Cookie Policy

Last updated: August 8, 2026

This Cookie Policy explains what cookies and similar local storage technologies the PaMarket website (pamarketzw.com) uses, why we use them, and how you can accept, reject or change your choice at any time. It only documents technologies that are actually present on the website — nothing here is speculative.

1. What Cookies Are

A cookie is a small piece of data a website can ask your browser to store and send back on later requests. Modern browsers also offer similar client-side storage — localStorage and sessionStorage — which stays on your device but, unlike a cookie, is never automatically sent to a server. This Policy covers both, since the effect for you (data kept on your device between visits) is the same.

2. How PaMarket Uses Them

PaMarket uses four categories of cookies and local storage, matching the choices available in Cookie Settings (footer link, every page):

3. Essential (always active)

Required for the website to function — you cannot opt out of these without breaking basic functionality, and Zimbabwean and international cookie law does not require consent for them. On PaMarket these are:

Name	Type	Purpose
`pm_session`	localStorage	Keeps you signed in between page loads and browser sessions. This is how PaMarket implements Supabase authentication on the website — no separate Supabase cookie is set.
`pm_return_url`, `pm_pkce_verifier`, `pm_recovery_token`	sessionStorage	Short-lived values used only while you're actively signing in, signing up, using "Sign in with Google/Apple", or resetting your password. Cleared once sign-in completes.
Sign-in attempt counter	sessionStorage	Temporarily rate-limits repeated failed sign-in attempts on the same device, as a fraud/abuse safeguard.
`pamarket_cookie_consent`	localStorage	Remembers the cookie choice you make on this website, so we don't ask again on every visit.
`pm_dismissed_announcement`	localStorage	Remembers that you closed a site announcement banner, so it doesn't reappear on your next page view.
`pm_home_stats`	localStorage	A short-lived local cache of public homepage statistics (e.g. listing counts), purely to avoid an extra request — no personal data.
Notification preferences	localStorage	When you're signed in and change your notification toggles in Account Settings, your choice is cached on your device so the page reflects it instantly. Tied to your account, not to advertising.

4. Analytics — off until you allow it

Used to understand traffic, page views and how people use PaMarket, so we can improve it.

Name	Type	Purpose
Google Analytics (`_ga` and related cookies)	Cookie, set by Google	Counts visits and page views and reports aggregate usage patterns. Google Analytics' script is not loaded on the page at all until you choose "Accept All" or switch Analytics on in Cookie Settings.

5. Preferences — off until you allow it

Used for optional personalisation.

6. Marketing — off until you allow it

Used to show advertising on PaMarket.

Name	Type	Purpose
Google AdSense	Cookie, set by Google	Displays ads on PaMarket pages. Google may use its own cookies to select and measure ads. The AdSense script is not loaded on the page at all until you choose "Accept All" or switch Marketing on in Cookie Settings.

7. Third Parties

The only third parties that can set a cookie on the PaMarket website are Google Analytics (Analytics category) and Google AdSense (Marketing category), and only after you've allowed that category. PaMarket does not use Meta/Facebook Pixel, TikTok Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag, or any other advertising or tracking script — if that changes in future, this Policy and Cookie Settings will be updated first.

Links to WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and LinkedIn appear in the site footer and on listings — these simply open those services' own websites or apps in a new tab and do not place any cookie on pamarketzw.com.

8. How Long We Keep Your Choice

Your cookie choice is stored on your device only (in localStorage, under the key pamarket_cookie_consent) and is not sent to our servers. It applies until you change it in Cookie Settings, clear your browser's site data, or switch devices/browsers — each of those starts you back at a fresh choice. If we materially change what this Policy covers, we will update the stored consent's version number, which asks you to choose again the next time you visit.

9. How to Change Your Choice

Open Cookie Settings — click "Cookie Settings" in the footer of any page, at any time, to review or change your Essential, Analytics, Preferences and Marketing choices and save a new preference.

You can also control cookies through your browser: most browsers let you view, delete or block cookies from their Settings/Privacy menu, and you can browse in a private/incognito window to avoid saving any of them. Blocking essential storage in your browser may prevent you from signing in or using parts of PaMarket that depend on it.

10. More Information

For how we handle your personal data more broadly — account information, listings, messages, and your rights — see our Privacy Policy. For the rules of using PaMarket, see our Terms of Service. For any question about this Cookie Policy, contact us at support@pamarketzw.com.