Terms and Conditions for Custom Bakeries and Patisseries

What a good one includes

• A non-refundable booking retainer fee clause to secure the date and cover initial consultation and ingredient costs.
• A clear cancellation and postponement timeline outlining exactly when a client can make changes and what portion of their payment is forfeited.
• A delivery and pickup liability clause stating that you are no longer responsible for the condition of the bake once it leaves your hands or is successfully set up at the venue.
• An allergen disclaimer specifying that while you accommodate dietary preferences, you cannot guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment due to shared kitchen space.
• An artistic variation clause establishing that custom cakes are hand-crafted artwork, meaning final designs, colors, and textures may vary slightly from reference photos.
• A postponement policy detailing how clients can transition their deposit to a future date in the event of venue cancellation or sickness.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on informal agreements made over Instagram direct messages or text rather than requiring a signed written contract before starting any work.
• Failing to define the exact moment liability transfers to the client, leaving you legally vulnerable if a cake is damaged during transport by the customer.
• Offering vague refund policies that allow clients to demand full refunds for subjective artistic differences or minor flavor preferences after eating the cake.
• Neglecting to include explicit storage and refrigeration instructions, which can lead to structural collapse or spoilage once the item is out of your control.

Frequently asked questions