Policies

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Order Confirmation & Deposits

1. Orders are not considered confirmed until a non-refundable deposit it received. The deposit includes 100% if the supply costs and 50% of the total cake price. The deposit will be applied to final balance. Orders will not be reserved until the deposit is cleared. 

2. Remaining balances are due upon pickup. 

Pickup Policy

1. At this time, delivery is not available. All orders will be for local pickup only. 

2. Pickup time windows will be scheduled in advance. Clients or their designated representatives must arrive in time during the confirmed pickup window. 

3. Once a cake, baked goods or other confectionaries leave Cotton Flat Cakes' possession all liability transfers to the client. No refunds or replacements will be issued for damage occurring during transportation, mishandling or improper storage. 

4. Clients are responsible for safe transportation of cakes, baked goods or other confectionaries after pick up. Cakes must be transported on a flat surface in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle. Cotton Flat Cakes will not be responsible for damage caused by heat exposure, tipping or improper transport. 

Late Pickup

1. Cakes not picked up within 1 hour of the scheduled pickup time, without advanced notice, may be subject to a late holding fee. 

2. Orders not collected within 24 hours of scheduled pickup, without notice, may be considered abandon and no refund will be provided, as products are considered perishable. 

Storage & Handling

1. Cakes are perishable and must be refrigerated immediately after pickup unless otherwise instructed. 

2. Cotton Flat Cakes is not responsible for product quality issues resulting from improper storage, extended holding beyond recommended temperature times. and/or exposure to heat and/or moisture. 

Design & Custom Orders

1. Custom cakes are handmade works of art. Final products may vary slightly from inspiration photos or sketches, and exact replications or designs cannot be guaranteed. 

2. Design changes within 7 days of scheduled pickup may not be accepted or may incur additional charges. 

Fresh Flowers Policy

1. If fresh flowers are used on cakes they may contain pesticides, insects or other contaminants. 

2. Protective barriers may be added, but Cotton Flat Cakes cannot guarantee full separation between floral materials and edible components. 

3. By choosing fresh flowers, clients acknowledge these risks and assume all related liability. 

Allergy Disclosure

1. Cotton Flat Cakes operates from a home kitchen where the following allergens are present: 

• wheat
• dairy
• eggs
• peanuts
• tree nuts
• soy 
• shellfish 

While responsible care is taken, cross-contamination is still possible and cannot be eliminated. 

2. Clients must notify guests of potential allergen risks. Cotton Flat Cakes is not liable for allergic reactions resulting from the consumption of any products. 

Edible Decoration & Equipment Safety

1. Some cakes may contain toothpicks, dowels, plastic straws or other internal supports, floral wires or food-safe stabilizers, and decorative non-edible elements. Clients are responsible for ensuring all non-edible materials are removed prior to serving. 

2. Cotton Flat Cakes does not recommend or support any form of "cake smashing" activities, in which a person's face or hands are pushed directly into food products. These actions may introduce bacteria or contaminants and pose health risks. Additionally, cakes may have internal supports, wooden or plastic dowels present which may cause injury if face or hands are forcefully pushed into the cake. 

3. Cotton Flat Cakes assumes no responsibility or liability for any illness, injury or food safety concern resulting from these activities. 

Cancellation & Refunds

1. All deposits are non-refundable due to advance purchasing of supplies and perishable ingredients. 

2. Cancellations made more than 7 days before the scheduled pickup date may receive a refund of funds paid toward the final balance, excluding the deposit. 

3. Cancellations within 7 days of pickup are not eligible for any refunds. 

4. No refunds will be offered for no-shows or abandoned orders. 

Rescheduling

1. One date change request may be accommodated depending on availability and must be made at least 7 days prior to the original scheduled pickup date. 

2. Rescheduling is not guaranteed and may require additional payment depending on supply impacts or design changes. 

Taste & Satisfaction

1. Taste is subjective and once an order is collected, no refunds based on flavor preference, appearance, variation, or personal taste dissatisfaction will be provided. 

Force Majeure

1. Cotton Flat Cakes is not liable for failure to perform tasks due to events beyond reasonable control including, but not limited to: 

• illness or injury
• power outages
• severe weather
• supply chain disruptions
• natural disasters or emergencies

In such rare cases, any payments made, including deposits, will be refunded to the client.

Texas Cottage Food Disclosure

1. Cotton Flat Cakes operates under the Texas Cottage Food Law. Products are made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the Texas Department of State Health Services. 

Food Safety Statement

1. Cotton Flat Cakes adheres to safe food handling procedures; however, once products leave out possession, food safety becomes the responsibility of the client. 

Agreement

1. Placing an order with Cotton Flat Cakes constitutes full acceptance of these policies.