Frequently Asked Questions
Who can list on Neighbor Made?
Anyone who makes and sells goods under their state’s cottage food law or homemade goods regulation can be listed — including bakers, jam makers, soap crafters, spice blenders, and more.
If you work from your home and your products comply with your state’s rules, you’re welcome here.
What are cottage food laws?
Cottage food laws are state-specific rules that allow people to legally make and sell certain types of low-risk foods from their home kitchens. These laws vary by state but typically allow items like:
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Baked goods
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Jams and preserves
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Dry mixes, spices, and candies
Most prohibit perishable items like meat, dairy, or anything requiring refrigeration.
You can learn more about your state’s law here.
Can I list if I sell non-food items like soaps or candles?
Yes! As long as you make them yourself and follow any required local rules (such as labeling or packaging), we’d love to include your business.
What information do I need to provide to be listed?
Our submission form will ask for:
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Business name
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Your name (optional)
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City and ZIP code
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Product types
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Contact info (email)
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Website or Facebook page (if you have one)
Is it free to be listed?
Yes! Neighbor Made is currently 100% free to join and be listed. In the future, we may offer optional upgrades or promotional features — but being part of the community will always be free.
Do I need a license or permit to be listed?
Not necessarily — most cottage food laws do not require a formal license, but you must be compliant with your state’s rules. This may include:
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Food handler training
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Registration or permit with your state or local health department
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Labeling requirements
We don’t police this, but by listing, you confirm that you’re operating legally.
Can I edit or update my listing later?
Yes! If you're a listed maker, simply contact us through our contact page and we can make updates on your behalf.
🛒 FOR SHOPPERS
Can I buy directly from this website?
No, Neighbor Made is a directory, not an online store. We help you discover makers in your area, and then you’ll connect with them directly through their preferred method (DM, email, form, pickup schedule, etc.).
What kinds of products can I find here?
Each maker lists what they offer, but common items include:
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Cookies, breads, pies
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Jams, pickles, and dry mixes
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Handcrafted soaps and bath products
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Spices, sauces, and more
We’re always adding new categories as the community grows!
How do I order?
Each maker includes their own contact info and ordering method — some use pre-order forms, others take DMs on Instagram, and some coordinate pickup or delivery locally.
🌱 GENERAL QUESTIONS
Is Neighbor Made a marketplace?
Not quite. We’re a community platform and directory, not a transaction-based marketplace. We don’t take a cut of sales or process payments — we simply help connect local shoppers and makers.
How can I support Neighbor Made?
We’d love your support! You can:
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Submit your business or refer a maker friend
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Share the site with your local community
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Reach out if you'd like to volunteer, sponsor, or collaborate
Is Neighbor Made responsible for the products listed on this site?
No — Neighbor Made is a community directory. We don’t produce, sell, or handle any of the items listed here. All products are sold directly by the individual makers, and any purchases, pickups, or questions should go through them.
We don’t guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of any product. By using this site, you agree that Neighbor Made is not responsible for any issues that may come from a transaction between you and a listed business.
Do makers have to follow any rules to be listed?
Yes. Every maker who submits a listing agrees that they:
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Operate under their state’s cottage food or homemade goods laws
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Are responsible for their own labeling, licensing, and safety practices
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Have provided accurate and respectful information
We don’t inspect kitchens, licenses, or ingredients.
Is my personal info safe?
Yes. We only collect what’s needed to power the site — like your name, email, and listing details. Your info is never sold or shared for marketing, and we’ll only display what you’ve chosen to make public in your listing.
If you ever want to update or remove your listing, just contact us through our contact form.
Can you remove my listing or change what’s shown?
Absolutely. You can request edits or removal anytime. We also reserve the right to take down any listing that appears unsafe, incomplete, or goes against our values of kindness and community.
