“Transitioning to the Local Food Marketplace platform has been a game-changer for Corbin Hill’s Farm Share program. It has allowed us to implement a sliding scale payment model to support lower-income Shareholders and has improved Shareholder retention. Additionally, the built-in reporting functions have made it easier to keep track of year to year data. The LFM team has been exceptional in hearing our concerns about previous iterations of the software and has implemented updates as a result of our feedback. They took a strong interest in understanding our challenges and developed solutions that work. I highly recommend LFM to anyone operating a flexible subscription-based program!” —Erica Christensen Raml, Corbin Hill Food Project
Key Features
What Types of CSAs Can LFM Support?
Fully Customizable CSA
With a fully customizable CSA, you put the choice in your shoppers’ hands! You create a base farm share, but before fulfilling orders, customers have the chance to make changes. It’s a great way to let shoppers vary the amount of produce they buy and the amount they spend each week. Read about Robinette Farms’ year-round customizable CSA program to learn more about this option.
Flexible CSA
In a flexible farm share, the farmer sets a price for their farm shares, then includes a list of products available for substitution. The price of the box stays the same even if some items are substituted. Although many farms offer an in-person “swap box,” with LFM’s subscription builder features, farmers can also create an online swap box. Fiddlehead Farm uses this option to cut down on food waste and provide a better experience for customers.
Buy-Down CSA
In a buy-down CSA or farm share, customers pay a bulk subscription fee to the farmer ahead of the growing season. However, instead of receiving a weekly box, a credit is added to their account to spend as they wish. This model creates loyalty between you and your customers (with credit to spend, they’ll keep coming back to your online store). Read about Stout Oak Farm’s experience with a buy-down CSA here.
Farmer’s Choice CSA with Add-Ons
LFM supports traditional farmer’s choice CSAs, but many of our customers are finding success with allowing their customers to add items as needed. This model is perfect for businesses that love the simplicity of a farmer’s choice box but are looking for ways to sell more “extras” to shoppers — and increase their average order value. Blue Sky Farm uses this option; learn more about their program.
Work With Us
Needs Assessment
We listen to the needs of your unique business to determine what will work best for you. Register for a free demo to learn more.
Onboarding
Our incredible Customer Support and Onboarding Team will train and guide you through using our platform.
Launch
Once you’re ready to go live, we can launch your site on your time and with our support!
Ongoing Support
Never feel lost or abandoned as an LFM Customer. Our next level Support Team is here to answer your questions and concerns quickly and accurately.