Frequently asked questions

What is LocalCottageFoods.com?

LocalCottageFoods.com is the online farmers market for local cottage foods. You can order directly from local cottage food sellers: bakers, treat makers, jam makers, and other home-based food businesses in your area. Most orders are pickup; some sellers also offer local delivery. Think of it as a year-round farmers market you can browse from your phone.

How do payments work?

When you place a card order, we authorize your card at checkout. That locks in the commitment so the seller knows your order is real. Your card isn't actually charged until your order is ready for pickup (or ships, for shipping orders). If the seller declines or cancels, the authorization is released automatically. Pay-at-pickup (cash/check) orders don't charge a card at all. You pay the seller directly at pickup.

When will my card be charged?

At checkout we place an authorization hold on your card, so money isn't moved yet. We capture (actually charge) the authorized amount once your order is ready for pickup, or once the seller ships it. If the seller declines or cancels, the hold is released. Pay-at-pickup orders never charge a card.

Is this safer than buying through social media?

Yes. Every order on LocalCottageFoods.com goes through a secure checkout with order confirmations, status updates, and in-app messaging between you and the seller. You get a clear paper trail and no guessing, so both sides are protected from confusion, no-shows, and informal arrangements that can go wrong.

Is the food safe?

Sellers are required to hold valid state cottage food registration before listing on this platform. Each account is reviewed by our team. Cottage food regulations vary by state but generally cover labeling, product types, and transaction methods.

Is delivery available?

Pickup is always available. Some sellers also offer local delivery within a radius they set. At checkout, you'll see the delivery option only if the seller offers it and your address is within their range. The delivery fee is set by the seller and shown clearly before you pay.

Can I find farm stands near me?

Yes. When sellers run a live Farm Stand Mode session and choose to appear in Farm Stand Finder, you can discover them nearby. Scan the QR code at the stand and complete your purchase right from your phone, with no advance order needed.

How do I find sellers near me?

Enter your ZIP code on the homepage or browse page. We'll show you verified sellers within a radius you can adjust, sorted by proximity.

Do I need an account to browse?

You can browse sellers and products without an account. To place an order, you'll need to create a free buyer account.

Can I cancel or change an order?

Contact the seller through the messaging system as soon as possible. Sellers control order acceptance and may decline or accommodate changes at their discretion.

Is there a fee for buyers?

Browsing is free. For card orders, a Service Fee may appear at checkout depending on the seller's settings — some sellers cover this fee themselves. Pay-at-pickup orders (cash/check) have no Service Fee.

Service fees

For card orders, a Service Fee may appear at checkout depending on the seller's settings. Some sellers cover this fee themselves, in which case no Service Fee is added to your total. Pay-at-pickup orders (cash/check) have no Service Fee. LocalCottageFoods.com keeps platform fees separate from card processing.

How do I become a seller?

Create an account, select the seller role, and complete your profile. Then submit your state cottage food registration documentation for review. Once approved, you can publish products and accept orders.

Is it legal to sell cottage food online?

Cottage food laws vary by state. Most states allow direct sales from licensed producers. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with your state's specific requirements. We require documentation of registration before approving accounts.

How much does it cost to sell?

The Free plan is default. A 2.5% platform fee applies to each completed order. The Pro plan is $5/month or $49/year with 0% platform fee and includes pay-at-pickup (cash/check). On card orders, you can choose to pass the Service Fee through to the buyer at checkout or cover it yourself from your payout. Pay-at-pickup orders have no Service Fee.

When do I receive payment for orders?

Buyers pay at checkout before you start preparing, so you're never making products without knowing you'll get paid. Payout timing depends on how your account is set up: Free plan sellers receive funds after order completion and a short processing buffer; Pro sellers with a connected payment account receive funds faster based on their processor's schedule. Pay-at-pickup orders (cash/check) are collected directly at handoff.

Does the platform help with unserious buyers or no-shows?

Yes. Because buyers pay at checkout rather than at pickup, orders carry more commitment than informal arrangements. You can accept or decline any order before preparing it. Secure checkout reduces the back-and-forth guesswork that comes with selling through social media or at markets.

Can I set my own pickup schedule?

Yes. You define your pickup windows, locations, and availability. Buyers choose from the windows you've made available.

Can I offer local delivery?

Yes. Delivery is optional and free to enable. From your dashboard you can set a delivery radius (in miles) and a flat delivery fee. Buyers within your radius see the delivery option at checkout. You keep the delivery fee. It's included in your payout and the platform fee does not apply to it.

Can I run a porch stand, driveway stand, or market table?

Yes. Farm Stand Mode lets you start a live stand session from your dashboard, select which products you have available that day, and generate a QR code shoppers can scan on-site. Card checkout at your stand is available on all verified plans. Cash at a farm stand is a Pro feature and requires pay-at-pickup to be enabled.

Can I appear in Farm Stand Finder?

Yes. When you activate a Farm Stand Mode session, you can opt in to appear in Farm Stand Finder so nearby shoppers can discover your stand. Your address is never made public by default. You control what location information is visible and only while your stand is active.

What products can I sell?

You can list any product that is permitted under your state's cottage food law. Common examples include baked goods, jams, honey, and sauces. Products outside your state's permitted list may not be offered on this platform.

How does verification work?

You'll upload your state registration documentation during the application process. Our team reviews it manually and approves or requests clarification within 1–3 business days.