Terms and Conditions - Sellers

Last Updated: January 17, 2026

These Seller-Specific Terms supplement the General Terms and Conditions and apply to all home chefs, restaurants, and food providers who offer meals through the Home Meal App Platform ("Sellers").

1. Seller Account and Onboarding

1.1 Eligibility Requirements

To become a Seller, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have legal right to operate a food business in your jurisdiction
• Possess all required licenses, permits, and certifications
• Have appropriate food handler certifications
• Maintain required health and safety standards
• Provide accurate business information

1.2 Application Process

• Complete Seller application with business details
• Provide proof of licenses and permits
• Pass background check (where required by law)
• Complete food safety training
• Set up payment account for receiving payouts
• Accept these Seller Terms

1.3 Account Verification

• We may verify your identity and business credentials
• Additional documentation may be requested
• Verification typically takes 1-5 business days
• Approval is at our sole discretion

1.4 Account Types

• Individual Seller: Home chef operating from personal kitchen
• Business Seller: Registered food business or restaurant
• Catering Seller: Specialized for large orders and events
• Different requirements and fees may apply by type

2. Licenses, Permits, and Compliance

2.1 Required Documentation

You must obtain and maintain:

• Food handler's permit or certification
• Business license (if applicable)
• Home occupation permit (for home-based operations)
• Commercial kitchen certification (if required)
• Food establishment permit
• Any other local, state, or federal requirements

2.2 Insurance

You must maintain:

• General liability insurance (minimum $1 million recommended)
• Product liability insurance covering food products
• Business insurance (if operating as a business)
• Proof of insurance may be required

2.3 Health and Safety Compliance

You must:

• Comply with all food safety regulations
• Follow proper food handling and storage procedures
• Maintain clean and sanitary preparation areas
• Monitor food temperatures and expiration dates
• Keep records as required by health authorities
• Pass health inspections (if applicable)

2.4 Inspections

• Health authorities may inspect your kitchen at any time
• We may conduct compliance audits
• Failed inspections may result in immediate suspension
• You must correct violations promptly

2.5 Updates and Renewals

• Notify us within 7 days of any license expiration or revocation
• Upload renewed documents before expiration
• Expired credentials result in automatic suspension
• Failure to maintain compliance may result in permanent removal

3. Meal Listings and Content

3.1 Creating Listings

You may:

• Create meal listings with descriptions, photos, and prices
• Set your own prices for meals
• Specify preparation time and availability
• Set minimum and maximum order quantities
• Create daily, weekly, or custom menus

3.2 Listing Requirements

All listings must include:

• Clear meal name and description
• Accurate list of ingredients
• Portion size and serving information
• Allergen information (top 9 allergens minimum)
• Dietary labels (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
• Accurate photos of the actual meal
• Preparation and reheating instructions

3.3 Prohibited Items

You may not list:

• Alcohol or alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco products
• Unpasteurized dairy (where prohibited)
• Raw or undercooked meats (unless properly labeled)
• Items containing CBD, THC, or controlled substances
• Expired or spoiled ingredients
• Items requiring cold chain without proper packaging
• Anything illegal in your jurisdiction

3.4 Photos and Content

• Photos must accurately represent the meal
• Use only photos you own or have rights to use
• No stock photos unless disclosed
• Photos must not be misleading or deceptive
• We may remove listings with poor-quality photos

3.5 Pricing

• You set your own prices
• Prices must be clearly displayed
• Include any additional charges in description
• Changes to prices only apply to new orders
• Cannot charge Buyers additional fees outside the Platform

4. Order Management

4.1 Accepting Orders

• You must accept or decline orders within 5 minutes
• Auto-accept can be enabled for efficiency
• Declining too many orders may affect your ratings
• Valid reasons for declining: out of stock, capacity, technical issues

4.2 Order Preparation

• Begin preparation only after accepting order
• Follow preparation time you specified
• Update order status (preparing → ready for pickup)
• Notify Platform when order is ready for Driver
• Cannot start preparation before acceptance

4.3 Preparation Times

• Set realistic preparation times (15-120 minutes typical)
• Account for order complexity and volume
• Update preparation times if unable to meet estimates
• Consistent delays may result in rating reduction

4.4 Order Modifications

• Buyers may request modifications before preparation
• You may accept or decline modification requests
• Price adjustments must be communicated and agreed upon
• Cannot modify orders without Buyer consent

4.5 Order Cancellation by Seller

You may cancel orders for:

• Out of stock ingredients
• Equipment failure
• Personal emergency
• Safety concerns Cancellations affect your metrics and may result in penalties for excessive cancellations.

5. Food Safety and Quality Standards

5.1 Basic Food Safety Training Course 101 (Mandatory for Individual Sellers)

MANDATORY TRAINING FOR HOME CHEFS:

Individual sellers (home chefs not operating as licensed restaurants) must complete our Basic Food Safety Training Course 101 before listing any meals.

Training Requirements:

• ✅ Complete 2-hour online training course
• ✅ Pass quiz with 80% minimum score
• ✅ Annual renewal required
• ✅ Certificate issued upon completion
• ✅ Covers: Temperature control, cross-contamination, allergen awareness, personal hygiene

Training Topics:

1. Safe food handling and storage
2. Preventing cross-contamination
3. Allergen identification and disclosure
4. Personal hygiene standards
5. Cleaning and sanitizing procedures
6. Recognizing food spoilage
7. Safe cooking temperatures

For Licensed Restaurants:

• ❌ Training Course 101 NOT required
• ✅ Must provide proof of current restaurant license through KYB verification
• ✅ Government handles food safety certification for licensed establishments
• ✅ Platform collects KYB (Know Your Business) information to verify restaurant status

Consequences:

• Individual sellers without training certificate: Account suspension
• Restaurants without valid license proof: Account suspension
• Annual training renewal failure: Temporary suspension until completed

5.2 Food Safety Requirements

You must:

• Wash hands and use gloves when handling food
• Maintain proper food storage temperatures
• Prevent cross-contamination
• Use clean utensils and equipment
• Label food with preparation date and time
• Follow proper cooking temperatures

5.2 Ingredient Standards

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients
• Check expiration dates before use
• Store ingredients properly (refrigeration, dry storage)
• Source ingredients from reputable suppliers
• Maintain traceability for ingredients (where required)

5.3 Packaging Requirements

• Use food-grade, leak-proof containers
• Ensure hot foods stay hot (above 140°F)
• Ensure cold foods stay cold (below 40°F)
• Seal containers to prevent tampering
• Include heating/reheating instructions
• Label containers with contents and allergens

5.4 Allergen Management

You must:

• Clearly disclose all major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame)
• Prevent cross-contamination with allergens
• Honor Buyer allergen requests
• Err on the side of caution with allergen warnings

5.6 Meal Card Label Requirement (Mandatory for Individual Sellers)

MANDATORY LABEL FOR ALL MEAL CARDS:

All meal listings by individual home chefs must display the following label prominently:

🏠 Made in Home Kitchen [Small App Logo Icon]

Label Requirements:

• ✅ Must appear on every meal card/listing
• ✅ Small app logo icon next to text
• ✅ Clearly visible to buyers before purchase
• ✅ Cannot be hidden or minimized
• ✅ For licensed restaurants: Label not required (shows as "Licensed Restaurant" instead)

Purpose:

• Informs buyers food is prepared in home kitchen
• Sets expectations for quality and safety standards
• Complies with cottage food law disclosure requirements
• Reduces liability by providing clear notice

6. Seller Fees and Payments

6.1 Commission Structure

The Platform charges Sellers the following fees:

• Standard Commission: 12% of meal subtotal
• Premium Subscription: 8% commission with monthly fee ($79.99/month)
• Enterprise Package: Custom rates for high-volume sellers

6.2 Payment Processing Fees

• Credit card processing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Fees deducted from your payout
• You do not pay separately for payment processing

6.3 Subscription Plans (Optional)

Basic Plan (Free)

• 12% commission per order
• Standard listing visibility
• Basic analytics

Pro Plan ($29.99/month)

• 10% commission per order
• Featured listing placement
• Advanced analytics
• Priority support
• Marketing tools

Premium Plan ($79.99/month)

• 8% commission per order
• Top listing placement
• Full analytics suite
• Dedicated account manager
• Advertising credits
• Early access to new features

6.4 Payout Schedule

• Payouts processed twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays)
• Minimum payout threshold: $25
• Funds from Monday-Sunday paid following Tuesday
• Funds from Sunday-Wednesday paid following Friday
• Payouts via direct deposit or platform balance

6.5 Payout Holds

Payouts may be held for:

• Pending order disputes or refunds
• Unresolved quality complaints
• Verification of identity or business information
• Suspected fraudulent activity
• Holds typically last 3-14 days pending resolution

6.6 Taxes

• You are responsible for all taxes on your income
• Platform issues 1099-K forms (US) for earnings over $600/year
• Keep records of all sales and expenses
• Consult tax professional for your specific situation
• We do not withhold taxes unless required by law

7. Performance Standards and Metrics

7.1 Key Performance Indicators

Your performance is measured by:

• Acceptance Rate: % of orders accepted (target: >90%)
• Cancellation Rate: % of orders cancelled (target: <5%)
• Average Rating: Buyer ratings (target: >4.5 stars)
• On-Time Rate: Orders ready on time (target: >95%)
• Response Time: Time to accept/decline orders (target: <2 min)

7.2 Rating System

• Buyers rate orders on 1-5 star scale
• Ratings visible on your profile
• Low ratings may affect listing visibility
• Ratings below 4.0 may trigger review

7.3 Quality Complaints

• Excessive complaints may result in suspension
• Types: wrong order, missing items, poor quality, food safety
• Each complaint is investigated
• Pattern of complaints may result in removal

7.4 Performance-Based Benefits

High performers may receive:

• Featured placement in search results
• "Top Rated" or "Best Seller" badges
• Reduced commission rates
• Access to premium features
• Marketing support

7.5 Performance Improvement Plans

If performance falls below standards:

• Warning issued with specific metrics to improve
• 30-day improvement period
• Additional training or support provided
• Suspension if no improvement
• Permanent removal for severe violations

8. Marketing and Promotions

8.1 Platform Marketing

We may:

• Feature your meals in marketing materials
• Use your photos and listings in promotions
• Include your business in email campaigns
• Showcase top-rated sellers

8.2 Seller Promotions

You may create:

• Discount codes for your meals
• Limited-time offers
• Bundle deals
• Loyalty rewards Promotions must be honored once offered.

8.3 Advertising (Optional)

• Purchase ad placements for increased visibility
• Sponsored listings appear at top of search
• Pay-per-click or pay-per-impression models
• See Advertising Terms for details

8.4 Social Media

• You may promote your Platform presence on social media
• Must use official branding guidelines
• Cannot make false claims about the Platform
• Cannot disparage the Platform or competitors

9. Seller Support and Training

9.1 Onboarding Training

• Mandatory food safety training
• Platform tutorial and best practices
• Menu creation guidance
• Photography tips
• Customer service training

9.2 Ongoing Support

• In-app chat support
• Email: sellers@home-meal.website
• Phone: +1 (555) 123-4568
• Seller help center with FAQs and guides
• Monthly webinars and workshops

9.3 Seller Dashboard

Access to:

• Real-time order notifications
• Sales analytics and reports
• Performance metrics
• Payout history
• Customer feedback
• Menu management tools

10. Seller Conduct and Prohibited Actions

10.1 Professional Conduct

You must:

• Treat Buyers and Drivers with respect
• Respond professionally to feedback
• Honor all accepted orders
• Communicate delays or issues promptly
• Maintain high quality standards

10.2 Prohibited Conduct

You may not:

• Contact Buyers outside the Platform
• Request tips or additional payment outside Platform
• Manipulate ratings or reviews
• Create fake accounts or orders
• Share your account access
• Poach Buyers to bypass Platform
• Disparage other Sellers
• Engage in price fixing with other Sellers

10.3 Consequences

Violations may result in:

• Warning and corrective action plan
• Temporary suspension (7-30 days)
• Withholding of payouts pending investigation
• Permanent removal from Platform
• Legal action for fraud or harm
• Reporting to authorities if applicable

11. Intellectual Property

11.1 Your Content

• You retain ownership of your recipes and content
• You grant us license to use your content on the Platform
• You represent you have rights to all content you submit
• You may not infringe on others' intellectual property

11.2 Recipes and Trade Secrets

• We do not claim ownership of your recipes
• Recipes are your proprietary information
• We will not share your recipes with third parties
• You are responsible for protecting your trade secrets

11.3 Platform Branding

• You may use Platform logos and branding per our guidelines
• Cannot modify or alter Platform branding
• Cannot imply official partnership without agreement
• Must remove branding if account terminated

12. Liability and Insurance

12.1 Seller Liability

You are liable for:

• Food safety and quality
• Foodborne illness or allergic reactions
• Accurate representation of meals and ingredients
• Compliance with all laws and regulations
• Harm caused by your products or actions

12.2 Platform Disclaimer

• Platform is not liable for Seller products or actions
• Platform does not inspect or certify food
• Platform does not guarantee Seller compliance
• Buyers purchase directly from Sellers

12.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify Platform for:

• Claims arising from your food products
• Non-compliance with food safety laws
• Injury or illness caused by your products
• Intellectual property infringement
• Violations of these Seller Terms

12.4 Insurance Requirements

Strongly recommended:

• Product liability insurance ($1M minimum)
• General liability insurance
• Commercial property insurance (if applicable)
• Business interruption insurance

13. Termination

13.1 Termination by Seller

• You may close your Seller account anytime
• Provide notice for pending orders
• Final payout issued within 30 days
• Account data retained per our data retention policy

13.2 Termination by Platform

We may terminate your account for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Food safety violations
• Excessive complaints or poor ratings
• Fraudulent activity
• Non-compliance with laws
• Inactivity over 6 months

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Cannot accept new orders
• Must fulfill pending orders or cancel
• Access to dashboard removed after 30 days
• Final payout issued (minus any holds or disputes)
• May not create new Seller account without permission

14. Data and Privacy

14.1 Personal and Business Information

We collect:

• Contact information
• Business license and permits
• Bank account for payouts
• Tax identification numbers
• Order and sales data
• Performance metrics

14.2 Data Usage

Your data is used for:

• Order fulfillment and communication
• Payout processing
• Performance analysis
• Compliance verification
• Marketing (with consent)

14.3 Data Sharing

Your information may be shared with:

• Buyers (business name, location for orders)
• Drivers (pickup address)
• Payment processors
• Tax authorities (as required)
• Law enforcement (if required)

14.4 Data Retention

• Active account data retained indefinitely
• Terminated account data retained 7 years for tax/legal purposes
• You may request data export or deletion (subject to legal requirements)

15. Catering and Large Orders

15.1 Catering Orders (10+ servings)

• Require advance booking (24-72 hours)
• Different pricing structure may apply
• 30% deposit may be required
• Cancellation policy differs from standard orders
• Special packaging and delivery arrangements

15.2 Catering Terms

• See separate Catering Agreement for large events
• Corporate accounts available
• Volume discounts negotiable
• Custom menu creation available

16. Dispute Resolution

16.1 Order Disputes with Buyers

• Platform mediates disputes between Sellers and Buyers
• Provide evidence (photos, communication logs)
• Decisions typically made within 48 hours
• Platform decision is final
• Excessive disputes may affect account standing

16.2 Refunds and Chargebacks

• Platform may issue refunds from your earnings for valid complaints
• You will be notified of refunds issued
• May contest refund decisions with evidence
• Chargebacks may result in fees charged to your account

16.3 Legal Disputes

• Subject to arbitration per General Terms
• Cannot pursue class action
• Disputes resolved individually

17. Modifications

We may modify these Seller Terms at any time. Material changes communicated via email with 30 days' notice. Continued use of Platform after changes constitutes acceptance.

18. Seller Resources

18.1 Help Center

• seller-help.homemealapp.com
• Articles, guides, and video tutorials
• Community forum for Seller discussions

18.2 Seller Newsletter

• Monthly tips and best practices
• Platform updates and new features
• Success stories from top Sellers

18.3 Seller Events

• Quarterly webinars on topics like photography, marketing, food safety
• Annual Seller summit (virtual or in-person)
• Networking opportunities

19. Contact

For Seller-specific questions:

• General Inquiries: info@home-meal.website
• Email: sellers@home-meal.website
• Support: seller-support@home-meal.website
• Phone: +1 (555) 123-4568
• Seller Success Manager (for Premium subscribers)

By creating a Seller account and listing meals, you agree to these Seller-Specific Terms in addition to the General Terms and Conditions.

Effective Date: January 17, 2026 Version: 1.0