Homebaker Help Center: Your Guide to Success

1. What are cottage food laws?
Cottage food laws vary by state and local jurisdiction. They allow individuals to produce certain baked goods from their private residences and sell them to the public. These baked goods are considered low-risk since the final products typically do not require refrigeration. To check the regulations applicable to your area, please contact the department overseeing cottage food laws. In many states, this responsibility lies with the State Health Departments, Agricultural Departments, or local health authorities.

2. How is Homebaked Nearby different?
Homebaked Nearby is a unique platform designed to align with cottage food laws while offering an all-inclusive experience for connecting homebakers with customers. Here’s how we help support homebakers:
Time-Saving Solution: Homebaked Nearby streamlines your process with a comprehensive platform, including in-app messaging, secure payments, clear cancellation policies, sales tax calculations, automated email notifications, and receipts. Our detailed order request forms allow customers to personalize every detail, from different flavors for each cake tier to dietary requests and inspirational photos, making your life stress-free.
Expanded Network: We make it effortless for customers to discover and order from local homebakers. You immediately gain access to a nationwide customer base without having to reveal your home address to the entire world.
Community Impact: Homebaked Nearby hopes to serve a greater purpose, especially in communities with limited dietary options and sparse local bakeries. Now, customers can easily find and order quality baked goods, avoiding the hassle of shipped, mass-produced alternatives. Imagine the joy homebakers will bring to neighbors recovering from surgery, celebrating milestones, or adding a special touch to important moments. Your impact within your community is appreciated!
Work-Life Balance: Balancing full-time childcare with career aspirations is a challenge for many homebakers. Our solution helps you manage your business efficiently, while allowing you to prioritize your personal health and family. By reducing your managerial tasks by 70%, we enable you to enjoy stress-free baking and have extra time to work out, read a book, or simply play a board game with your little ones.

3. How does Homebaked Nearby comply with cottage food laws?
We offer the following features to help cottage food operators in maintaining compliance:
Local Sales Focus: Online sales with in-person delivery or pickup options for cottage food products directly from the baker to the end consumer.
State Boundary Adherence: Due to regulations, transactions between bakers and end consumers are limited within the same state. Homebaked Nearby focuses on local sales, eliminating the need for costly shipping and enabling bakers to earn more through concentrated localized delivery.
Transparent Allergen Information: Bakers display the allergens found in their shop on their profile page, promoting customer awareness and informed choices.
Ingredient Transparency: Customers can request ingredient details from the baker before confirming an order.
Cottage Food Disclaimer Option: Bakers can include a 12-point type cottage food disclaimer on their profile, meeting state requirements and providing customers with essential information. For example, your state may require you to post, “This food is made in a home kitchen and not inspected by the State Health Department.”
Customizable Shop Information: Bakers have the option to add a shop name to their profile.
Certification Requirement: Bakers must include their food handler or food manager certification to sell on the platform. Confidentiality is maintained by not posting the actual certificate, safeguarding the last names of bakers. Visit www.foodsafepal.com and save $5 with the code Homebaked.
Optional Health Permit Information: Bakers, if required, can add their health permit/registration/license details to their profile. Note: Health permits are not required for Texas cottage food operators, however, they are required in California, Georgia, and New York.

4. What do I need to set up my shop?
Verify Local and State Regulations: Begin by confirming the cottage food laws in your state or local jurisdiction to ensure Homebaked Nearby aligns with your needs. If your state or local health authority mandates it, obtain the necessary health permit, registration, or license. Note: Health permits are not required for Texas cottage food operators, however, they are required in California, Georgia, and New York.
Certification Readiness: Keep your food handler or food manager certification ready to upload (you can take a photo of it) with the expiration date. In cases where your state does not require it (such as in New York), you’ll need to obtain a food handler certification from any ANAB-accredited program, usually available online and taking only a few hours to complete. This requirement is to uphold food safety standards on Homebaked Nearby and allow new customers to feel safer ordering from you. NOTE: A valid food handler card is already a state requirement for Texas cottage food operators.
Showcase Your Talent: Be ready to upload a few photos of the baked goods you intend to offer.

5. How do I join as a baker?
Sign-up: Just sign-up to get started by verifying your email address and uploading a profile picture. You’re automatically signed up as a customer so you can also find and order from local bakers in other areas too. You will need to “Become a Baker” to start selling on Homebaked Nearby. Please watch our YouTube tutorials on how to navigate the platform.
Become a Baker: Create a shop by sharing a brief bio about your passion for baking, select your schedule, select the baked goods you wish to provide from a catalog list, set your prices, add up to 100 photos, and add food handler or food manager certifications. Our catalog list includes a variety of 37 baked goods, such as wedding cakes, cake pops, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and sourdough bread. You’ll set up your secure Stripe payment account with a US bank account. Stripe is the same payment processor used by Amazon.
Receive Approval & Spread the News: Once your shop is approved, let your friends, family, and community know you’re the latest baker on Homebaked Nearby! Most bakers are approved within 24 hours!

6. Why do my pictures zoom in when uploading them?
The default setting for pictures is to capture the center of the photograph and zoom in. For your profile picture, you may crop and center the image before uploading it. However, for images added to your baked goods, customers can click on the image to view the full picture, so there is no need to center and crop it beforehand. You can add up to 100 images to your shop to showcase your work. We are working to expand this limit, so thank you for your patience!

7. What is my time zone when creating my default schedule?
Please view your time zone (on the left) and select the corresponding city/state to be used to create your schedule:

Eastern Daylight Time – America/New_York
Central Daylight Time (majority of Texas) – America/Chicago
Mountain Daylight Time (far west Texas) – America/Denver
Mountain Standard Time – America/Phoenix
Pacific Daylight Time – America/Los Angeles

For instance, if you reside in Dallas, Houston, or Austin, Texas, you are in the Central Daylight Time zone and should select "America/Chicago" when setting up your default schedule.

8. How do I use Homebaked Nearby after I create my shop?
Navigate to the “Orders & Messages” section: Select the “Requests” tab to view requests. You will receive email notifications on the status of each order. Upon receiving a request, please respond promptly with either “Available” or “Decline” if you're unavailable. For services that require a quote, you can easily enter your price to convey both availability and pricing. If you do not respond to a request within 24 hours, it will automatically expire.
Sit Tight: If you responded with “Available” then the customer has 24 hours to confirm and pay for the order. No more waiting around wondering if a customer is going to book you!
Confirmation: Once an order is paid in full and confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email. The confirmed order will be moved from the "Requests" tab to the "Confirmed Orders" tab, with the most recent confirmed order displayed at the top. It will not be filtered by the upcoming confirmed orders, so to ensure you can easily track your orders, please click “Add to Calendar” on confirmed orders to save all the important details (it automatically includes the delivery address) to your personal digital calendar and set specific reminder notifications. This will help you keep track of your orders until this feature is improved. This also allows you to easily select the address to populate in your mapping app so you can quickly find the driving directions for delivery orders. Get ready to start baking!
Delivery & Pickup: Simply click “Delivered” or “Picked up” to initiate the order being received. Customers also have the ability to select “Picked up” for pickup orders to initiate the order being received for porch pickups. Just message your customers and remind them ahead of time to select "Picked up" if you're not home. You no longer have to worry if they received the items while you’re out delivering cookies to another customer. The order will automatically complete within 48 hours after it is received.

9. How do I get paid and is it secure?
Payments are securely processed through Stripe, which is the same payment processor trusted by Amazon. Customers pay the full amount when confirming their order and the first half of your payout will be processed at order confirmation so you can purchase ingredients ahead of time. The remaining amount of your payout will automatically be processed 48 hours after the order is received by the customer to ensure your customer's satisfaction. The funds will be deposited into your US bank account within a few to seven days, depending on your bank. Weekends and holidays may delay payouts. Payments made with American Express may cause delays. To make changes to your payment details navigate to Account Settings – Payout Details.

10. How do I quickly access the website on my mobile phone?
Simply follow your phone's instructions to add it to your home screen as a shortcut. You can tap on the icon just like an app! This saves you time, eliminating the need to type in the website every visit to Homebaked Nearby.

11. Do I need to create my own menu?
Nope! Our research revealed that most bakers offer similar products and flavors. Presenting too many flavor options can overwhelm customers, making it less likely that they will place an order. To increase sales, we’ve handpicked the most popular products and flavors for you, though each baker adds their unique touch to stand out. Customers can also request flavors not listed. This guarantees an easy shop setup for you while providing customers with precisely what they seek!

12. What do I include in Taste-boxes and Assorted Dessert Boxes?
Taste-boxes: Taste-boxes include four flavor options for customers to sample before ordering wedding cakes. You can showcase your flavors using cupcakes, cake slices, mini cakes, and more. Your photos should reflect the type of taste-box the customer will be receiving. Additionally, you may suggest any extra flavors for customers to try as a token of appreciation! If a customer later buys a wedding cake from you, you can inform them via the in-app messaging that you’ve deducted the taste-box amount from their total, should you choose to offer this.
Assorted Dessert Boxes: Feel free to add your unique touch and variety. Any combination of approved cottage food products is acceptable, including chocolate-covered cookies, dipped strawberries (if approved), pretzel rods, mini cakes, cake balls, etc. Note: You must include at least one of the following items: marshmallows, cake pops, cakesicles, candy, cake push-pops, rice krispy treats on a stick, fudge, or any chocolate confections.

13. Will I lose my customers to other bakers by joining Homebaked Nearby?
Absolutely not! Joining Homebaked Nearby expands your customer network. For instance, if you specialize in fondant wedding cakes but your customer seeks cinnamon rolls, they can place orders with another baker who excels in that area, and vise-versa! It’s a win-win for all. The more bakers that join Homebaked Nearby, means the more customers that will discover and use the platform to find you!

14. Who sees my personal information?
Your information is visible solely to customers on the platform. Delivery and pickup details, for both customers and homebakers, remain confidential until an order is confirmed. At that point, only the specific delivery or pickup address is revealed. Estimated driving times can be utilized before order confirmation, aiding both customers and bakers in planning travel preferences. Your profile displays only your first name and last initial. Food safety certificates are not posted to protect your full name.

15. I haven’t received any requests or confirmed orders yet, what do I do?
Here are some basic tips for success:

• Offer both delivery and pickup options, as many customers like to deliver baked goods as gifts. Expanding your delivery distance may increase your network too!
• Diversify and expand your shop with a variety of baked goods. For instance, if you specialize in birthday cakes, consider adding cupcakes, cake push-pops, cake jars, cake pops, and rice krispy treats to your shop. This way, you’re prepared for a range of customer requests and you won’t miss opportunities.
• Ensure your pricing aligns with your experience and local market.
• Present your baked goods effectively in photos. For example, placing freshly baked cinnamon rolls on a nice plate enhances the visual appeal compared to cinnamon rolls in a foil container.
• Invite your clients to Homebaked Nearby and let their positive recommendations showcase your work to future customers! It’s possible the great news of Homebaked Nearby hasn’t reached your area yet. Stay enthusiastic and keep your calendar open! We’re actively working to increase awareness!

16. How do I message the customer for more details?
Under the “BAKER” tab, navigate to “Orders & Messages” and choose between the “Requests” or “Confirmed Orders” tabs. From there, you can directly message the customer. Feel free to ask the customer questions to refine your quote BEFORE sending it to them, share specific allergen information before payment, or anything else! These messages are linked to the requests and confirmed orders, making it easy to refer back to them later. No more digging through emails or texts to remember what was discussed! Note: Once you select "Available" you will not have the option to change any prices for the order request.

17. Can a permitted retail food facility owner join Homebaked Nearby?
Homebaked Nearby is designed exclusively for cottage food operators to prevent any confusion between baked goods allowed under retail food codes and those permitted by cottage food laws. Retail food facilities are not eligible for Homebaked Nearby. If you own a retail food facility and want to operate a separate cottage food business, please seek guidance from your state or local health authority to determine if this is approved.

18. Can I accept multiple orders for the same day and time?
Absolutely! You can seamlessly save orders to your own digital calendar using the "Add to Calendar" link on confirmed orders. You can create your preferred reminder notifications so you never forget another order! Accept orders up to one year in advance and adjust your hours and availability at your convenience. You can block off specific weeks too! Utilize “Vacation mode" to temporarily pause all requests when needed, turning it back on when you're ready to accept orders again. Note: Customers must place orders at least 2-3 days in advance of the scheduled pickup or delivery date.

19. Can I continue to sell at Farmer’s Markets, festivals, and through my own website?
We encourage you to use Homebaked Nearby in a way that fits your business model. However, the more bakers that bring their clients with them, means the more customers that will discover and use the platform to also find you! For this reason, it’s recommended that you share Homebaked Nearby with your clients and community to boost your credibility. Positive reviews are now your biggest marketing tool! If a request is received through Homebaked Nearby, you may only proceed with that order request through our platform. It’s against Homebaked Nearby’s policy for bakers to request or receive payment outside the platform. This is to ensure both parties have a secure and trustworthy payment experience.

20. Do I need to obtain a sales permit, form an LLC, or get personal liability insurance?
Homebakers are required to obtain all necessary insurance and permits in their jurisdictions. For personalized advice on legal, tax, or insurance matters, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer, tax professional, or insurance agent. Please note that Homebaked Nearby handles the calculation and remittance of sales tax for bakers selling through our platform.

21. How will I receive my 1099-K Form if I qualify?
While Homebaked Nearby aims to simplify your home bakery business, it's crucial to note that we are not tax advisors, and we do not set or regulate gross annual income limits. Your earnings are processed through Stripe, our payment processor. If you exceed the Federal earning threshold ($5,000 for 2024), you will receive a 1099-K Form at the end of the year. To ensure a seamless process, keep your details (name, email address, and any relevant tax identification number) up-to-date with Stripe.

22. What is the cancellation policy?
Customer Cancellation Policy: We understand that cancellations can be challenging for homebakers who invest time, energy, and resources into creating custom treats. Once a customer confirms and pays for an order, cancellations cannot be allowed by customers. If a customer's event needs to be rescheduled, we recommend carefully packaging their order and providing instructions on how to handle it (e.g., freezing and proper defrosting) to preserve it for a later date. Please note that as the platform grows, this policy may be subject to change for improved customer service. We appreciate your understanding.
Homebaker Cancellation Policy: Homebakers are strongly discouraged from canceling orders as it negatively impacts the entire Homebaked Nearby community. An option for bakers to request a cancellation is available on confirmed orders up to 20 days before the pickup or delivery date. The cancellation is intended for emergency purposes only and approval is contingent on various factors and is not guaranteed. If your cancellation is approved, you will not receive the remaining payout at order completion and may be required to pay back the initial payout received at order confirmation. If your cancellation request is declined, you will continue to complete the order. Note: The ability to cancel an order will be disabled 20 days prior to the order date and time to ensure customers have ample time to find a new baker.

23. What is the refund policy?
Refunds will not be issued for missed pickup or delivery times, personal dissatisfaction with flavor, color, texture, or design, or for damage occurring after receipt. Customers must handle their orders with care, including proper refrigeration and transportation, as external factors like weather and temperature can impact quality of certain baked goods. Bakers may take photos of orders before handover for documentation purposes. Customers must review and agree to the cancellation and refund policy before placing an order. Customers are informed that all items are handmade and may vary from other bakers’ works. It is the customer’s responsibility to be present during the pickup window or ensure the recipient is available for delivery, as leaving items on doorsteps is not recommended. If an order is incorrect or missing items, the customer should contact their baker immediately for assistance. To qualify for a refund for incorrect items (e.g., receiving vanilla instead of chocolate), 75% of the item must be returned to the baker within 24 hours for assessment. Alternatively, customers and bakers are encouraged to discuss a future discount on their next custom quoted order, which can be deducted from the quoted amount instead of issuing a refund.

If an item is missing or a refund is still required and the baker cannot resolve the issue, customers should submit a 'Help with Order' request using the link in their email notification within 24 hours of the pickup/delivery time. If an email was not received for a missed order, the customer must contact Homebaked Nearby within 24 hours at support@homebakednearby.com (Subject line: MISSING ITEM – REFUND) and include the Transaction ID, order date, full name, email address, phone number, reason for refund, and details of the missing items.

Bakers acknowledge that they may not receive all or part of the second payout if a refund is issued. In extreme cases, bakers may need to repay the initial payout if the order was never received, or if the partial refund exceeds the second payout amount at order completion. Homebaked Nearby will contact the baker for verification before issuing any refund. Our goal is to collaborate with homebakers to resolve any refund issues. Whew! That was long, but important!

24. Can a customer make changes to a confirmed order?
The platform does not support changes made to existing orders, and it is not recommended, especially changing order dates, as this can lead to confusion. If a customer needs to make a small adjustment that doesn’t affect pricing, such as changing pink frosting to purple frosting, that can be accommodated by messaging with the customer. Any minor changes need to be approved by the bakers and are at the sole discretion of the bakers through messaging. Note: The system will automatically mark the order as received if the date extends beyond 14 days past the pickup/delivery date and time. Therefore, it is not advisable to extend the order date to accommodate a delayed pickup or delivery.

25. How do I deactivate my account?
Why on earth would you want to do that?! To deactivate your account, you must first ensure you have completed all confirmed orders. Next, you may email Homebaked Nearby at support@homebakednearby.com (Subject line: DEACTIVATION). The request must include your full name, the email address associated with your platform account, and a statement requesting deactivation.