Overview

LocallyGrown supports multiple pickup locations per market, allowing you to serve customers across different neighborhoods or towns. Each location can have its own schedule, contact person, and special instructions.

Setting Up Pickup Locations

Adding a New Location

  1. Navigate to your market's Locations page
  2. Click "Add New Location"
  3. Fill in the required information:
    • Location Name - Choose a clear, recognizable name
    • Address - Complete street address for customer navigation
    • Contact Person - Name and phone number for the location manager
    • Pickup Days - Select which days customers can pick up orders
    • Pickup Hours - Set the time window for pickups
  4. Add optional details:
    • Description - Brief description of the location
    • Special Instructions - Parking, entrance, or other location-specific guidance
    • Photo - Image to help customers identify the location
  5. Save and activate the location

Location Requirements

Consider these factors when choosing pickup locations:

  • Accessibility - Easy to find with adequate parking
  • Security - Safe location for storing orders temporarily
  • Staffing - Someone available during pickup hours
  • Storage - Refrigeration for perishable items if needed
  • Customer convenience - Located where customers naturally travel

Types of Pickup Locations

🏪 Retail Partnerships

Examples: Local businesses, cafes, bookstores, community centers

Benefits: Existing foot traffic, professional setting

Considerations: May need to share space, follow business rules

🏛️ Community Spaces

Examples: Schools, churches, libraries, community centers

Benefits: Central locations, community support

Considerations: May have limited availability, need permission

🏠 Residential Locations

Examples: Private homes, farm locations

Benefits: Flexible scheduling, lower overhead

Considerations: Privacy concerns, limited capacity

🚚 Mobile/Pop-up Locations

Examples: Rotating locations, special events

Benefits: Can serve different areas, creates excitement

Considerations: More complex logistics, communication challenges

Managing Pickup Operations

Order Organization

  • Sort by customer name - Alphabetical order speeds up pickup
  • Use order numbers - Each order has a unique number for tracking
  • Separate cold items - Keep refrigerated items in coolers
  • Group by grower - Consider organizing by farm for easier packing

Pickup Process

  1. Customer arrives - They provide their name or order number
  2. Locate order - Find their bagged/boxed order
  3. Verify items - Quickly confirm order contents
  4. Mark as picked up - Update order status in the system
  5. Handle special requests - Address any customer questions or issues
💡 Pro Tip: Create a simple checklist for pickup staff to ensure consistent service quality across all locations.

Customer Experience Best Practices

Clear Communication

  • Pickup instructions - Include detailed directions in order confirmations
  • Visual aids - Photos of the entrance or pickup area
  • Contact information - Provide phone number for pickup day questions
  • Signage - Clear signs marking the pickup area

Order Preparation

  • Bag orders properly - Use sturdy bags or boxes
  • Label clearly - Customer name and order number on each bag
  • Separate items - Keep different growers' items organized
  • Include receipts - Printed or digital order summary

Managing Multiple Locations

Centralized Coordination

  • Location managers - Designate responsible person for each site
  • Communication protocols - Regular check-ins and updates
  • Consistent standards - Same pickup procedures across all locations
  • Performance monitoring - Track success metrics for each location

Distribution Logistics

  • Order routing - Efficiently distribute orders to locations
  • Transportation - Plan delivery routes for multiple sites
  • Timing coordination - Ensure orders arrive before pickup windows
  • Backup plans - Have contingencies for delivery delays

Ready to Set Up Pickup Locations?

Start with one well-managed location and expand as your market grows and customer demand increases.