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Please read these Terms of Service carefully before using the Home Baked Today platform. By accessing or using our website, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Last updated: [Month] [Year]

1. About Home Baked Today

Home Baked Today ("we," "our," or "the platform") is an online marketplace that connects independent home bakers with local buyers seeking handmade baked goods. We provide the technology and space that facilitates these connections — we do not manufacture, inspect, or directly handle any products sold on the platform.

Home Baked Today is operated by [Legal Company Name], located at [Business Address], [City], [State], [ZIP Code].

2. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, browsing, or making a purchase on Home Baked Today, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service, as well as our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our platform.

3. Eligibility

To use Home Baked Today, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be a resident of the United States
  • Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
  • Not be prohibited from using the platform under applicable law

By using this platform, you represent and warrant that you meet all of the above eligibility requirements.

4. User Accounts

When you create an account on Home Baked Today, you agree to:

  • Provide accurate, current, and complete information
  • Maintain and promptly update your account information
  • Keep your password secure and confidential
  • Accept responsibility for all activity that occurs under your account
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms or that have been inactive for an extended period.

5. Buyer Terms

As a buyer on Home Baked Today, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • All orders are fulfilled via local pickup only — no shipping is available
  • You are purchasing directly from an independent home baker, not from Home Baked Today
  • Home Baked Today does not inspect, test, or verify the quality, safety, or legality of any products listed
  • You are responsible for reviewing allergen information before placing an order
  • Products are made in home kitchens that may not be subject to routine government inspection

For full details of buyer commitments and platform trust standards, please review our Buyer Protection page.

6. Seller Terms

All sellers on Home Baked Today are independent business owners and must agree to our Seller Terms & Conditions before listing any products. As a seller, you acknowledge that:

  • You are solely responsible for your products, labeling, pricing, and customer interactions
  • You must comply with all applicable local and state cottage food laws
  • No employer–employee relationship exists between you and Home Baked Today
  • Home Baked Today may remove listings or suspend accounts that do not meet platform standards

For full seller obligations and platform standards, please review our Seller Terms & Conditions page.

7. Payments & Fees

All payments on Home Baked Today are processed securely through Stripe. By making or receiving a payment, you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service.

Home Baked Today operates on a near-zero transaction fee model. Sellers are subject to standard Stripe processing fees only. Additional details are outlined on our Pricing Plans page.

Home Baked Today is not responsible for any payment disputes between buyers and sellers.

8. Refunds & Disputes

All sales are transactions between the buyer and the individual baker. Refund requests should be directed to the seller in the first instance.

Home Baked Today does not guarantee refunds but reserves the right to intervene at its sole discretion in order to protect the integrity of the marketplace community.

Given the perishable and made-to-order nature of baked goods, all sales are generally considered final unless otherwise agreed upon between buyer and seller.

9. Prohibited Conduct

All users of Home Baked Today — whether buyers, sellers, or visitors — agree not to:

  • Use the platform for any unlawful purpose
  • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent listings or reviews
  • Harass, abuse, or threaten other users
  • Attempt to circumvent platform fees or payment systems
  • Scrape, copy, or reproduce platform content without written permission
  • Upload malicious code or attempt to disrupt platform operations
  • Impersonate any person or entity

Violation of these prohibitions may result in immediate account suspension or termination.

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the Home Baked Today platform — including but not limited to the logo, brand name, website design, copy, and graphics — is the intellectual property of Home Baked Today and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written consent.

By uploading content to the platform (including product photos and descriptions), sellers grant Home Baked Today a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display that content for the purposes of operating and promoting the marketplace.

11. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

Home Baked Today provides its platform on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the platform's reliability, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Home Baked Today shall not be liable for:

  • Any illness, injury, or damage arising from products purchased on the platform
  • Any loss of data, revenue, or profits
  • Any interruption or unavailability of the platform
  • Any actions or omissions of independent sellers

12. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Any disputes arising from or relating to these terms or your use of the platform shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If a resolution cannot be reached, disputes shall be submitted to the courts of the State of California.

13. Changes to These Terms

Home Baked Today reserves the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time. When changes are made, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.

Your continued use of the platform following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:

  • Email: [legal@homebaked.com — to be confirmed]
  • Website: Contact Us
  • Mailing address: [Legal Company Name], [Business Address], [City], [State], [ZIP]