These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Home Bites app and website (the “Service”), operated by Home Bites. By creating an account or using the Service, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.
1. The Service
Home Bites is a marketplace that connects buyers with independent home-based bakers who prepare homemade food — from everyday meals and snacks to cakes and celebration orders. We provide the platform; we do not prepare or deliver the food ourselves. Sellers (bakers) are independent and solely responsible for their listings, food quality, hygiene, packaging, and fulfilment.
2. Eligibility & accounts
- You must be old enough to form a binding contract and place food orders in your country.
- You agree to provide accurate information and keep your account credentials secure.
- You are responsible for all activity under your account.
- We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or harm other users.
3. Orders & custom requests
- Placing an order or accepting a bid creates a contract between you and the seller.
- Sellers set their own prices, menus, preparation times, delivery areas, and whether an item is for delivery, pickup, or both.
- Custom requests let buyers describe what they need; sellers may submit offers, which the buyer can accept.
- Preorders: some items are made to order for a future date. You place the order in advance and collect (or receive) it on the date the seller sets. Where a seller limits quantities, your units may be reserved for a short time so you can complete payment.
- You are responsible for providing accurate delivery details and any allergy or dietary notes.
4. Payments, wallet & safekeeping
- Payment is by bank deposit. You upload a bank slip and our team verifies it.
- Verified payments are held safely by the platform and released to the seller only after the order is confirmed received (see section 5).
- Orders may be paid in full, or by a deposit where the seller offers it — the remaining balance is then settled on handover (delivery or pickup), by cash or bank.
- Payment window: a new order must be paid within a short window (currently 15 minutes). If it isn’t, the order is automatically cancelled and any reserved items are released for others to order.
- Wallet & credit: refunds, referral rewards, and promotional bonuses are held as credit in your in-app Home Bites wallet, which you can spend on future orders. Credit has no cash value and is non-transferable, and may expire or be adjusted if awarded in error or through abuse.
- We may charge a marketplace commission and/or fees, disclosed before you confirm.
- Prices are shown in LKR (Rs.).
5. Handover confirmation (one-time code)
When an order is handed over — delivered to you, or collected at pickup — you share a one-time code with the seller or rider to confirm receipt. Entering the correct code marks the order complete and releases the held funds to the seller. This protects both buyers and sellers and reduces disputes. Never share your code before you actually have your order.
6. Cancellations, refunds & disputes
- An unpaid order is automatically cancelled if it isn’t paid within the payment window (see section 4).
- Because food is perishable and made to order, cancellations may not be possible once a seller has started preparation.
- Where a refund is approved, it is normally credited to your Home Bites wallet as spendable credit. Any deposit or balance you already paid is handled the same way.
- If an order is not delivered, is materially wrong, or a dispute arises, contact Support. While funds are held safely, we can help mediate and, where appropriate, refund the buyer or release to the seller.
- Our dispute decisions, made in good faith, are final for platform-mediated matters.
7. Seller obligations
- Comply with all applicable food-safety, hygiene, labelling, and licensing laws.
- List accurate menus, prices, ingredients, and allergen information.
- Fulfil accepted orders on time and to a reasonable standard.
- Provide truthful verification (KYC) information.
8. Acceptable use
You agree not to: break the law; sell unsafe, illegal, or misrepresented food; post false reviews; harass other users; attempt to bypass the platform’s payment process; scrape, reverse-engineer, or disrupt the Service; or upload content you don’t have the rights to.
9. Content & reviews
You retain ownership of content you upload (photos, listings, reviews) but grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to host and display it to operate the Service. Reviews must reflect genuine experiences. We may remove content that violates these Terms.
10. Disclaimers
The Service is provided “as is”. We are a venue connecting buyers and sellers and do not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of food, the accuracy of listings, or the conduct of any user. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim implied warranties.
11. Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Home Bites is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, or for the acts or omissions of sellers, buyers, or third parties. Our total liability for any claim relating to the Service is limited to the amount you paid through the Service for the order giving rise to the claim.
12. Indemnity
You agree to indemnify and hold Home Bites harmless from claims arising out of your use of the Service, your content, or your breach of these Terms.
13. Termination
You may stop using the Service and delete your account at any time. We may suspend or terminate access for breach of these Terms or to protect users and the Service.
14. Governing law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Sri Lanka, and disputes are subject to the courts of Sri Lanka, unless mandatory local law provides otherwise.
15. Changes
We may update these Terms. We will post the updated version with a new “Last updated” date; continued use after changes means you accept them.
16. Contact
Questions about these Terms? Email legal@homebites.app.
Related: Privacy Policy · Support