Your First Week as a Grower

Day 1: Getting Logged In and Oriented

Step 1: Your First Login

You should have received an approval email. Here's how to log in:

1. Go to your market's website
   • Example: yourmarket.locallygrown.net
   • This was in your approval email
2. Click "Login" or "Sign In"
   • Usually in the top right corner
   • Or in the main navigation menu
3. Enter your credentials
   • Email: The one you used when you created your account
   • Password: The password you set when you created your user account

Step 2: Take the Interactive Tutorial (Optional but Recommended)

When you first visit the market page, you'll see an "Edit Mode" toggle. Turn it on to access an interactive tutorial that walks you through:

• How to add and manage products
• How to organize products into categories
• Where to find your admin features
• How to navigate the grower interface

Step 3: Explore Your Grower Dashboard

Once logged in, you'll have access to several key areas:

Take 15 minutes to click around and explore. You can't break anything—just get familiar with where things are.

Day 2-3: Adding Your First Products

Before You Start: What You'll Need

Gather these things before adding products—it'll make the process much smoother:

• Photos of your products
  • Take photos of YOUR actual products - customers want to see what you grow
  • Do NOT use images from the internet (copyright issues)
  • Do NOT use AI-generated images (customers want to see the real thing)
  • Clear, well-lit images work best - natural lighting is great
  • Show the actual product and how you package it
  • Phone camera is perfectly fine!
• Product details
  • Names (e.g., "Cherry Tomatoes, Sungold Variety")
  • Descriptions (growing method, taste, storage tips)
  • Prices (including unit size: per lb, per bunch, per dozen, etc.)
  • Quantities available (rough estimate for now)
• Pricing decisions
  • What do similar items sell for at farmers markets?
  • What covers your costs plus profit?
  • Is there a quality premium for organic/heirloom/specialty?

Adding Your First Product: Step-by-Step

1. Navigate to Product Management
   • From your grower panel, click "My Products" in the Quick Actions section
   • Or click "Add Product" directly from Quick Actions
   • Or visit the market page and toggle "Edit Mode" on
2. Click "Add Product" button
   • Found in Quick Actions on your dashboard
   • Or in the Product Management section
3. Fill out the product form:
   • Product Name: Clear and descriptive (e.g., "Heritage Tomatoes" not just "Tomatoes")
   • Category: Choose the best fit (Vegetables, Fruits, Eggs, etc.)
   • Description: Tell customers what makes it special
     • Variety or type
     • Growing method (organic, pesticide-free, etc.)
     • Flavor profile or uses
     • Storage tips
   • Price: Include the unit (e.g., "$5 per lb" or "$4 per bunch")
   • Unit Type: By weight, by count, by container, etc.
   • Quantity Available: How many do you have? (You can adjust this weekly)
   • Upload Photo: Choose your best product photo
4. Save the product
5. Preview it on the market page
   • Visit your market's main page
   • Find your product
   • Does it look good? Is the information clear?

Product Description Tips

Great descriptions sell more products. Here are examples:

Learn more about Product Management →

Day 4: Understanding the Market Schedule

Know Your Market's Ordering Cycle

Every market operates on a schedule. It's crucial you understand yours. Common patterns include:

Key Deadlines to Remember

• When ordering closes: This is when orders become final—no more changes
• When you need to have orders ready: Delivery/dropoff deadline
• When customers pick up: So you know when your job is "done" for the week

What Each Phase Means for You

Day 5: Test Run Before Going Live

Before You Start Accepting Orders

Do a final check to make sure everything is ready:

Your First Orders: What to Expect

When Orders Start Coming In

Here's what the process looks like from your perspective:

1. You'll receive notifications
   • Email notifications when orders are placed (if enabled)
   • Check your dashboard to see orders in real-time
2. Orders accumulate during ordering period
   • Some customers order Monday, others wait until Wednesday
   • Check daily to see where you're at
   • Adjust quantities if something is selling faster than expected
3. Market closes and orders are finalized
   • Now you have the complete list
   • Print or view your harvest/packing list
   • Begin preparing orders
4. You fulfill orders
   • Harvest what was ordered
   • Pack each customer's order separately
   • Label clearly with customer names
   • Keep everything fresh
5. You deliver/dropoff orders
   • Follow your market's specific procedure
   • Some markets: Central dropoff location
   • Some markets: Individual customer delivery
   • Some markets: Customers pick up from your farm
6. You get paid
   • Payment schedules vary by market
   • Common: Weekly or bi-weekly payouts
   • Check your financial dashboard for details

First Week Tips

Common First-Week Questions

Getting Help

Who to Contact for Different Issues