Question 1

How does requesting an order work?

Accepted Answer

Open a listing and click "Request Order," then choose a quantity and add an optional note for the seller. This sends the seller a message and creates a request you can track from My Orders. The seller can accept or decline it — if accepted, use "View Chat" on the request to coordinate payment and pickup or delivery directly with them. You can cancel a pending or accepted request any time before it's fulfilled.

Question 2

How do I manage requests as a seller?

Accepted Answer

Incoming requests show up under Requests in your account menu. Accept or decline pending requests, and once you've handed off the order, mark it Fulfilled. Accepting or declining sends the buyer a message automatically, and you can use View Chat on any request to work out pickup, delivery, or payment details.

Question 3

How do I pay for and receive my order?

Accepted Answer

Cottage Commons connects you with the maker — payment and pickup/delivery are arranged directly between buyer and seller, the same as any other cottage food sale. Use the chat on your request to agree on a payment method (many sellers list a Venmo or similar handle on their profile) and a pickup or delivery plan.

Question 4

What kinds of baked goods can I sell?

Accepted Answer

You can sell most baked goods that don't require refrigeration — breads, cookies, cakes, muffins, brownies, tortillas, empanadas, and candies. The key rule is no cream, custard, or meringue fillings, and no cream cheese icings or fillings, as these require refrigeration and are not permitted under Colorado Cottage Food Law.

Question 5

Can I sell jams, jellies, and preserves?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters are all permitted. Pickled fruits and vegetables are also allowed as long as the finished product has an equilibrium pH of 4.6 or below. This includes salsas, flavored oils, and canned fruits and vegetables that meet the pH requirement.

Question 6

Can I sell honey, nuts, and dried goods?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Honey, nuts, seeds, dried herbs, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, and roasted coffee beans are all permitted cottage foods. These are some of the most straightforward products to sell since they are shelf-stable and non-perishable.

Question 7

Can I sell eggs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with limitations. Colorado allows the sale of up to 250 dozen whole shell eggs per month under cottage food rules. Eggs must meet specific conditions — contact the Colorado Manufactured Food Program at (303) 692-3645 for details on egg sales requirements.

Question 8

What foods are NOT allowed?

Accepted Answer

Foods that require refrigeration for safety are prohibited. This includes meat and meat products, dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), cream or custard pies and pastries, foods with cream cheese fillings or icings, cut fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh juices, and anything that needs time or temperature control to stay safe.

Question 9

Do I need a license or permit to sell cottage foods in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

No state license or health department permit is required for Tier 1 cottage foods. However, you must complete an ANAB-accredited food safety training course or obtain a Nationally Accredited Food Manager Certification before you start selling. Your certification should be displayed at your point of sale.

Question 10

Is there a sales limit?

Accepted Answer

Colorado limits net revenue to $10,000 per product annually. Importantly, different flavors of the same product count as separate products — so blueberry muffins and lemon muffins each have their own $10,000 limit. This allows motivated bakers to scale their business by diversifying their product lineup.

Question 11

What labeling is required on my products?

Accepted Answer

Every product must include: your name and home address, the product name, all ingredients listed in order by weight, any common allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish, shellfish), net weight or volume, and the following disclaimer: "This homemade product comes from a kitchen that is not regulated or inspected by the state. It may include common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish, and shellfish."

Question 12

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Insurance is not required by Colorado law, but it is strongly encouraged. Some farmers markets may require liability coverage as a condition of participation. It's a smart way to protect yourself and your business.

Question 13

Can I use produce I grew myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You are allowed to use your own home-grown produce and herbs in the cottage food products you make and sell. No additional license is needed to incorporate your own garden ingredients.

Question 14

Can I sell my cottage foods online?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Colorado explicitly allows online sales of cottage food products. You can list and sell your products through platforms like Cottage Commons and arrange delivery or pickup directly with customers — as long as the buyer is located within Colorado.

Question 15

Can I ship my products out of state?

Accepted Answer

No. Colorado cottage food products may only be sold within the state. Interstate sales are strictly prohibited under the Colorado Cottage Foods Act. All sales must be direct to the end consumer within Colorado.

Question 16

Can I sell through a restaurant or grocery store?

Accepted Answer

No. Cottage food products cannot be sold through restaurants, grocery stores, mobile food units, or any other licensed retail food establishment. Sales must be made directly from you (or your designated representative) to the end consumer.

Question 17

Can someone else sell my products for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can designate a representative to sell on your behalf. However, your products cannot be resold — the designated representative must sell directly to the end consumer, not to another business or reseller.

Question 18

How do I get started selling on Cottage Commons?

Accepted Answer

Create a seller account, complete your food safety certification, set up your store profile, and start listing your products. Make sure your labels are compliant with Colorado Cottage Food Law before your first sale.

Question 19

Where can I get more information about Colorado Cottage Food Law?

Accepted Answer

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is the official source. You can visit colorado.gov/cdphe/cottage-foods-act or call (303) 692-3645, option 2. You can also email cdphe.cottage-foods@state.co.us with specific questions about your products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using Cottage Commons

What Can Be Sold

Rules & Requirements

Selling Online

Getting Started

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