The Fine Print

DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

You pay, I bake — it’s a beautiful system. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your cookie date. Once an invoice is sent, your date is held for 24 hours. If payment isn’t received within that window, the date is released back into the cookie universe for someone else to claim.

The remaining balance is due three weeks prior to pickup. Ordering inside that three-week window? Payment in full is required. If the final balance isn’t paid on time, the order is canceled, the deposit is forfeited, and the date cannot be rescheduled. (The cookies that could have been will live on only in spirit.)

NO GHOSTING

I’ll respond within 24 hours (unless I’m elbow-deep in cookie dough). If we’re actively chatting, your date is safe with me. But if communication goes quiet for days, your date may be released for someone else to snag. Ghosting = lost cookies. Friendly reminder: I scare easily.

CHANGE THE DATE?

Life happens — I get it. Rescheduling is possible with at least three weeks’ notice, provided your new date is available.

If you’re inside that three-week window, you have two options:

1. I bake your order as planned and package it with freezer instructions (cookies freeze like champs).

2. The deposit is forfeited, and we both sigh dramatically.

CANCELLATIONS

Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferable to a new date if rescheduled within policy. Cancellations made inside the three-week window forfeit all payments made.

PICKUPS, NO-SHOWS & TARDY ARRIVALS

Pickup times are scheduled in advance. On pickup day, you’ll have a 15-minute window to collect your goodies. Running late? Please reach out — same-day flexibility isn’t guaranteed, but I’ll do my best when possible.

I plan my day around your scheduled pickup time and place your order on the pickup stand beforehand so it’s ready and waiting. If I need to step away, I’m happy to leave your order on the stand for later pickup. Once cookies are left out — whether they sit there for one hour or six — responsibility transfers to you, including risks from weather, wildlife, or overly curious neighbors.

If an order isn’t picked up and communication goes silent, I’ll attempt to contact you. After 24 hours, unclaimed cookies may be donated, re-homed, or mysteriously disappear (my kids are fast).

REFUNDS & COOKIE QUALITY

Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. If something seems genuinely off, please return all uneaten cookies within 24 hours so I can take a look.

Refunds will not be issued for:

• “That’s not quite the shade I imagined”

• Minor artistic variations (handmade means handmade)

• Mishandling after pickup (hot cars, sun exposure, “I’ll just leave these here real quick”)

If I clearly missed the mark, I’ll make it right.

INSPIRATION, NOT CLONING

Send inspiration photos all day — mood boards are welcome here. That said, I don’t recreate other baker’s work or trademarked characters (yes, even Baby Yoda).

Your cookies will be inspired by the vibe, color palette, and theme — not copied pixel for pixel. Custom cookies are artistic by nature, and small variations in color, layout, piping style, and placement are normal. You bring the vision; I bring the Sweet Ginkgo magic.

ORDER MINIMUMS, PRICING & CHANGES

Minimums and base pricing are listed on the Pricing page. Prices may adjust based on design complexity, quantity, or ingredient costs (the grocery store and I are not on speaking terms about 2022 prices).

Design or quantity changes are welcome up to three weeks before pickup. Additional complexity may result in additional fees.

DELIVERY

At this time, orders are pickup only. My schedule is full, and my car deserves a break.

ONCE THEY’RE YOURS

Care instructions are provided with every order. Once cookies leave my hands, they’re officially yours. Please protect them from heat, moisture, snack thieves, toddlers, and pets. After pickup, I can’t be responsible for cookie mishaps — melting, smudging, sampling, or otherwise.

ACTS OF CHAOS (A.K.A. WHEN LIFE DECIDES TO LIFE)

In the unlikely event that circumstances beyond my control interfere with your order — including, but not limited to, illness, family emergencies, power outages, extreme weather, supply chain issues, or other unexpected events — I reserve the right to cancel or reschedule your order.

If this happens, any payments made will be refunded or credited at my discretion. I promise I won’t cancel unless absolutely necessary, but sometimes the universe has other plans and cookies must wait.

ALLERGENS & LEGAL BORING BITS

Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland’s food safety regulations. Cookies are produced in a home kitchen using wheat, eggs, dairy, tree nuts, and other common allergens. While precautions are taken, cross-contamination is possible.