Terms of service

Effective Date: June 2025

Welcome to Lotus Flour Bakery. By placing an order with us, you agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions. Please read these terms carefully before placing your order.

COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION NOTICE: Lotus Flour Bakery operates as a California Cottage Food Operation under permit/registration number DEH2024-FCFO-001753 issued in San Diego County. All products are made in a home kitchen.

1. Order Acceptance and Payment

All orders are subject to acceptance by Lotus Flour Bakery. We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order at our discretion. Payment is required in full at the time of order placement unless otherwise arranged. We accept [list accepted payment methods].

2. Custom Orders and Modifications

Custom cake and bakery orders require advance notice of at least [X days/weeks]. Design requests are subject to our capabilities and ingredient availability. Minor variations in appearance, color, and decoration may occur as all items are handmade. Custom orders require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total order value. This deposit becomes non-refundable 48 hours after order confirmation.

3. Pickup and Delivery

Pickup: Orders must be picked up on the scheduled date and time. We are not responsible for orders not collected within [X hours] of the scheduled pickup time, and such orders may be subject to additional storage fees or disposal.

Delivery: If delivery service is offered, delivery fees and terms will be communicated at the time of ordering. Risk of loss transfers to the customer upon delivery.

4. No Refund Policy

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. WE DO NOT OFFER REFUNDS, EXCHANGES, OR STORE CREDIT for any reason, including but not limited to:

  • Change of mind or event cancellation
  • Dissatisfaction with taste, appearance, or quality
  • Incorrect pickup or delivery address provided by customer
  • Customer unavailability during scheduled pickup/delivery times
  • Weather conditions affecting events

The only exception is if we are unable to fulfill your order due to circumstances within our control, in which case a full refund will be provided.

5. Limitation of Liability

Once any product leaves our possession (upon pickup or delivery), Lotus Flour Bakery assumes no responsibility or liability for:

  • Damage during transport by customer or third parties
  • Spoilage due to improper storage or handling
  • Temperature-related damage
  • Contamination after pickup/delivery
  • Any incidents, accidents, or issues arising from consumption or use of products after they leave our premises
  • Any allergic reactions or health issues after products leave our possession

6. Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION ALLERGEN NOTICE: Our home kitchen processes common allergens including wheat, eggs, dairy, nuts, and soy. While we take precautions, we cannot guarantee that any product is completely free from allergens due to the nature of home kitchen operations.

IMPORTANT: Products are made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by a health department. Customers with severe allergies order at their own risk. It is the customer's responsibility to inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of ordering.

As a California Cottage Food Operation, we are only permitted to sell approved non-potentially hazardous food items. All products comply with the California Department of Public Health Approved Cottage Food List.

7. Ingredient Substitutions

We reserve the right to make minor ingredient substitutions due to availability, seasonal variations, or supply chain issues. Such substitutions will not materially affect the overall quality or character of the ordered items.

8. Cancellation Policy

Orders may be cancelled up to [X hours/days] before the scheduled pickup/delivery time. Cancellations made after this timeframe will forfeit the full payment. Custom orders with deposits cannot be cancelled once production has begun.

9. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or inability to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, power outages, equipment failure, illness, or government regulations.

10. Product Storage and Handling

Customers are responsible for proper storage and handling of products after pickup or delivery. We recommend:

  • Refrigeration of items containing dairy or cream
  • Consumption within recommended timeframes
  • Proper transportation to prevent damage

11. Photography and Social Media

By placing an order, you grant Lotus Flour Bakery permission to photograph your completed order and use such images for marketing, social media, and promotional purposes without compensation. All advertising will include our cottage food operation permit number and county as required by law.

12. Disputes and Governing Law

Any disputes arising from these terms or your order shall be governed by the laws of [Your State]. Any legal action must be brought in the appropriate courts of [Your County/City, State].

13. Contact Information

For questions regarding these terms or your order, please contact us at:

  • Phone:619-951-5545
  • Email: contact@bhavsbakes.com

14. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Updated terms will be posted with a new effective date. Continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

By placing an order with Lotus Flour Bakery, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. You further acknowledge that you understand this is a Cottage Food Operation operating under California law with a home kitchen that has not been inspected by a health department.

Last Updated: June 2025