Cookie Policy
How cookies and similar technologies may be used.
Cookies can keep the website working, remember preferences, measure traffic, improve security and support marketing. Available controls depend on the browser, device and website configuration.
What you should know
- Essential and security cookies
- Preference and functional cookies
- Analytics and performance measurement
- Advertising and external-service technologies
Direct answer
SterlingMachineryAuctions.com may use first- and third-party cookies or similar technologies for operation, security, preferences, analytics and marketing. Blocking essential cookies can prevent login, registration or bidding functions. Review browser settings and any site cookie controls to manage available choices.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
What cookies are
A cookie is a small data file stored by a browser when a website is visited. Similar technologies include local storage, pixels, tags, software development kits and device identifiers. Some last only for the current session; others remain until they expire or are deleted.
First-party technologies are set by the website being visited. Third-party technologies may be provided by bidding, analytics, video, advertising, security, payment, social or other integrated services.
Categories of cookies that may be used
| Category | Purpose | Effect of blocking |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Security, network management, load balancing, forms, login, account, registration, bidding and transaction functions. | The website or auction features may fail or become unsafe. |
| Preferences / functional | Remember language, region, display, saved choices and user-requested features. | Preferences may need to be re-entered or features may be less convenient. |
| Analytics / performance | Measure visits, pages, referrals, errors and aggregate usage to improve performance and content. | Sterling receives less information about site performance and user journeys. |
| Advertising / social | Measure campaigns, limit repetition, create audiences or support external social/video features. | Ads may be less relevant and some embedded features may not load. |
Managing choices
- Use any cookie preference tool displayed on the website, where available.
- Change browser settings to block, delete or limit cookies. Settings vary by browser and device.
- Use device-level privacy and advertising controls.
- Use recognized industry or jurisdictional opt-out tools where applicable.
- Review third-party privacy and cookie controls for bidding, video, analytics, social and payment services.
- Remember that deleting cookies can reset preferences and sign users out.
Do Not Track and privacy signals
Browsers may transmit Do Not Track or other opt-out signals. Because standards and legal requirements continue to evolve, the website’s response depends on implemented technology and applicable law. Where required and technically supported, Sterling will honor recognized opt-out preference signals for covered processing.
A signal may not control information collected directly for account, security, auction or transaction purposes.
Third-party services and updates
Third-party bidding platforms, embedded videos, analytics, social features, payment services and external links may set technologies under their own policies. Sterling does not control every third-party setting.
This policy may be updated when services, vendors, technology or law change. The programmer should periodically scan the live website and confirm that the categories described here match actual cookies and tags.
Related auction resources
Use these pages to continue without starting over.
Frequently asked questions
Can I block all cookies?
Browser tools may allow broad blocking, but essential login, registration, bidding, form and security functions may stop working.
Does the bidding platform use its own cookies?
It may. Review the platform’s separate privacy and cookie notices.
Are cookies used to store full payment information?
Payment details are generally handled through secure transaction systems and specialized providers. Cookies may support session and security functions but should not be treated as payment storage.
How do I delete cookies?
Use browser or device settings. Deleting cookies may sign you out and clear saved preferences.
Should this policy be checked against the live site?
Yes. The programmer should verify actual analytics, advertising, video, bidding and consent tools before publication and whenever integrations change.
Questions about this page or an auction?
The catalog and sale-specific documents control each transaction. Contact Sterling Machinery Auctions LLC before bidding or sending funds if anything is unclear.
