Terms & Conditions

Introduction

Welcome to Sweet Without Wheat, a dedicated gluten-free home bakery located in Alexandria, VA. By placing an order with us, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully to ensure a smooth experience.

Order Placement and Acceptance

Order Inquiry Form: To place an order, please complete our Order Inquiry Form. We will respond with an invoice or a request for additional information. If you do not receive a response, please check your spam folder and email us.
Order Approval: Once we send your invoice, your prompt confirmation is required. If we do not receive confirmation of your approval to proceed, we will assume you wish to forfeit your order, and no further steps will be taken.
Order Limitations: Due to the significant amount of time and labor dedicated to creating custom orders, Sweet Without Wheat can only accept a certain number of orders per week. Depending on our production schedule, we reserve the right to refuse orders.

Payment Methods and Timing

Payment is due upon approval of your order form. Once you confirm your order details and approve the invoice, payment is required to secure your booking. We accept the following payment methods:

Zelle
Venmo
PayPal
Apple Pay
Cash or check

Order Modifications and Cancellations

Modifications: Any changes to your order must be communicated and approved at least 7 days prior to the scheduled pickup or delivery date. Requests made after this time frame may not be accommodated.
Cancellations:
- Cancellations Made 7+ Days in Advance: Orders canceled 7 or more days before your pickup/delivery date are eligible for a full refund.
- Cancellations Made Within 7 Days: Orders canceled within 7 days of the pickup/delivery date are eligible for a 50% refund, as preparation may already be underway, and supplies have been purchased.
- Same-Day Cancellations or No-Shows: Same-day cancellations or failure to pick up your order (no-shows) will result in a forfeiture of your order and are non-refundable.
No-Show Policy: Customers who fail to show up for their order without prior notice may face restrictions on placing future orders.
Unexpected Circumstances: If Sweet Without Wheat must cancel your order due to an emergency (e.g., severe illness, or another unforeseen situation), you will receive a full refund. We are committed to making it right and will work with you to accommodate a future order or provide an alternative solution to the best of our ability.
Force Majeure Clause: In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, fire, power outages, or other events beyond our control, Sweet Without Wheat may need to cancel or delay orders. In such cases, we will make every effort to notify customers promptly and offer alternative solutions, including a rescheduled order or a full refund.
Customer Responsibility: We kindly request that you notify us as soon as possible if a cancellation seems likely. By booking your order, you acknowledge that we have reserved your slot and turned away other inquiries to accommodate your request.

Pickup and Delivery

Pickup: Orders can be picked up from our location in Alexandria, VA. We offer flexible pickup options and will provide the exact address upon order confirmation.
Delivery: We offer delivery within a 30-mile radius of our location for a fee. The delivery fee will be communicated during the ordering process and may vary based on distance.
Pickup Guidelines: For cakes taller than two tiers, we recommend delivery to ensure safe transportation. If you choose to pick up such orders, please prepare your vehicle accordingly. Once the order leaves our premises, we are not liable for any damage during transport, handling, setup, or display.

Order Receipt and Care Instructions

We will provide a dessert care card and inform you of any special instructions. All cookies, cakes & cupcakes should be served at room temperature for the best taste. We store your cake/cupcakes in the refrigerator before pickup/delivery to ensure smooth transportation. However, please allow 2-3 hours for the cakes to come to room temperature before serving.

Pickup Guidelines & Transportation

Please note that pickups are not recommended for cakes taller than two tiers. Transporting cakes requires special care, and the customer is responsible for preparing their vehicle accordingly. Once you have picked up your order, Sweet Without Wheat is not liable for any damage or failure that may occur during transport, handling, setup, or display.

To ensure the safe transport of your dessert, we strongly recommend following these guidelines:

Gluten-Free Cakes Are Heavy: Gluten-free cakes are denser than traditional cakes due to their structure. Always carry your cake by placing both hands underneath the cake box to evenly distribute the weight. Never carry it by the sides of the box, as this may cause the structure to collapse.
Handle Cake Boxes With Care: Cake boxes are delicate and should not be stacked, squeezed, or placed under heavy items. Avoid applying pressure to the sides or top of the box to prevent damage.
Secure Your Cake in the Car: Cakes should always be placed on a flat, level surface in your vehicle, such as the trunk or the floorboard. Do not place cakes on a car seat or any slanted surface, as this increases the risk of sliding or tipping during transport. If available, use a non-slip mat or towel to further secure the box.
Using a Cake Stand: If you plan to use a cake stand for display, ensure it is sturdy, level, and appropriate for the size and weight of your cake. A wobbly or unstable stand may result in damage to your dessert.
Avoid Leaving Cakes Unattended: Cakes are highly sensitive to temperature changes and movement. We recommend transporting your cake in a cool, climate-controlled environment—preferably in an air-conditioned vehicle. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or leaving the cake in a hot car, as heat can cause decorations to melt or the cake to soften, compromising its presentation. Sunlight exposure may also affect the colors of natural dyes. Drive directly to the cake’s final destination and do not leave it unattended in your vehicle.
Setup Assistance: If you need advice on safely setting up or displaying your cake, especially for multi-tiered designs, feel free to contact us ahead of time. We’re happy to provide recommendations to ensure your dessert looks its best.
Custom Pickup Requests: If you have special requirements or concerns about transporting your dessert, please inform us ahead of time so we can provide additional recommendations or assistance tailored to your needs.

By picking up your order, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for ensuring its safe transport, and any damage occurring after pickup is not the responsibility of Sweet Without Wheat.

Pickup and Storage

We recommend that all orders be picked up on the scheduled date and time to ensure the best quality of your product. In the event of a late pickup, please notify us as soon as possible. If you fail to pick up your order within 24 hours of the scheduled time and no communication is made, Sweet Without Wheat reserves the right to forfeit the order.

For orders not picked up within 48 hours of the scheduled pickup time and without prior arrangement, the order will be considered forfeit. Sweet Without Wheat cannot guarantee the quality of products once they are not picked up in a timely manner.

Unique Creations and Artistic Expression

Customization: While we customize products to your preferences, all creations are subject to the artistic expression of Sweet Without Wheat. We strive to match desired colors; however, perfect matches may be challenging due to the use of natural, plant-based food colors.
Inedible Decorations: If your order includes non-edible elements, we will inform you. These should be removed before serving to avoid any risk to consumers. Please note all tiered cakes come with several dowels plus a central dowel.
Image Inspiration: We use customer-provided images as inspiration but do not replicate or create identical copies of other bakers' work. Each dessert is handmade and unique.

Allergen and Dietary Information

Gluten-Free Guarantee: We are a 100% dedicated gluten-free home bakery. All products are prepared in an environment with zero chance of cross-contamination and are safe for individuals with celiac disease.
Additional Allergies: We accommodate various food allergies. It is mandatory to specify any additional allergies on your order request form.
Sugar-Free Products: We do not offer sugar-free baking. We use organic, unrefined cane sugar and can adjust recipes to use coconut sugar or maple syrup for an additional charge. Note that altering sugar content may affect texture.

Health & Safety

Your health and safety are a top priority. We are a 100% dedicated gluten-free bakery, ensuring no risk of cross-contamination. If you or anyone in your party has a specific food allergy, please let us know when placing your order. While we take every precaution, we encourage customers to verify the safety of products based on their dietary needs and preferences before serving.

Privacy Policy

At Sweet Without Wheat, we value and respect your privacy. We do not share, sell, or rent your personal information to third parties. Any personal details collected (such as name, address, payment information) are used solely for processing your order and fulfilling our commitments. We store and process data securely, and only retain customer information as long as necessary to complete orders.

Review and Feedback Process

We value your feedback! If you would like to share your experience with Sweet Without Wheat, please leave a Google review. We appreciate your input and use it to continue improving our service. If you have any concerns or suggestions, feel free to contact us directly so we can address them.

Photography and Social Media

Sweet Without Wheat loves to showcase our unique creations! By placing an order, you grant us permission to take photographs of your dessert and use them for promotional purposes on our website, social media, or other marketing materials. If you would prefer that your order not be photographed, please let us know ahead of time.

Our Commitment

Our goal is to exceed your expectations and become your go-to gluten-free bakery! If you are dissatisfied with your order, please contact us within 24 hours so we can address your concerns appropriately. At Sweet Without Wheat, each dessert is handmade and unique. While we welcome customer images as inspiration, no two products will ever look identical—each creation is one-of-a-kind. We are unable to replicate or provide exact copies of other baker's work, and therefore we cannot offer refunds for products that do not look identical to a photo.

Contact Information

For any questions or concerns, please email us at info@sweetwithoutwheat.com.

By placing an order with Sweet Without Wheat, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.