Effective Date: October 13, 2025

Welcome to Dolce Mia!

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our website www.dolcemiadesserts.com and any purchases made through it. By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before completing your purchase.

1. Scope of Operations

• Dolce Mia, LLC operates as a cottage food business under the Maryland Cottage Food Law. We specialize in Italian cookies and flourless tortes made in small batches.
• Dolce Mia, LLC prepares and sells only shelf-stable, non-potentially hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration.
• Sales are limited to within the state of Maryland in compliance with state law. Interstate sales are not permitted.

2. Product and Ordering

• All products are made in a residential kitchen that is not subject to state food safety regulations.
• Allergen information is available on our website and on product labels. Detailed ingredient lists are included only on individual product labels.
• Cookies are sold by the dozen and offered in limited quantities during our weekly cookie drops, which are announced here on our website and on our social media pages. Standard orders for up to three dozen can be placed directly through our website after each drop is announced and are available while supplies last. Once your order is placed, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. When your order is ready, you will receive a follow-up email with your pickup timeframe and location.
• Special Orders include any of our tortes, smaller cookie orders consisting of four to six dozen, and large or catering orders. Special Orders require advance coordination to confirm availability and a suitable pickup date.
• Smaller Special Orders (four to six dozen cookies or up to two tortes) should be placed at least 10 days in advance of the desired pickup or delivery date.
• Large or Catering Orders (seven dozen cookies or more, multiple tortes, or custom assortments for events) should be placed at least 14 days in advance.
• All Special Orders must be requested and confirmed by email or phone prior to payment. Once details are finalized, an invoice will be issued, and payment is due upon receipt of the invoice, before baking or production begins.
• All orders are subject to availability and confirmation.
• Made with care in our home kitchen, many of our desserts are naturally gluten-free and feature tree nuts (never peanuts). However, please note that we cannot guarantee that any product is entirely free from cross-contamination.

3. Payment and Refunds

• Full payment is required at the time of order placement for all standard online orders.
• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars (USD) and include applicable taxes unless otherwise stated.
• Payments for standard online orders are accepted via credit or debit card through our secure online checkout. Special Orders will be invoiced, and payment is due upon receipt of the invoice, before baking or production begins.
• Standard Online Orders may be canceled within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, provided production has not yet begun.
• Smaller Special Orders (four to six dozen cookies or up to two tortes) should be placed at least 10 days in advance of the desired pickup or delivery date. Cancellations must be made no later than 5 days before the scheduled pickup or delivery date to receive a full refund.
• Large or Catering Orders (seven dozen cookies or more, multiple tortes, or custom assortments for events) should be placed at least 14 days in advance. Cancellations must be made no later than 10 days before the scheduled pickup or delivery date to receive a full refund.
• To cancel an order, a written request must be submitted via email to Dolce Mia, LLC. If an order is not canceled within the required timeframe, Dolce Mia, LLC reserves the right to retain full or partial payment for work already initiated.
• Refunds may be considered if Dolce Mia, LLC is unable to fulfill the order as agreed, or if a product does not meet reasonable expectations upon receipt.
• If you are unsatisfied with your order, please contact us within 24 hours of pickup or delivery so we can address your concern.
• Refunds are issued at the sole discretion of Dolce Mia, LLC and may be subject to a cancellation or handling fee, depending on the circumstances.
• Dolce Mia, LLC reserves the right to refuse any order for any reason.
• Refusal of an order upon pickup or delivery due to dissatisfaction may result in a refund minus a handling fee, provided the product is returned in full.

4. Pickup and Delivery

• Customers must pick up orders at the agreed-upon time and location provided in the follow-up email once your order is ready.
• General pickup area will be listed in our cookie drop announcements. The exact address is shared only with confirmed customers.
• Special delivery may be available for large or catering orders within Maryland, at the discretion of Dolce Mia, LLC.
• Delivery fees start at $10 for local deliveries and vary based on distance and order size.
• Customers are responsible for providing accurate delivery details and ensuring someone is available to receive the order. Dolce Mia, LLC is not liable for orders delivered to incorrect addresses provided by the customer.
• Dolce Mia, LLC is not responsible for any damage to products after they have been picked up or delivered.

5. Food Safety and Handling

• All products are baked fresh and are intended for immediate consumption or proper storage.
• Our products may contain or come into contact with common allergens, including tree nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten, and soy.
• While we take great care to prevent cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. However, we do maintain a peanut-free kitchen.
• Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when placing your order.
• Customers should be aware that Dolce Mia, LLC operates under the Maryland Cottage Food Law and is not subject to state food safety inspections.

6. Liability

• Dolce Mia, LLC’s liability is limited to the cost of the product purchased.
• Dolce Mia, LLC is not liable for any illness, injury, or damage resulting from improper handling, storage, or consumption of the product by the customer.
• Customers are responsible for reviewing product labels for allergen information and informing guests of potential allergens.

7. Intellectual Property

• All content on our website and social media platforms — including recipes, images, text, and branding — is the property of Dolce Mia, LLC and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written permission.

8. Amendments

• Dolce Mia, LLC reserves the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.