Terms of service

Effective: 1 September 2026 | Contact: legal@homebite.org.uk

These terms govern your use of the Homebite platform. By placing an order, creating an account, or using the site, you agree to these terms.

1. What Homebite is

Homebite is an online marketplace that connects customers with independent local food vendors ("vendors"). We provide the platform for ordering, payment processing, and (where selected) courier delivery to pickup points. The vendor is responsible for preparing the food. Homebite is not the food business operator.

2. Ordering

1. Orders are subject to vendor availability and stock. If a vendor cannot fulfil your order, we will notify you and process a refund.
2. You must provide accurate contact information (email, phone) so we can communicate order status.
3. Once an order enters "preparing" status, it cannot be cancelled — the vendor has begun preparation.
4. Orders awaiting payment that are not paid within the stated window may be cancelled automatically.

3. Payment

• Card payments are processed by Stripe Payments UK Ltd. We never store your card details.
• Pay-at-counter orders must be paid at the time of collection.
• Prices are in GBP and include VAT where applicable.
• Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5–10 business days.

4. Collection

• Collection orders must be collected from the vendor's stated address during their opening hours.
• We will notify you when your order is ready. If not collected within the vendor's holding window, the order may be disposed of without refund.

5. Courier delivery to pickup points

• Where courier delivery is selected, a courier collects your order from the vendor and delivers it to your chosen pickup point.
• You will receive a 6-digit pickup code by email when your order arrives. Show this code to collect.
• Codes expire 24 hours after issuance. Uncollected orders after code expiry may be disposed of without refund.
• Couriers are independent operators acting as our agents for delivery only.

6. Food safety and allergens

• Vendors are responsible for food safety, hygiene, and allergen information. Homebite does not prepare food.
• If you have a food allergy, contact the vendor directly before ordering. Allergen information displayed on the platform is provided by the vendor and has not been verified by Homebite.
• Report food safety concerns to us immediately and we will investigate with the vendor.

7. Accounts

• You must provide accurate registration information and keep it current.
• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your password and two-factor authentication.
• We may suspend accounts that violate these terms, engage in fraud, or abuse the platform.

8. Vendors

• Vendors must hold all required food hygiene registrations and licences.
• Vendors set their own menus, prices, and prep times. Homebite charges a commission on each order.
• Vendors may be suspended for repeated quality issues, food safety violations, or terms breaches.

9. Couriers

• Couriers must be approved by Homebite before accepting delivery runs.
• Couriers are responsible for maintaining food safety during transport.
• Courier commission is calculated per completed delivery.

10. Liability

• Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot be limited under English law.
• Subject to the above, Homebite's total liability to you is limited to the value of the affected order.
• We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses.

11. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Changes

We will notify registered users of material changes by email. Continued use after notification constitutes acceptance.