Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about The YardStand.

For Sellers

Is it free to list my stand?

Yes. Listing your stand on The YardStand is free. You keep 100% of what you earn — there are no commissions, no listing fees, and no setup costs. You handle payments directly with your buyers (cash, Venmo, whatever works for you).

What can I sell on The YardStand?

The YardStand is built for hyperlocal food sellers — micro-bakeries, egg and produce stands, honey, jam, cottage food, and similar goods made or grown by neighbors. If you're selling homemade or homegrown food from your property, you're a good fit.

How do buyers pay me?

Payment is handled directly between you and the buyer — cash at pickup, Venmo, PayPal, or whatever you prefer. The YardStand is a discovery platform; we connect buyers to your stand and let you manage the transaction your way.

Do I need to worry about cottage food laws?

The YardStand is a discovery platform, not a food producer or retailer. Sellers are responsible for knowing and following their local cottage food regulations — requirements vary by state and county.

For Buyers

What is The YardStand?

The YardStand is a hyperlocal marketplace that connects you with cottage food makers, backyard egg sellers, micro-bakeries, and produce stands in your neighborhood. Think of it as a directory of your neighbors who sell food — you can browse what's near you, check if something's available right now, and go pick it up.

Is it free to use as a buyer?

Completely free. No account required to browse stands or check availability.

How do I know if a stand has stuff available right now?

Each stand page shows recent availability check-ins from the community. Neighbors who've visited can report whether stock is out or the stand is empty. The more active the community around a stand, the more up-to-date its availability will be.

What does "New Find" mean?

A "New Find" badge appears on stands that joined The YardStand within the last 30 days. It's a quick signal that this seller is new to the platform and worth checking out.

What is First Finder credit?

When someone is the first person to check in at a newly listed stand — or submits a tip about a stand that wasn't on The YardStand yet and the seller later claims it — they earn First Finder credit. It shows up on that stand's profile as a small acknowledgment: 🔍 First found by a local

It's anonymous by default. It's a small way of recognizing the neighbors who help build the community by discovering and sharing stands.

Community

What is "Spot a Stand"?

If you know of a local food stand that isn't listed on The YardStand yet, you can submit a tip through Spot a Stand. Just describe where it is and what they sell — takes about 30 seconds. Your tip helps the community find it and encourages the seller to claim their listing.

How does First Finder credit work if I submit a stand tip?

When you tip a stand that isn't on The YardStand yet, your submission creates an unverified stub. If the seller later finds and claims that listing, you retroactively become the First Finder for that stand — even though it didn't exist on the platform when you submitted your tip. It's the platform's way of crediting the neighbors who help grow the community.

General

How is The YardStand different from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist?

The YardStand is built specifically for local food sellers. That means availability check-ins so you know if it's worth the trip, a community discovery layer (Spot a Stand, First Finder), and a focus on cottage food, eggs, produce, and baked goods — not general secondhand goods. It's a neighborhood food directory, not a general classifieds board.

How do I contact The YardStand?

We're a small team. The best way to reach us is by email at hello@theyardstand.com.