TERMS & CONDITIONS

availability

When inquiring about available dates, please keep in mind that my calendar fills up quickly & availability is subject to change. Inquiring about a date does NOT reserve your spot on my calendar. Dates are only reserved when your non-refundable deposit fee has been paid. 

 

payment 

You pay, I bake! A 50% non-refundable deposit is required for all custom orders to secure your date & to source ingredients & materials for your order.  The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before your pick up date.  Failure to pay the balance cancels your order & the deposit will not be refunded nor is it transferable to a different date/order. Payment in full is required for all holiday pre-orders. Payments may be made using cash or Zelle.

 

pick up dates & times

Pick ups are scheduled upon ordering. Holiday order pick ups take place in Arlington (in the Bluemont neighborhood) & Fairfax (near George Mason University) with long pick up windows to accommodate most schedules. If you place a custom order, I will work with you to find a pick up time that works with both of our schedules & even send you a reminder. Please put your pick up on your calendar.  Not showing up to the agreed-upon pick up time forfeits your order.  Can’t make your pick up time?  Feel free to send someone else in your place (just don’t forget to let me know)!

 

refunds

I am able to refund & cancel your order up to 14 days prior to your pick up date less any specialty purchases that have already been made for your order (such as a specific cookie cutter or cake/cupcake toppers).  No refunds will be issued for cakes or cookies that have already been made.

 

allergies

Baked goods are often made with ingredients that are known allergens. While I do my best, I can't always accommodate allergy-conscious orders. Please do reach out - I may have a perfect referral for you! It is your responsibility to notify me of any known allergens, or food restrictions, before placing your order.

 

cottage food kitchen

Alison Bakes Cakes is a registered small business in Fairfax County.  I follow the Cottage Food Laws set by the State of Virginia & the County of Fairfax.  All items are produced in a kitchen with known food allergens, including but not limited to: eggs ∙ dairy ∙ peanuts ∙ tree nuts ∙ wheat.  Boring disclaimer, but I have to say it per the law.

 

change cutoff

Decisions can be tough! Order changes can be requested up to 14 days prior to your pick up date. All requested changes depend on my ability to accommodate the request & a fee may apply.  All orders are considered final 14 days prior to the pick up date unless otherwise specified.

 

inspiration

I love inspiration pictures! They help me understand what you’re looking for &, well, they’re inspiring!  I cannot replicate the work of others, but I will keep it close!

 

Trademarked & copyrighted images (think Star Wars & Paw Patrol) are protected, so I am unable to replicate them on my cookies & cakes.  We can make a similar color palette though - so let's talk! 

 

Pictures are worth a thousand words… but they're not always accurate. Colors & lighting in photos may be slightly different than what you end up with. If you need a very specific color match, please let me know when placing your order.  I cannot guarantee an exact match but can get close. Also - cookies in photos may not be true to size (which is a bummer because I'd love to eat an 8.5” x 11” cookie)!

 

price adjustments

All prices are subject to change. Prices are often dictated by ingredient costs. This also means I cannot honor old pricing.

 

product photography

Say "cheese!" If you do not want your cake/cookies in the spotlight, please let me know at the time you place your order. Secrets are safe with me.

 

post pick up

Once you pick up your order, what happens to your cake/cookies is all on you! Each client receives cake/cookie care instructions with the pick up reminder for his or her order.

 

in a hurry?

While I can’t accommodate all last-minute orders, I will make my best effort to. Orders placed with a turnaround time of under 14 days will require a rush fee of $50.

 

satisfaction

If you are unsatisfied with your order, please contact me within 24 hours.  I will do my best to resolve all issues.  Please include photos & a detailed description of the issues so that I may best serve you.