FAQ's

What happens if my products arrive damaged or spoiled?

Please open a case with the seller through your order details. If the seller does not respond within 48 hours, email our support team at support@shoppeoplespantry.com and we'll help resolve the issue.

What if I can't pick up my order when scheduled?

Pickup orders can be cancelled or rescheduled according to the seller's policy. Check the product listing or message the seller directly to work out an alternative.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, as well as most bank-issued debit cards.

Is there a minimum order amount?

Each seller sets their own order minimums. Check the individual product or seller page for details.

Can I make changes to my order after placing it?

If the seller has not yet processed or shipped your items, you may be able to modify your order. Message the seller directly — this is at their discretion.

Can I include notes to the seller?

Yes, you can include notes with your order so sellers know your preferences. For example, "Please send firm avocados" or "Leave at the side door."

How do farmers markets work on People's Pantry?

Farmers markets listed on People's Pantry are real, local markets in your community. Vendors on our platform can join a market, and when they do, their products become browsable under that market's filter on the Shop page. You get the convenience of seeing what's available before you go.

I run a farmers market. How do I get listed?

We'd love to have you! Contact us at support@shoppeoplespantry.com with your market name, location, schedule, and we'll get you added to the directory. Vendors in your market can then join your listing to connect their products.

I'm a vendor — how do I join a market?

Go to the Local Directory, find your market, and click "Join." You'll be able to set alert preferences (email or text) so you're notified about market updates. Your products will then appear when customers filter by that market on the Shop page.

What is a roadside stand on People's Pantry?

A roadside stand is a local seller who operates a physical stand — a farm stand, porch setup, garage sale–style table, or any local spot where they sell their goods in person. They appear on our interactive map in the Roadside Stands tab so you can find them while you're driving around your area.

How do I set up a roadside stand?

As a vendor, enable "Roadside Stand" in your vendor profile settings. Make sure your address is accurate — that's what places your pin on the map. Once enabled, customers within your area will see your stand when they search the Local Directory.

What's the QR code feature for?

You can generate a printable QR code from your vendor dashboard that links directly to your People's Pantry shop. Tape it to your stand, your cooler, your sign — when people scan it with their phone, they land right on your product page and can place an order or see what you've got.

How do roadside stands get found by customers?

Three ways: through the Roadside Stands map in the Local Directory, through search results on the Shop page (especially if you use Boost My Stand), and through your QR code if customers spot your physical location. The more complete your profile, the easier it is for customers to find you.

Sign up as a vendor, complete your profile, and start listing products. Make sure to review your state's cottage food laws to ensure you're properly licensed for what you're selling. You can upload your permits and view state-specific rules right from your Cottage Food Licensing page in the vendor dashboard.

What are cottage food laws?

Cottage food laws allow individuals to prepare and sell certain types of food from their home kitchens without a commercial food license. The specifics — what you can sell, annual revenue caps, labeling requirements, and where you can sell — vary by state. For example, Ohio allows cottage food sales up to $75,000/year with no license required for non-potentially-hazardous foods, while other states have stricter limits.

Where can I find my state's cottage food laws?

Here are direct links to cottage food regulations for some of the states where our sellers are most active:

• Ohio Cottage Food — Ohio Dept. of Agriculture

• Pennsylvania Home Food Processing — PA Dept. of Agriculture

• Michigan Cottage Food Law — MI Dept. of Agriculture

• Nevada Cottage Food — NV Dept. of Agriculture

• Indiana Cottage Food — IN State Dept. of Health

• Washington Cottage Food — WA State Dept. of Agriculture

• California Cottage Food Operations — CA Dept. of Food & Agriculture

• Florida Cottage Food — FL Dept. of Agriculture

• Texas Cottage Food Law — Community resource

• New York Home Processing — NY Dept. of Agriculture

Don't see your state? Visit Forrager's Cottage Food Law Directory for a complete 50-state breakdown, or check your state's department of agriculture website.

How does People's Pantry help with cottage food compliance?

Your vendor dashboard includes a Cottage Food Licensing section where you can view your state's rules, upload permits and licenses, and track your compliance status. We also offer a licensing verification badge so customers can see you're properly licensed.

Do I need a license to sell on People's Pantry?

It depends on what you're selling and your state's laws. Some products (like fresh produce from your garden) may not require a license, while baked goods or preserved foods typically do. Check your state's cottage food rules in your vendor dashboard or use the links above for specific guidance. When in doubt, reach out to your state's department of agriculture — or email us at support@shoppeoplespantry.com and we'll try to point you in the right direction.

No. People's Pantry does not physically store any products. All items ship directly from or are picked up at the seller's location. We're a marketplace that connects local producers with local buyers.

What is Boost My Stand?

"Boost My Stand" is People's Pantry's built-in promotion tool for vendors. When you boost your stand, your products get priority placement in search results and on the homepage — putting you in front of more local customers. Think of it like a featured listing that makes sure people see you first.

How much does it cost?

Every new vendor gets a free 30-day Boost trial — no credit card required. After that, plans start at just $2.99/week. You can pause or cancel any time from your vendor dashboard with no long-term commitment.

How do I know if my Boost is working?

Your vendor dashboard shows Boost stats including impressions (how many times your products were shown) and clicks (how many times customers tapped through to your listing). This helps you see the real impact of your boost.

What other tools are available to sellers?

Your vendor dashboard is packed with tools to help you grow:

• QR Code Generator — Create a printable QR code for your physical stand or signage that links customers straight to your shop.

• Pickup Scheduling — Set available time slots so customers can reserve a pickup window that works for both of you.

• Coupon Management — Create discount codes to bring in new customers or reward your regulars.

• Farmers Market Membership — Join markets on the Local Directory so your products show up when customers filter by market.

• Direct Messaging — Communicate directly with customers about orders, custom requests, or questions.

• Cottage Food Licensing Tracker — Upload permits, view your state's rules, and display a verification badge to customers.

How do I contact customer support?

Email us at support@shoppeoplespantry.com. You can also message sellers directly through the messaging feature in your account dashboard.

Do you deliver to businesses?

Yes! Many businesses purchase items from People's Pantry sellers. Just enter your business address during checkout.