Terms of Service

Last updated: March 2026

Welcome to TrueCottage. By accessing or using our platform at truecottage.com, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.

1. About TrueCottage

TrueCottage LLC is a Colorado-based marketplace that connects home-based cottage food producers ("Sellers") with local buyers ("Buyers"). We are a technology platform — we do not produce, inspect, handle, or deliver the food listed on our site. All food products are made and sold by independent Sellers operating under Colorado's Cottage Food Act.

2. Eligibility

By using TrueCottage, you represent that:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You are a Colorado resident or are purchasing food for delivery within Colorado.
• You have the legal authority to enter into this agreement.

TrueCottage currently serves Colorado only. Out-of-state use is not supported.

3. Seller Responsibilities

Sellers are solely responsible for:

• Complying with all applicable Colorado cottage food laws, including the Colorado Cottage Foods Act.
• Obtaining and maintaining a valid cottage food operator registration or license where required.
• Completing a food safety course as required by Colorado law (e.g., the CSU Cottage Food Safety Training).
• Accurately labeling all products in accordance with Colorado labeling requirements.
• Ensuring their products do not contain ingredients prohibited under Colorado's cottage food regulations.
• Accurately representing products — ingredients, allergens, serving size, and shelf life.
• Adhering to the annual sales cap per product ($10,000 per product type under Colorado law).
• All food safety and hygiene standards in their kitchen.

TrueCottage does not inspect seller kitchens, verify licenses, or guarantee food safety. Sellers use the platform at their own risk and are solely liable for their products.

4. Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers are responsible for:

• Reviewing ingredients and allergen information before purchasing.
• Understanding that cottage food products are made in home kitchens that are not inspected by state or local health departments.
• Contacting the Seller directly for any questions about a product before purchase.

5. Platform Fees

TrueCottage charges the following fees:

• Buyer service fee: 3% added to the order subtotal at checkout.
• Seller platform fee: 10% deducted from each order payout to the Seller.

Fees are subject to change with reasonable notice posted on the platform.

6. Payments

Payments are processed through Stripe. By completing a purchase, you agree to Stripe's Consumer Terms. TrueCottage does not store your payment card information. All financial transactions are subject to Stripe's terms and policies.

Checkout Account Creation. When you complete a purchase without an existing TrueCottage account, we automatically create a free account on your behalf using the name, email address, and zip code you provide at checkout. This account lets you track your order and access your order history. By completing a purchase, you agree to these Terms and to the creation of this account. You can set a password at any time by visiting the login page and using "Forgot Password."

7. Prohibited Conduct

You may not use TrueCottage to:

• List or sell food products that are prohibited under Colorado's Cottage Food Act (e.g., products requiring temperature control, raw meat, dairy-based products without exemption).
• Make false or misleading representations about your products, ingredients, or licensing.
• Circumvent the platform's fee structure by transacting off-platform with contacts made through TrueCottage.
• Harass, defraud, or harm other users.
• Violate any applicable local, state, or federal law.

8. No Food Safety Guarantee

TrueCottage is a technology platform only. We do not inspect, certify, or guarantee the safety, quality, or accuracy of any food products listed on our platform. All products are prepared in private home kitchens that are not subject to health department inspection. Buyers purchase cottage food products at their own risk. If you have a serious food allergy or dietary restriction, contact the Seller directly before purchasing.

9. Intellectual Property

The TrueCottage name, logo, and platform design are owned by TrueCottage LLC. Sellers retain ownership of their product descriptions, photos, and recipes. By posting content on TrueCottage, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display and promote that content on the platform and in marketing materials.

10. Dispute Resolution

Disputes between Buyers and Sellers are primarily between those parties. TrueCottage may, at its sole discretion, facilitate resolution but is not obligated to do so. Any disputes with TrueCottage LLC will be governed by Colorado law. You agree to resolve disputes through binding arbitration rather than court, to the extent permitted by law.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, TrueCottage LLC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your use of the platform, any food products purchased through the platform, or any transactions between Buyers and Sellers. Our total liability to you for any claim shall not exceed the fees paid to TrueCottage in the 30 days preceding the claim.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TrueCottage LLC, its members, employees, and contractors from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the platform, your violation of these Terms, or your products or transactions.

13. Account Termination

TrueCottage reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account that violates these Terms, engages in fraudulent activity, or is harmful to other users or the platform. Sellers who repeatedly receive safety complaints or violate cottage food law may be removed without notice.

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of TrueCottage after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We will make reasonable efforts to notify users of material changes.

15. Governing Law

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