Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how MerchantGuidance uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website. It describes what these technologies are, why we use them, and the choices available to you regarding their use.
What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that a website places on your computer or mobile device when you visit. They are widely used to make websites function more efficiently, to remember your preferences, and to provide reporting information to the site owner. Cookies set by MerchantGuidance are called first party cookies, while cookies set by parties other than MerchantGuidance are called third party cookies. Third party cookies enable features or functionality to be provided on or through the website, such as analytics reporting and advertising measurement.
How We Use Cookies
MerchantGuidance uses cookies for a variety of purposes related to helping business owners compare funding options. We use cookies to keep our website running smoothly, to understand how visitors interact with our comparison tools and calculators, and to tailor content so that the lender information you see is relevant to your search. Cookies also help us measure the effectiveness of our content and identify areas of the site that may need improvement, allowing us to continually refine the experience for every visitor who comes to MerchantGuidance looking for funding guidance.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential cookies are necessary for the website to operate correctly and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions you take, such as submitting a form or setting your privacy preferences. Performance and analytics cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Functional cookies enable enhanced features and personalization, such as remembering choices you make while browsing. Advertising cookies may be set through our site by our partners to build a profile of your interests and show relevant funding offers on other sites.
Third Party Cookies
In addition to our own cookies, we may also use various third party cookies to report usage statistics, deliver advertisements, and support the lender referral features on our website. These third parties may include analytics providers and advertising networks that MerchantGuidance works with to operate and improve the site. We do not control the cookies placed by these third parties, and we encourage you to review their respective privacy and cookie policies for further information on how they handle your data.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Most web browsers allow some control of cookies through browser settings. You can typically find these settings in the options or preferences menu of your browser. Many browsers allow you to refuse to accept cookies, delete existing cookies, or receive a notification before a cookie is stored on your device. Please note that if you choose to block or delete cookies, some parts of MerchantGuidance may not function as intended, and certain features such as saved comparisons or personalized results may no longer be available to you.
Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers offer a Do Not Track setting that signals to websites that you do not wish to be tracked. There is currently no universal standard for how websites should respond to these signals. At this time, MerchantGuidance does not respond differently to Do Not Track signals, though we continue to monitor developments in this area and may update our practices as industry standards evolve.
Cookies Used for Lender Matching
When you use our comparison tools or submit an inquiry to be matched with a business funding provider, cookies may help us remember details of your search so you do not need to reenter information as you move between pages. These cookies support a smoother experience when comparing multiple lenders and can help ensure that any results or recommendations shown to you remain consistent throughout your visit. Without these cookies, certain interactive features on MerchantGuidance may not work as intended.
How Long Cookies Remain on Your Device
The length of time a cookie remains on your device depends on whether it is a session cookie or a persistent cookie. Session cookies are temporary and are deleted once you close your browser, while persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them manually. MerchantGuidance uses a combination of both types depending on the purpose of the cookie, and specific retention periods vary by the underlying service or technology involved.
International Visitors
MerchantGuidance welcomes visitors from many regions, and cookie regulations can differ depending on where you are located. Where applicable law requires specific forms of consent before placing certain cookies, we aim to honor those requirements based on your region. If you visit our site from outside the United States, please be aware that cookie data may be processed in a jurisdiction with different data protection standards than your own.
Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our own business practices. Any updates will be posted on this page along with a revised effective date. We encourage you to periodically review this page to stay informed about how we use cookies and related technologies on MerchantGuidance.