Getting Started
Your Cottage Food Launch Checklist
Use this checklist to go from setup to selling. Required to go live: get verified, add a product, add a pickup location, and add a pickup schedule. To accept orders, have a payment method ready. Recommended before launch: branding, a complete storefront, strong photos, clear descriptions, and confident pricing.
This is the shortest path from a new account to a live shop that can take orders. Work top to bottom — the required items unlock going live, and the recommended ones help you actually win buyers.
Required to go live
| Step | Why it matters | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Get verified | Unlocks publishing; builds buyer trust | How verification works |
| Add a product | Buyers need something to discover and order | Create your first listing |
| Add a pickup location | Where buyers collect orders | Setting up local pickup |
| Add a pickup schedule | When buyers can pick up | Setting up local pickup |
To accept orders
| Step | Why it matters | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Add a payment method | Turns a visible shop into one that can take orders | Checkout vs. pay at pickup |
Recommended before launch
| Step | Why it matters | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Brand + storefront | Looks credible to first-time buyers | Set up your storefront |
| Strong photos | Photos drive the click | Food photography |
| Clear descriptions | Answer questions; list allergens | Descriptions that sell |
| Confident pricing | Protect your margin from day one | How to price |
| Build trust | Win buyers before you have reviews | Building trust |
Checked everything off? Make sure you're ready for the first order itself with preparing for your first order, then plan your opening month with your first 30 days.
List your cottage food business
Create a free storefront, take local orders, and get discovered by buyers near you.
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Related guides
Getting Started
How to Set Up Your Local Cottage Foods Seller Account
A step-by-step walkthrough of setting up a Local Cottage Foods seller account: the guided setup, what it takes to go live, and what you need to accept your first order.
Getting Started
Preparing for Your First Order
Get ready for your first cottage food order: confirm pickup windows and lead time, ready your payment method, plan packaging, and run a smooth accept-to-handoff flow.
Getting Started
Your First 30 Days as a Cottage Food Seller
A week-by-week roadmap for your first 30 days as a cottage food seller: launch, land first orders, gather reviews, promote locally, then refine what's working.