Payment, Deposit & Refund Policy

At Coastal Cottage Gourmet, each dessert and preserve is handcrafted in small batches and often custom-designed specifically for your event. Due to the perishable and customized nature of our products, the following policies apply.

1. Payment Policy

We proudly accept:
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover

All invoicing is automatically generated through QuickBooks or our Point of Sale system, Square.

Invoices are issued electronically and must be paid through the secure payment link provided. Payment confirmation is required to secure production and event dates.

Event Orders

• A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your event date.

• Your event date is not secured until the deposit is received.

• The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the event date.

• For events booked within 14 days, full payment is due at the time of booking.

Custom & Large Non-Event Orders

• Orders exceeding $150 require a 50% non-refundable deposit.

• Remaining balance is due 7 days prior to pickup or delivery.

Failure to submit final payment by the due date may result in cancellation of your order and forfeiture of your deposit.

2. Refund & Cancellation Policy

Because our products are perishable and often made-to-order:

Deposits

All deposits are non-refundable. Deposits secure ingredients, scheduling, and production time specific to your order.

Cancellations

• 15+ days prior to event: Payments beyond the deposit will be refunded.

• 8–14 days prior to event: 50% of the total order is non-refundable.

• 7 days or fewer prior to event: No refunds will be issued.

If Coastal Cottage Gourmet must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund of all payments received will be issued.

3. Acts of God / Force Majeure

Coastal Cottage Gourmet shall not be liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Severe weather

• Hurricanes or tropical storms

• Flooding

• Natural disasters

• Government mandates or emergency restrictions

• Power outages

• Supply chain interruptions

In the event of an Act of God or Force Majeure event, refunds of deposits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering:

• Production status at time of cancellation

• Ingredient procurement

• Custom design work completed

• Ability to reschedule

Whenever possible, we will prioritize rescheduling or issuing event credit.

4. Product Responsibility & Transfer of Liability

Once products leave the possession of Coastal Cottage Gourmet — whether by:

• Client pickup

• Third-party courier

• Venue staff

• Wedding planner or coordinator

Responsibility immediately transfers to the client or designated representative.

We are not responsible for:

• Damage during transport

• Improper storage

• Temperature exposure

• Melting or shifting

• Spoilage

• Allergen cross-contamination after transfer

• Improper display or handling

Proper storage instructions will be provided at pickup or delivery.

5. Delivery Policy

• Delivery fees are based on distance and setup requirements.

• A designated contact must be present to receive and sign for delivery.

• Once delivery is confirmed, liability transfers to the client or venue.

6. Alcohol-Infused Products

Certain products may contain alcohol extracts or culinary infusions. By purchasing, the client confirms:

• They are 21 years of age or older.

• They understand alcohol is used for flavoring purposes only.

• Compliance with local venue and licensing requirements is the client’s responsibility.