Market Operations
Learn how LocallyGrown markets typically operate and coordinate between growers and customers.
How LocallyGrown Markets Work
LocallyGrown markets operate as online marketplaces where local growers can list their products and customers can browse and purchase them. The basic workflow is straightforward:
Growers Add Products
Farmers and producers add their available products with quantities and prices
Customers Browse & Order
Shoppers find products they want and add them to their cart
Orders are Processed
Payment is handled and growers are notified of orders
Pickup Coordination
Customers pick up their orders at designated locations
Order Management
For Market Managers
- Monitor order activity through admin panels
- Coordinate with growers on fulfillment
- Manage pickup locations and timing
- Handle customer service issues
For Growers
- Receive notifications when orders are placed
- Update product availability as needed
- Prepare orders for customer pickup
- Coordinate with market managers on timing
For Customers
- Browse available products online
- Place orders and make payments
- Receive pickup instructions
- Collect orders at designated times/locations
Automating Open and Close
Markets that order on a fixed weekly rhythm can have LocallyGrown open and close ordering
automatically instead of a manager remembering to flip the switch at 9am Monday and 5pm
Friday. Go to /admin → Manager Panel → Automated Market Tasks and set up an Open Ordering Window task and a Close Ordering Window task. Each one runs on its own day and time
in your market's time zone, and you can pause either one whenever you need to.
Manual overrides still work: flipping the Close Ordering or Open Ordering button on the manager panel takes effect immediately, so a storm or a grower emergency doesn't require touching the automations.
Typical Market Schedules
Whether you use the automated schedule or run the market by hand, most LocallyGrown markets settle into a weekly rhythm:
Weekly Pattern Example
- Monday-Tuesday: Growers update product availability
- Wednesday-Friday: Customers place orders
- Saturday: Growers fulfill orders
- Sunday: Customer pickup day
Flexible Pattern Example
- Ongoing: Growers add products as available
- Ongoing: Customers order when they want items
- Coordinated: Pickup times arranged individually
- Seasonal: Market adjusts based on growing seasons
Coordination Tools
Communication
- Email notifications for orders and updates
- Direct communication between market participants
- Market announcements and updates
Organization
- Product categories for easy browsing
- Pickup location coordination
- Basic order tracking and management
Custom Coordination: Each market can develop its own coordination methods that work best for their community, growers, and customers.
Seasonal Considerations
Growing Seasons
- Spring: Early greens, seedlings, greenhouse products
- Summer: Peak season with diverse produce availability
- Fall: Harvest season with storage crops
- Winter: Preserved goods, greenhouse items, planning
Market Adjustments
- Product availability changes with seasons
- Pickup schedules may adjust for weather
- Communication patterns adapt to activity levels
- Special events or seasonal promotions