FAQs for Shoppers

About Towne

What is Towne?

Towne is a mission-driven shopping site that makes it easier than ever for you to buy distinctive local foods and goods. We pool together local merchants in a single online store to offer the product selection, convenience, and free and fast delivery that our local businesses need to compete and that shoppers have come to expect. Our online store is constantly updated to ensure that what you see is actually what’s available in the stores. We are on a mission to #SaveMainStreet and invite you to join us!

How do you determine which stores to include on Towne?

We work hard to find and onboard stores that are local favorites, hidden gems, or just excel at curating high-quality products in a category that we believe will simplify our customers’ shopping and enhance their lives. We partner with a variety of small businesses from those with physical storefronts to local artisans; from those selling food and unique gifts to established brands. When we open up a new service area, we tend to start with specialty foods and later move into other goods, so keep checking back as we move into new categories and add merchant-partners.

How can I refer a local merchant to be included on Towne?

To refer a local merchant please email us at [email protected] and include the merchant’s name and address.

How does Towne make money?

Currently Towne makes money by taking a small commission off every sale made by a preferred partner and through the fee charged for same-day delivery (should a customer choose that delivery option over free next-day). For those retailers on Towne that are not preferred partners, we typically build in a mark-up on the merchandise.  As a start-up, our primary goal right now is to gain customers. We recognize that in order to change people’s engrained shopping habits, we need to offer as attractive and easy a buying option as possible. And, in order to build our preferred partner collective, we need to scale up sales.

Order Information

What are Towne’s hours of operation?

Our shopping website is always open for business! Our customer service via email ([email protected]) is available Monday to Friday from 11am to 6pm. Towne is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

 

Are there any extra fees when buying from Towne?

It costs nothing for you to shop on Towne. For most of our partner stores, you will pay the same price through Towne as you would pay in-store.  For a few merchants, we have to charge a small mark-up in order to be able to make them available on Towne. You can pick up in-store or get next-day delivery for free or pay a fee for same-day delivery. There is no service fee or tipping with Towne.

How do I change, cancel, or resolve a problem with my order?

If you need help with any aspect of your order please email [email protected] and we will gladly help in any way we can.

In-store pickup information

Can someone else pick up my order on my behalf?

Yes, someone else can pick up your order. When you are checking out on Towne.io, there is a place to indicate who will be picking up your order. Even if you enter someone else as the pick-up person, you will still be able to pick up your order yourself if you wish.

Why is in-store pickup not an option for my items?

Towne is not able to offer in-store pickup for all merchants. Towne is, however, able to offer delivery for all merchants for any address in our service area.

What if I go to the store and the item I found via Towne is not there?

If you have purchased the product through Towne, then the product should be packaged and waiting for you when you arrive at the store. If you find the product on Towne but do not purchase it through Towne then it is possible the product may be sold to someone else before you get to the store.

Delivery information

To which cities do you deliver?

Towne currently delivers to the following Bay Area regions: Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, Foster City, Highlands Baywood, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco, and Woodside. 

We are planning to soon begin delivery to the southern part of San Mateo County (Menlo Park, Atherton). Please join our mailing list through the pop-up or the sign-up box on the towne.io footer to join our mailing list for updates and discounts when we launch.

What are my options for delivery?

Towne offers 3 delivery options. All of these options are dependent on the store being open when you place your order and may not be available for all stores.

  • In-store pickup – FREE: Order will be ready for you to pick up approximately 2 hours post order confirmation.
  • Next-day delivery – FREE: Order will be delivered between 1pm and 6pm from Monday through Friday and depends on the next day that the store is open. Order must be placed by 5pm to get free next-day delivery.
  • Same-day delivery – $10: Orders placed before 2pm on Monday through Friday will be delivered before 6pm same day as long as the store is open. If the store is closed, your order will be delivered the next day within 2 hours of the store opening.

What time does Towne deliver?

Towne will deliver your order between 1pm and 6pm Monday through Friday as long as the store you purchased from is open on your slated delivery day. Towne is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays unless otherwise announced on the site.

Refunds and returns

Does Towne Accept Returns?

Food items are non-returnable. Non-food items can be returned at no charge as long as the items are in new, unused condition with their original tags and in their original packaging. Contact us at [email protected] so that we can facilitate a convenient, free return.

We will process a refund to your original payment method once we receive your returned item(s).

Gift Cards

Does Towne sell physical gift cards?

No, Towne currently only sells electronic gift cards that can be ordered online and delivered via e-mail to the gift recipient along with a customized note from the gift giver.

Why can't I buy gift cards together with my product purchases?

Towne is currently working with an outside company that specializes in gift card processing. As a result, when you purchase gift cards on Towne.io, you are taken to our partner’s processing and payment system.  After purchasing your gift card(s), you can return to Towne.io to complete your other purchases.

Do gift cards expire?

No, in accordance with California law, Towne gift cards do not expire.

Can Towne coupon codes be applied to purchases of gift cards?

No, Towne coupon codes cannot be applied to gift card purchases, nor can a gift card be used to buy another gift card. However, the gift card recipient can use a coupon code when buying merchandise with their gift card.

Can Towne gift cards be used for anything on the site from any store?

Yes, Towne gift cards are valid on any products sold on Towne.io.  The only exclusion is other gift cards as our gift card processor is not set up to accept gift card payments.