PorchSidePickupHow to Set Up Your PorchSidePickup Shop (Step by Step)
This guide walks you through every screen of the seller dashboard, from sign-up to your first completed order.
1. Create your account
Tap "Create your free shop" and enter your email and a password.
We email you an 8-digit code. Type the full code on the sign-up screen. If it doesn't arrive, check spam or tap "Resend code".
2. Fill in your shop settings
Open Settings. Add your shop name and a logo (tap the circle to upload a photo). Your shop link is created from the name — you can change it.
Add a short description and your city so customers know what you make and where.
Location: enter your full pickup address. Choose "Show only my area publicly" to keep your home private — customers see an area label and an approximate circle on the map. Or choose to show the full address.
Contact: add your phone or WhatsApp number. By default customers only see an "Ask a question on WhatsApp" button.
Pickup timing: pick your usual ready time (for example "Next day") and add pickup and payment instructions, such as "Pay at pickup by cash or e-Transfer". Tap Create shop.
3. Add your products
Open Products and tap New. Add a photo, name, price and description, plus ingredients and allergens.
Tick the box confirming the item is allowed under your local home food rules. Use the switch to hide an item without deleting it.
4. Open a weekly menu
Open Menu and tap New. Give it a title (like "This week"), tick the products to include and set how many of each you can make. When an item sells out, ordering stops for it automatically.
Weekly ordering hours: tick the days customers may order (for example Mon, Tue, Fri) and set the hours for each day. Outside those hours your shop shows as closed. Save the menu.
5. Share your shop link
Your shop link is shown at the top of Orders, Menu and Settings. Tap Copy or Share to send it on WhatsApp, Facebook groups or text.
Put it in your Instagram bio and post it every time you open a new menu.
6. Get alerts and handle orders
On the Orders page tap "Turn on order alerts" once. While the dashboard is open you'll hear a chime and get a notification for every new order. You also get an email for each order.
Open an order and tap Accept (or Decline). Add a pickup date and time — the customer sees it on their tracking page.
When it's ready tap "Mark ready", and after pickup tap "Mark picked up". Use "Message customer on WhatsApp" any time. Toggle Paid when you receive payment.
7. Prep and labels
The Orders page totals how many of each item you need to make for pending orders. You can print the list or export it as a spreadsheet.
Open Labels to make printable labels (Avery 5163 sheets) or copy label text.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything?
The first 50 sellers are free forever. Later sellers get a 30-day free trial with no card needed. See the Pricing page.
Do customers need an account?
No. They order with their name and phone number and get a tracking link.
How do customers pay?
Payment happens outside the app — cash, e-Transfer or however you choose. Write it in your payment instructions.