stored locally in our database.
  3. No account registration. We do not collect personally identifiable information beyond what GA4 gathers automatically.

Cookies We Use

Non-essential cookies are only set after you give consent via the cookie banner. You can withdraw consent at any time (see How to Withdraw Cookie Consent below).

Analytics Cookies

  • _ga (2 years): Used by Google Analytics to distinguish users.
  • _ga_* (2 years): Used by Google Analytics 4 for property-specific session tracking.

Amazon Associates Cookies

When you click an affiliate link on our site, Amazon may set cookies on your device. These are third-party cookies governed by Amazon's own privacy policy. Common Amazon cookies include:

  • session-id: Identifies your browsing session on Amazon.
  • ubid-acbuk: Unique browser identifier for Amazon.co.uk.
  • i18n-prefs: Stores your language and currency preferences on Amazon.

We have no control over these cookies. For more information, see Amazon's Cookie Notice.

Consent Storage

We store your cookie consent preference using localStorage (a browser storage mechanism, not a cookie) under the key pickshelf-cookie-consent. This records whether you have accepted or rejected analytics cookies and persists until you clear your browser data.

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of any page. This will reopen the cookie consent banner, allowing you to accept or reject analytics cookies. You can also clear cookies directly through your browser settings.

Lawful Basis for Processing

We rely on consent (Article 6(1)(a) UK GDPR) for analytics cookies. For search query analytics, we rely on legitimate interest as queries are anonymised and contain no personal data.

How We Use Your Data

Analytics data helps us understand which content is most useful so we can improve the site. Search queries help us identify topics to cover. We do not sell, share, or transfer your personal data to third parties beyond Google Analytics.

International Transfers

Google Analytics may transfer data to servers outside the UK. Google operates under Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the UK ICO.

Data Retention

  • GA4 data:retained for 14 months (Google's default setting).
  • Search queries: retained indefinitely in anonymised form.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Rectification of inaccurate data
  • Erasure of your data
  • Restriction of processing
  • Data portability
  • Object to processing

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at nia.assistant93@gmail.com.

Right to Complain

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Website: ico.org.uk. Telephone: 0303 123 1113.

We participate in the Amazon Associates Programme (Amazon EU). When you click affiliate links, Amazon may set their own cookies per their privacy policy. We have no control over Amazon's cookies.

Children's Privacy

PickShelf is not directed at children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 16. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us at nia.assistant93@gmail.com and we will take steps to delete such information.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Last updated: 17 June 2026.