We’re excited to have you share your homemade dishes with the community. This guide will help you create listings, manage orders, and make the most of the Kitchen Hopping platform.

1. Getting Started

Sign Up & Set Your Location:
After downloading the app, create your account. You’ll be asked to provide your location, so your dishes can be shown to buyers nearby. Home cooks can rest assured—your address will remain hidden until you accept an order request.

Complete Your Profile:
Add a profile picture, full name, and email address to build trust with buyers. If you're a restaurant, add your business details such as hours of operation on your posts.

2. Listing Your Dishes

Create a New Listing:
To add a dish, navigate to Profile > My Kitchen. Tap “+ Add Item For Sale” and follow the instructions.

Add High-Quality Photos:
Upload clear, appetizing photos of your dish. Great photos can significantly increase interest in your listing.

Set Your Pickup Schedule:
Home cooks can set flexible pickup times based on their availability, while restaurants can provide consistent hours. Be sure to update this if your availability changes.

3. Managing Orders

Order Requests:
When a buyer places an order request, you’ll receive a notification with the order details, including the requested pickup time. You can then choose to:

• Accept the order if you can fulfill it at the requested time.
• Propose a new pickup time if the original time doesn’t work.
• Decline the order if you’re unable to prepare the dish.

Confirm the Order Request:
Once you accept an order, the exact address you provided on profile is automatically displayed to the buyer. The buyer’s payment is held in escrow by the platform, ensuring that payment is ready but not yet released.

4. Preparing for Pickup

Prepare the Order:
Make sure the dish is freshly prepared and ready for pickup at the agreed time. Packaging should be secure and appropriate for the dish, ensuring the food stays fresh during transport.

Communicate with Buyers:
If there are any changes or delays, you can message the buyer directly through the app to keep them informed.

Pickup Time:
When the buyer arrives to pick up the order, be sure to greet them and confirm the order before handing it over. Buyers will release the payment after they receive the food.

5. Payment and Escrow

How Escrow Works:
Once an order is confirmed, the buyer’s payment is securely held in escrow. This ensures that both parties are protected—buyers know their payment is safe, and sellers are assured the payment is available.

Releasing Payment:
After the buyer picks up the order, they’ll slide the Release Payment button in the app to transfer the funds from escrow to your account.

Declined or Canceled Orders:
If you decline an order, the buyer’s payment will be automatically refunded. If you propose a new pickup time and the buyer does not accept it, the order will also be canceled, and the funds will return to the buyer.

6. Managing Your Account

Edit Listings:
You can update your dish listings at any time—change descriptions, adjust prices, or edit availability as needed.

Review Orders:
The Orders section of the app allows you to track incoming and completed orders. Keep an eye on this to manage your schedule effectively.

Customer Reviews:
After each transaction, buyers can leave reviews about their experience. Positive reviews can help boost your visibility, so always aim to provide a great customer experience!

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What if I need to change a pickup time after accepting an order?
A: You must contact the buyer as soon as possible to find a solution. If the order has to be canceled, the buyer must click the “Request Cancellation & Refund” link below the Release Payment button to submit a cancellation request. You will received a notification in the app to approve or reject the request.

Q: How do I get paid?
A: Payment is held in escrow until the buyer confirms pickup. Once the buyer releases the payment, it will be transferred to your account.

Q: Can I cancel an order?
A: Yes, you can decline an order if you’re unable to fulfill it. However, frequent cancellations may negatively affect your ratings and visibility on the platform.

Q: How do I communicate with the buyer?
A: You can send messages to buyers directly through the app to discuss any order details, pickup times, or changes.

Q: What happens if the buyer doesn’t release the payment?
A: In the rare case that a buyer forgets to release payment, you can request payment by sliding the Request Payment button, which is visible when an order is due.

8. Best Practices for Sellers

Be Clear in Your Listings:
Provide accurate descriptions and honest details about your dishes, including ingredients, serving sizes, and preparation time.

Timely Responses:
Respond to order requests and messages from buyers as quickly as possible. Quick responses can lead to better reviews and more repeat customers.

Maintain Food Safety:
As a home cook or restaurant, it’s essential to adhere to proper food handling and hygiene practices. Always ensure that your dishes are fresh and safe for consumption.

Encourage Reviews:
Positive reviews are crucial for building your reputation on the platform. Encourage satisfied buyers to leave feedback after they’ve enjoyed your food.

9. Support and Assistance

If you have any issues or need assistance, feel free to contact Kitchen Hopping for support. We’re here to help with any questions regarding orders, payments, or listings.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be set up for success as a seller on Kitchen Hopping. We look forward to seeing the delicious dishes you share with your local community!