Terms of Service

LocalCottageFoods.com is a technology platform that connects independent cottage food producers (“Sellers”) with consumers (“Buyers”). We are not a party to transactions between Buyers and Sellers. We do not manufacture, inspect, or take custody of any food products listed on the Platform.

Each Seller is an independent business responsible for their own products, pricing, order fulfillment, and compliance with applicable laws. We act as a venue, not a food retailer.

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. By using the Platform, you represent that you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.

Sellers must operate under a valid food production authorization for their jurisdiction before listing products. This may include a cottage food registration, state food license, or equivalent authorization. The type of authorization is reviewed as part of our seller verification process.

Fulfillment options on this Platform include local pickup and, where offered by the Seller, local delivery. Additional fulfillment methods may be made available in the future for approved Sellers. Sellers are responsible for selecting fulfillment methods permitted under their applicable food production authorization.

The Platform may restrict available fulfillment methods based on Seller type, verification status, or regulatory considerations.

Refund and cancellation policies are set at the Seller’s discretion. Buyers should contact the Seller through the Platform’s messaging system as soon as possible to request a cancellation or change.

If a Seller declines an order before payment capture, any authorized payment will be released. For completed orders, refunds require Seller cooperation or, in exceptional cases, review by our support team.

We reserve the right to issue refunds at our discretion in cases of fraud, policy violations, or demonstrated non-fulfillment by a Seller.

We encourage Buyers and Sellers to resolve disputes directly using the in-platform messaging system. If a resolution cannot be reached, either party may contact us for assistance.

We may, at our sole discretion, mediate disputes and take action including issuing partial or full refunds, suspending accounts, or removing listings. Our decisions in disputed matters are final.

We are not responsible for product quality, food safety outcomes, or fulfillment disputes beyond what is stated in these Terms.

Sellers may not list products that:

• Are not permitted under the Seller’s applicable food production authorization, license, or exemption
• Contain controlled or illegal substances
• Are misrepresented as to ingredients, allergens, or origin
• Are intended for non-food use

All users agree not to:

• Provide false information during registration or checkout
• Use the Platform to harass, threaten, or defraud other users
• Circumvent fees or payment processing by transacting off-platform
• Scrape, reverse-engineer, or interfere with the operation of the Platform

We may suspend or terminate any account at any time for violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, chargebacks, or any conduct we determine to be harmful to the Platform or its users.

Sellers whose food production authorization, license, or registration lapses or is revoked must notify us immediately and must stop accepting orders. Failure to do so may result in immediate account termination.

You may close your account at any time by contacting us. Pending orders must be fulfilled or canceled before account closure.

The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. We do not verify the accuracy of product descriptions, allergen information, or nutritional claims made by Sellers.

Buyers consume food products at their own risk. Sellers are solely responsible for product safety, proper labeling, and compliance with all applicable regulations.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, LocalCottageFoods.com and its officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of the Platform, including but not limited to food illness, loss of profits, data loss, or personal injury.

Our total liability to you for any claim arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall not exceed the greater of (a) $100 USD or (b) the total platform fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim.

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to its conflict-of-law provisions. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Minnesota.

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify users of material changes by updating the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

Shipping is available only to Sellers who have been individually reviewed and approved for shipping by our team. Shipped products are packaged and sent directly by the Seller. The Platform does not handle, package, warehouse, inspect, or transport any food products.

Buyers acknowledge that shipped food products are consumed at their own risk and that the Seller is solely responsible for safe packaging, temperature control, carrier selection, and compliance with applicable shipping regulations.

Questions about these Terms? Reach us at hello@localcottagefoods.com.