In a world of two-day shipping and national chains, choosing to support your neighborhood microbakery or home chef is a powerful way to make a difference. At Sweeten, we believe that homemade food has the power to bring people together and we’re on a mission to make it easier for local chefs and bakers to share their creations with their neighborhoods. Whether it’s a warm loaf from a nearby micro-bakery or tamales from a family kitchen, every order placed through Sweeten supports a real person, a real story, and a stronger community. Here’s why supporting local chefs and bakers through Sweeten  makes a meaningful difference: 1. Strengthen Neighborhood Connections 2. Support Real People, Not Big Chains 3. You Help Microbakeries and Home Kitchens Grow 4. Boost Community-Driven SEO & Brand Visibility 5. Keep Money in the Local Economy 6. Encourages Diversity & Cultural Sharing 1. Strengthen Neighborhood Connections Buying from a Sweeten chef isn’t just a transaction, it’s part of building a relationship. When you order cookies from a homebaker down the street or pick up biryani from a chef in your building, you’re building real, local connections. These are the neighbors you pass on your walk, see at the park, and cheer on at community events. Supporting local microbakeries and home kitchens fosters a sense of belonging and shared story in your community, something a delivery app can’t replicate. Sweeten’s goal is to build stronger neighborhoods  through food. and every order is a vote for a more connected, caring community. 2. Support Real People, Not Big Chains Sweeten chefs are your neighbors, parents, students, retirees, immigrants, and creatives - all sharing food made with love. Every time you order from a local home chef or micro-bakery, you’re directly supporting their dream, not padding a corporate margin. Unlike major food delivery apps that prioritize large restaurants, Sweeten was created specifically  to support home cooks, cottage bakers, and microbusinesses. Our entire platform is designed to make it easier for small food entrepreneurs to get discovered, share their food, and earn income doing what they love. When you order on Sweeten, you’re choosing to back an ecosystem that puts local first . 3. You Help Microbakeries and Home Kitchens Grow Microbakeries and home kitchens often start as side hustles or passion projects . Sweeten helps turn those passions into sustainable microbusinesses by offering: Free menu listings Transparent pricing that keeps more money in chefs’ hands By ordering from Sweeten, you’re helping someone in your neighborhood take their baking or cooking dream to the next level. 4. Boost Community-Driven SEO & Brand Visibility When you buy from a Sweeten chef and leave a review, share a post, or tag them on social media, you’re contributing to community-driven SEO.  That means more people in your neighborhood discover the amazing food being made just blocks away. Every order, every review, every Instagram tag helps local chefs build their presence. Sweeten makes it easy for microbakeries and chefs to grow their reach without big marketing budgets. Local traffic builds brand stories not just for chefs, but for your whole community. A neighborhood known for good food becomes a neighborhood people want to be part of. 5. Keep Money in the Local Economy When you support a local chef, 100% of your order stays in your community. That money gets spent at the neighborhood market, reinvested in kitchen upgrades, or used to support other local small businesses. It’s a ripple effect. Supporting Sweeten chefs means supporting a more self-sustaining, local-first economy. 6. Encourages Diversity & Cultural Sharing Sweeten chefs come from all backgrounds, and their food reflects that rich diversity. Ordering from them lets you explore global flavors like Filipino ube crinkle cookies to Syrian ma’amoul and Jamaican spice buns without leaving your zip code. Supporting local means celebrating culture through food,  and giving voice to underrepresented culinary traditions. 💛 One Small Order, Big Impact It may just be a cupcake or a tray of brownies, but when you order from a Sweeten chef, you’re: Supporting a microbusiness Encouraging entrepreneurship Celebrating community Building a stronger, more connected neighborhood So next time you’re craving something special, skip the chain and Sweeten your day by ordering local. Discover your neighborhood’s hidden food gems. Download the Sweeten app to find home chefs and microbakeries near you and support your community, one delicious bite at a time. “To understand diversity is to understand flavours, mysticism, tradition, innovation, colours, textures, culture, sustainability, nature, health, traceability, ecology, the history behind each ingredient, and above all, our identity.”  - Malena Martínez

Ordering fresh, homemade food from a local microbakery or home chef on Sweeten is simple and satisfying, but what happens after you place an order? Here’s your quick guide to a smooth, stress-free Sweeten food pickup experience. Check Your Pickup Info Once your Sweeten chef confirms the order, you’ll see the pickup date, time window, and location  in your app. When your order is ready for pickup, tap the delivery bag icon to review pickup instruction - some chefs may include helpful notes like “ring the doorbell” or “use the side entrance.” Arrive on Time Please arrive during the pickup window  provided. Chefs plan their cooking around your scheduled time, and prompt pickups help keep things running smoothly. Bring Your Own Bag Sweeten supports low-waste practices and we encourage users to bring your own clean tote or container  to carry your goodies home safely. Communicate if Needed Running late or have a question? You can message the Chef directly through the Sweeten app. Whether you need to clarify directions or confirm an allergy note, Sweeten makes it easy to stay connected. Confirm Pickup in the App After you collect your food, don’t forget to tap “Confirm Pickup”  in your app. This helps chefs get paid promptly and keeps the Sweeten community running smoothly. Leave a Review Loved your order? Let the chef (and other customers!) know by leaving a quick review in the app. Your feedback helps home cooks and microbakeries grow their local food business. Enjoy the Taste of Home Whether you picked up gooey brownies, homemade dumplings, or grandma-style cookies, know that your order supported a local food creator and hopefully brings you a little more homemade joy to your day! Ready to order again? Browse new chefs and dishes anytime in the Sweeten app. Your next favorite treat is just around the corner. Bread puns happen when you yeast expect them .

At Sweeten, we understand that plans can change, and we want your experience to be as flexible as possible. In this article: When can I cancel? Will I get a refund? Will the chef be notified? How can I cancel in the app? Tips for chefs When can I cancel? You can cancel any time before the chef confirms  your order. Once your order is confirmed, cancellations are no longer available through the app and may require reaching out to the chef or our support team. Will I get a refund? Yes!  If you cancel before the chef confirms your order, you’ll receive a full refund  to your original payment method. No fees, no penalties. Refunds typically show up in your account within 5-10 business days , depending on your bank. Will the chef be notified? Yes. The chef will receive an email notification  letting them know your order has been canceled. The order status will be updated to Closed  in their app as well. How can I cancel in the app? Just go to: Orders  > Tap on the order you want to cancel Tap Cancel Order Confirm your cancellation! Can I place a new order afterward? Of course! Sweeten makes it easy to reorder with another chef or choose a different pickup date. Just browse the app and find something new that satisfies your cravings. Tips for chefs We recommend confirming orders promptly  and keeping your menu availability current  so customers can order with confidence. When cancellations do happen, it’s not personal, life happens! Stay responsive and continue offering great experiences. Need help? If you run into any issues canceling or have questions about a specific order, our Sweeten Support team is here help at support@eatsweeten.com . Sweeten is all about community, flexibility, and delicious food! 🍪 "Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." - Ernestine Ulmer

Sweeten helps microbakery owners and home cooks reach hungry local customers with a simple, transparent pricing model so you keep more of what you earn.  Whether you’re just starting your micro-bakery or growing a thriving home baking business, understanding Sweeten’s fees is key to planning your profits. In this article: What’s the Sweeten service fee? Are there taxes? When do I get paid? No monthly fees, no subscriptions What’s the Sweeten service fee? Sweeten charges a 5.5% service fee  on each completed order. This fee helps cover secure payment processing, customer support, marketing tools, and platform maintenance so you can focus on cooking. For example, if a customer places an order for $40: Service fee (5.5%) = $2.20 Your payout = $37.80 , minus any applicable taxes Our service fee allows us to: Offer secure transactions and payment protection Promote your microbakery via social media, search, and email Provide customer support  to both chefs and buyers Maintain the app and add new features to grow your food business Are there taxes? Depending on your location, Sweeten may also collect applicable state or local taxes  required for operating a marketplace platform. These vary based on jurisdiction and are calculated at checkout automatically. We handle tax collection and remittance when required, so it’s one less thing for you to worry about. You’ll see a breakdown of fees and taxes on every order in the app. When do I get paid? Once you confirm an order and the customer picks it up, Sweeten processes your payout within 1-2 business days. Payouts are made directly to your connected bank account. No monthly fees, no subscriptions Unlike other platforms, Sweeten does not  charge you to list your menu or require a subscription to stay active. You only pay when you earn. We’re here to help you grow your food business and not eat into your profits! Questions? Check out our Resource Center  or reach out to support@eatsweeten.com . We’re happy to assist with anything from payouts to taxes! "Baking is love made visible." - Anonymous

A Quick Guide to Ordering Homemade Food from Local Microbakeries and Chefs on Sweeten There’s nothing like a warm, homemade meal made with love! Sweeten makes it easier than ever to find delicious food made by talented homebakers and cooks right in your neighborhood. Here’s how to get started in just a few taps: Enter your location Start by entering your address to discover homebakers and cooks near you. E nter the pick up date that works best for your schedule so you’ll only see meals available for pick up that day. Browse & filter Have dietary restrictions or a specific craving? Filter by type of food, allergens, dietary needs (like gluten-free or vegan), and more. Place your order Once you’ve found what you love, add it to your cart and place your order. You’ll get a confirmation once your chef accepts your order. When your chef finishes preparing your order, they’ll mark it as ready for pick-up . You can also message the chef directly if you have any questions! Need to cancel? You can do so directly in the app for full refund before your order is accepted by the chef. Pick up & enjoy! Head to the chef’s location during the scheduled pick-up window. Don't forget to mark your order as “Picked Up” in the app. It helps us keep everything running smoothly. Loved your order? Show some love and leave a review! Your feedback helps other customers and supports the chefs in your community. Have questions about your order? Reach out to us anytime at support@eatsweeten.com

A Simple Guide for Selling Homemade Food on Sweeten Thinking about sharing your homemade bakes with your community? Whether you’re a cookie pro, cake artist, or sourdough wizard, Sweeten is here to help you launch a microbakery  and start selling homemade food locally. Before firing up the oven, it’s essential to understand home food laws. Home food laws, also called Cottage Food Laws , help guide how home-based food businesses operate and vary depending on where you live, but don’t worry, we’re here to help make sense of it all. In this article: What Are Cottage Food Laws? Why Cottage Food Laws Matter for Micro-Bakeries What You Might Be Allowed to Sell What You Might Need Selling Through Sweeten Find Your State’s Rules What Are Cottage Food Laws? Cottage food laws are state or local rules that let individuals sell certain homemade food products from their homes. These laws were designed to help small food entrepreneurs by making it easier and more affordable to start a micro-bakery  or home food business without needing a commercial kitchen. Why Cottage Food Laws Matter for Micro-Bakeries Each state has different rules: what you can sell, where you can sell, labeling requirements, and whether you need a permit or inspection. Following these rules keeps your microbakery compliant, safe, and building customer trust. What You Might Be Allowed to Sell Typically allowed under cottage food laws: Breads, muffins, and cookies Cakes and cupcakes (sometimes with restrictions on frosting types) Jams and jellies Granola, candies, and more Not allowed (in most states): Foods requiring refrigeration (like cream pies, meat dishes, dairy-based fillings) Check your local list of approved foods to be sure. What You Might Need Depending on where you live, you may need: A Cottage Food Permit or Registration Food handler certification Home kitchen inspection (in some cases) Selling Through Sweeten Sweeten is a platform built for home cooks and microbakery owners  to sell locally with ease. To sell through the Sweeten platform, we require all chefs and bakers to: Confirm they’re following local cottage food laws Label all items clearly and accurately in their menu, including identifying common allergens Find Your State’s Rules Check your Cottage Food Laws by State  guide (link to a compiled resource) or visit your local health department website. You can also reach out to us at hello@eatsweeten.com we’re happy to help you get started on the right foot. "A party without cake is just a meeting." - Julia Child

How to set up your weekly pickup schedule in the Sweeten app Running a successful micro-bakery  or home-based food business is all about great taste and  good timing. That’s why your Weekly Pick-Up Schedule  is one of the most important tools on your Sweeten profile, as it tells customers when and where to come pick up your delicious creations. Setting a clear, consistent pickup schedule helps you: Avoid missed pickups or confusion  with customers Manage prep time and inventory  more efficiently Build trust  by showing customers you’re reliable Stay flexible  while running your micro-bakery on your own terms A clear, up-to-date schedule means fewer messages, smoother pickups, and happier customers! In this article: How to Set (and Update) Your Weekly Pick-Up Schedule Pro Tips for a Smooth Schedule How to Set (and Update) Your Weekly Pick-Up Schedule You can set your availability, pickup address, and instructions right from your Profile page . Here’s how: Go to your Profile Tap your profile icon in the app Tap “Edit Weekly Pick Up Schedule” Set Your Pick Up Address This is where customers will go to pick up their orders Make sure it’s easy to find by using address search results Add Pick Up Instructions E.g.: “Text when you arrive,” “Use the side entrance,” or “Ring the doorbell!” Choose Your Available Days Toggle off any day you’re not accepting pickups You can change this anytime based on your baking schedule Set Start & End Times Want pickups only in the evenings? Early morning? It’s your call. Customers will see that you are only available for pick up during these times Pro Tips for a Smooth Schedule Update ahead of time: If your availability changes, make sure to adjust your schedule ahead of time. Block off vacations: Going offline for a bit? Toggle all days off or update your menu to “unavailable.” Keep it consistent : Customers love predictable routines (think: “Fridays 4-7 PM” or “Sundays only”).

Your step-by-step guide to selling your homemade food locally Why Sell on Sweeten? Sweeten is your neighborhood food marketplace, designed to make it easy for home cooks, bakers, and food creators to earn money doing what they love. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a micro-bakery, growing a weekend food hustle, or simply selling your famous cinnamon rolls, Sweeten gives you the tools to : Reach local food lovers who value homemade goods Set your own schedule and pick-up times Start selling without a storefront or large overhead Build a loyal customer base right in your community "I never thought I could start a food business from my kitchen. Sweeten helped me turn my side hobby into real income." — Antoine D. Create Your Chef Profile & Set Up Payment Details Let your personality shine! Add: Chef name Short bio and food story Profile photo Payment details must be set up before customers can place orders with you. From your Profile  page, tap “Set up payment details”  and follow the secure steps to connect your account. Sweeten partners with Stripe , a trusted global payments platform, to ensure your information is processed safely. Once you’re set up, you’ll be able to start receiving orders and payouts directly to your account. It only takes a few minutes to complete! Tip: A warm, friendly photo and a fun backstory go a long way in connecting with customers. Set Pick-Up Location & Hours From your  Profile page , tap  Edit Weekly Pick-Up Schedule   to: Add your pick-up address Turn pick-up days  on or off Set available time windows for each day Add optional instructions (e.g., "Ring the bell on the side gate") Add Menu Items Showcase your creations with: Clear photos Dish name, description & ingredients Pricing and prep time Allergy tags (e.g., gluten-free, nut-free) Tip: Use natural light and simple plating for beautiful menu photos.  📸 Manage Orders in the App When an order request comes in: Tap to confirm or decline Tap  Ready for Pick-Up  when the food is prepped Customer picks up and marks it as collected Get Paid Payments are transferred after pick-up confirmation Sweeten charges a small  5.5% platform fee  + any required taxes Track payouts in your app dashboard See here for a guide on Sweeten fees Start & Grow Your Micro-Bakery Selling on Sweeten is a low-risk way to test and grow your food business: No need for a physical store Get feedback through reviews Build a local following Stay flexible and set your own schedule Ready to Get Started? Head to your  Profile  in the Sweeten app to complete your setup and start adding menu items. Whether you’re a seasoned homebaker or just starting your micro-bakery , we’re here to support you every step of the way .

A brief insight into how Sweeten helps customers search for your food Ever wonder how Sweeten helps customers find your food or how you can appear in more search results as a chef? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the search in the Sweeten  app works, what factors are taken into account today, and what’s coming soon to help more people discover your home-baked goods. In this article: The Basics: What Customers Can Filter What Affects Your Search Ranking Coming Soon: Better Discovery with Reviews & Popularity Tips on Improving Your Search Visibility The Basics: What Customers Can Filter When someone searches for food on Sweeten, they can apply filters based on what they’re craving and when they want to pick it up. Here’s what they can currently filter by: Type of Goods : Cookies, cakes, savory meals, and more Diet : Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, etc. Allergies : Customers can search for items safe for their needs Pick Up Date : Customers can find items available on specific days Location : Results are shown based on proximity to the customer This ensures they’re only seeing delicious food that fits their tastes and  schedule. What Affects Your Search Ranking Right now, search results are mainly sorted by availability and relevance : You’ll only show up if your items match the filters applied Your pickup schedule is a key factor. Make sure to keep it updated! Nearby chefs according to pick up location and are prioritized Your categories and tags help your items show up in the right searches So if you’re a gluten-free baker available on Friday, customers looking for gluten-free cookies on Friday near them will see you! Coming Soon: Better Discovery with Reviews & Popularity We’re working on new ways to help the best-performing chefs  and customer favorites shine: Ratings & Reviews : Chefs with high reviews may get a boost Popularity : Items with more orders or great review could rank higher Responsiveness : Chefs who reply quickly and consistently may get a boost Our goal is to reward chefs who are reliable, high-quality, and a hit with customers, while making sure search results are always relevant and helpful. Tips on Improving Your Search Visibility 🔍 Keep your pick-up schedule  up to date 🔍 Tag your menu items clearly (type, diet, allergens) 🔍 Respond quickly to new orders 🔍 Keep your menu photos and descriptions  appealing 🔍 Encourage happy customers to leave a rating Have questions about how to boost your visibility? Reach out to us anytime. We’re here to help you get found! "Life is short. Eat dessert first." - Jacques Torres