Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Cottage CMS ("Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access the Service.

2. Description of Service

Cottage CMS provides a website building platform specifically designed for cottage food businesses. Our service includes:

3. User Eligibility and Compliance

Eligibility Requirements

• Age Requirements: You must meet your state's minimum age requirement for operating a cottage food business:
  • If you are 18 or older, you may create an account independently
  • If you are under 18 but meet your state's requirements (some allow from age 13), a parent or legal guardian must create and manage the account on your behalf
  • The account holder must have legal capacity to enter into contracts
• You must have legal authority to operate a cottage food business in your jurisdiction
• You must comply with all applicable cottage food laws and regulations
• You may not use our service where prohibited by law

4. Account Registration and Security

Account Requirements

• The account holder must be legally able to enter into contracts (18+ or emancipated minor, or parent/guardian for minor operators)
• You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• One person or business entity per account

Account Security

5. Pricing and Payment Terms

Platform Pricing

A-La-Carte Services

Additional professional services are available for separate fees:

• Custom Domain Setup: $97
• Professional Photography: $297
• State Compliance Review: $197
• Content Writing: $247
• Local SEO: $197
• One-on-One Training: $147

Payment Terms

• All fees are due upon purchase
• We accept major credit cards and PayPal
• All sales are final after 30-day guarantee period
• Prices may change with 30 days notice for new customers
• Failed payments may result in service suspension

6. Refund Policy

Refund Conditions

• Lifetime Access: Full refund within 30 days of purchase
• Pro Plan: No refunds for monthly subscriptions; cancel anytime to avoid future charges
• Free Trial: No charges during 14-day trial period
• Partial Usage: No partial refunds for unused portions of monthly or lifetime fees

To request a refund, contact us at support@cottagecms.comwithin the applicable refund period.

7. User Content and Intellectual Property

Your Content

You retain all rights to content you create and upload to your Cottage CMS website, including:

• Product descriptions and business information
• Photos and images you upload
• Blog posts and written content
• Business branding and logos

License to Cottage CMS

By using our service, you grant Cottage CMS a limited, non-exclusive license to use your content solely for the purpose of providing our service, including:

• Storing and displaying your content on your website
• Creating backups for data protection
• Technical processing for website functionality
• Anonymized use in aggregate analytics (no personal identification)

Cottage CMS Intellectual Property

The Cottage CMS platform, including software, templates, features, and branding, is owned by Cottage CMS. You receive a license to use our platform but do not own the underlying technology.

8. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use Cottage CMS for:

9. Service Availability and Modifications

Service Availability

We strive to provide reliable service but cannot guarantee 100% uptime. We may experience:

• Scheduled maintenance windows
• Unexpected technical issues
• Third-party service disruptions
• Force majeure events

Service Modifications

We may modify, update, or discontinue features of our service with reasonable notice. We will:

• Provide advance notice of significant changes
• Maintain core functionality for existing users
• Offer migration assistance when possible
• Continue to honor our lifetime access commitment

10. Account Termination

Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us. Upon termination:

• Your website will be taken offline
• We'll provide a 30-day data export window
• Account data will be deleted according to our retention policy
• No refunds for completed services or after guarantee period

Termination by Cottage CMS

We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these terms, including:

• Violating prohibited use policies
• Non-payment (after grace period and notice)
• Abusive behavior toward staff or other users
• Legal violations or court orders

11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

Service Disclaimers

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Cottage CMS's total liability for any claims arising from your use of our service shall not exceed the amount you paid for the service in the 12 months preceding the claim.

Specific Disclaimers

• Legal Compliance: We provide tools and guidance but cannot guarantee compliance with cottage food laws
• Business Success: We cannot guarantee your business success or income levels
• Third-Party Services: We are not responsible for third-party integrations or services
• Data Loss: While we maintain backups, you should independently backup important data

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Cottage CMS from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the service in violation of these terms
• Your cottage food business operations
• Content you post or publish through our platform
• Violation of any laws or third-party rights
• Your failure to comply with cottage food regulations

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Dispute Resolution

We prefer to resolve disputes amicably. Before pursuing legal action:

1. Contact our support team to discuss the issue
2. Allow 30 days for good faith resolution attempts
3. Consider mediation through a mutually agreed mediator

Any legal proceedings will be conducted in the courts of Bexar County, Texas, and you consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we make changes:

• We'll post the updated Terms on our website
• We'll notify you by email of material changes
• Changes take effect 30 days after posting
• Continued use constitutes acceptance of new terms
• You may terminate your account if you disagree with changes

15. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Use of Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain your session and authentication
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze site usage and performance
• Prevent fraud and enhance security

Analytics and Marketing

We may use third-party analytics services including:

• Google Analytics for usage statistics
• Meta Pixel for conversion tracking
• Cloudflare Analytics for performance monitoring

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

16. API Terms and Developer Access

If we provide API access or developer tools:

• API access is subject to rate limiting
• You may not use APIs to compete with our service
• We may revoke API access for abuse or violations
• API availability is not guaranteed

17. Export Controls and Sanctions

You may not use our service if you are:

• Located in a country subject to U.S. embargo
• On any U.S. government restricted parties list
• Prohibited from receiving U.S. origin products or services

18. California Consumer Rights

19. Force Majeure

We are not liable for any delay or failure to perform due to causes beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters or acts of God
• War, terrorism, or civil unrest
• Government actions or regulations
• Internet or utility failures
• Labor disputes or shortages
• Pandemic or epidemic

20. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: