Selling Online
Delivery vs. Pickup for Homemade Food
Pickup is the simplest, lowest-effort way to fulfill orders; local delivery widens your reach but costs you time and driving. On Local Cottage Foods you can offer either or both — set a delivery radius and fee (the fee goes entirely to you), and keep pickup windows for everyone else. Most sellers start with pickup and add delivery once demand justifies the trips.
Both fulfillment methods have a place. The right mix depends on your time, your area, and how far buyers will travel for what you make.
How they compare
| Pickup | Local delivery | |
|---|---|---|
| Your effort | Lowest — buyers come to you | Higher — you drive to them |
| Reach | Buyers willing to travel | Buyers within your radius |
| Cost to you | Minimal | Time and fuel |
| Fee | Usually none | A delivery fee you set (goes to you) |
| Best when | You have set windows and loyal locals | Demand is spread out and orders are larger |
Setting up delivery
Turn on delivery, add your ZIP, choose a radius, and set a fee (free, a flat amount, or custom). Buyers within range can then choose delivery at checkout. Keep the radius realistic — a tight radius you can actually serve beats a wide one that wrecks your schedule.
Price delivery to cover your real time and fuel, or set a free-delivery minimum so small orders don't cost you money. Either way, the fee is yours to keep.
Dial in pickup first
Delivery works best layered on top of solid pickup logistics — set those up with setting up local pickup, and decide how buyers pay in online checkout vs. pay at pickup.
List your cottage food business
Create a free storefront, take local orders, and get discovered by buyers near you.
Frequently asked questions
Is delivery a Pro feature?
No. Any seller can turn on local delivery, set a radius (you'll need your ZIP on file), and set a delivery fee. The fee you choose is added to the order and goes to you.
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