Grower Getting Started Guide

Everything you need to know to start selling through LocallyGrown.net

Welcome, Growers!

LocallyGrown.net provides an easy way to reach more customers and streamline your sales process. Instead of standing at a farmers market stall all day, you can take orders online and prepare them in advance.

🎯 Reach More Customers

Connect with busy families who can't make it to traditional farmers markets

📊 Better Planning

Know exactly what to harvest based on pre-orders

💰 Guaranteed Sales

Customers pay when they order, not at pickup

⏰ Save Time

Spend less time at markets, more time farming

Getting Started

Step 1: Join a Market

Contact your local LocallyGrown.net market manager to request access. You'll need to provide:

  • Farm name and contact information
  • Brief description of what you grow/produce
  • Certifications (organic, etc.) if applicable
  • Business license or tax ID if required

Step 2: Set Up Your Account

Once approved, you'll receive login credentials to access your grower dashboard where you can:

  • Add and manage your products
  • View and fulfill orders
  • Track your sales and payments
  • Communicate with customers
🎯 New Feature - Interactive Edit Mode Tutorial: When you first visit the market page and toggle "Edit Mode" on, you'll be guided through an interactive tutorial that shows you exactly how to manage your products, categories, and admin features. Look for the toggle switch and let our step-by-step guide show you the ropes!

Step 3: Add Your Products

Create compelling product listings that include:

  • High-quality photos - Clear, well-lit images that showcase your products
  • Detailed descriptions - Include variety, growing methods, and serving suggestions
  • Accurate pricing - Consider unit sizes that make sense for your products
  • Availability - Mark products as available when you have inventory
💡 Pro Tip: Great photos can double your sales! Take pictures in natural light and show the product from multiple angles.

Managing Orders

Order Cycle Overview

  1. Ordering Window Opens - Customers can place orders (usually Monday-Wednesday)
  2. You Confirm Availability - Review orders and adjust if needed
  3. Harvest & Prepare - Fulfill orders based on customer requests
  4. Pickup Day - Deliver prepared orders to pickup location

Order Management Tips

  • Check your orders daily during the ordering window
  • Communicate early if you need to make substitutions
  • Package orders clearly with customer names
  • Arrive on time for pickup coordination

Pricing Your Products

Factors to Consider

  • Production costs - Seeds, labor, transportation, packaging
  • Market rates - What similar products sell for locally
  • Quality premium - Organic, heirloom, or specialty varieties
  • Convenience factor - Customers pay for the convenience of pre-ordering

Unit Sizing

Choose units that make sense for your customers:

  • By weight - 1 lb bags, 2 lb boxes
  • By count - 6-pack of apples, dozen eggs
  • By bunch/bag - Bunch of carrots, bag of salad greens
  • By volume - Pint of berries, quart of tomatoes

Best Practices

Product Photography

  • Use natural lighting whenever possible
  • Show the actual product size and packaging
  • Include lifestyle shots (products in use)
  • Update photos seasonally

Customer Communication

  • Respond promptly to customer questions
  • Be transparent about growing methods
  • Share your farm's story and values
  • Provide storage and preparation tips

Quality Control

  • Only list products when they're at peak quality
  • Harvest as close to pickup as possible
  • Package products to maintain freshness
  • Have a plan for handling quality issues

Ready to Start Growing Your Business?

Join the LocallyGrown.net community and connect with customers who value local, fresh food.

Find a Market Near You Managing Products Best Practices