GrownBy Introduces Custom CSA Shares & Box Builder
- Lindsey Lusher Shute
- Oct 30, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Cater to your community with fully customizable CSA shares and box builder.
Are you a farmer looking for CSA management software that will support your sales without adding more work to your to-do list?
The local food hub Harvie will sunset their CSA services at the end of 2024, and with their departure from the CSA management space, many farms are looking for a reliable alternative to continue offering customizable farm shares and subscriptions without interruption.
We have long admired Simon Huntley's work and contributions to building a resilient local food system through Harvie, and, for many years, we worked not in competition, but in collaboration to bring more local food to more families across the country.
GrownBy is excited to step up to the plate and serve this need with a new customizable shares feature available in beta.*
*Please note that GrownBy's CSA customization features are in beta mode, and the information provided is an overview of our current customization features. We are continually improving and expanding these features.
Automated CSA Customization Features in Beta Mode
GrownBy has always supported flexible CSA models to complement traditional farm shares and subscriptions. From offering a spend-down credit system, to free-choice shares, to vacation weeks, and more, we’ve always prioritized flexibility and transparency for both our farmers selling online, and the shoppers who support them.
To improve the buying and selling experience, we have been working in partnership with the Harvie team and farmers across the country to expand and improve GrownBy's customization features. An upcoming release will introduce a smart algorithm that tailors CSA share selection and personalized product recommendations based on each customer’s unique buying patterns and preferences.
This new customization feature will build custom farm boxes based on the farm's available CSA offerings, enabling GrownBy farmers to offer highly curated options and personalized farm boxes based on customer preferences, past orders, and real-time inventory availability to ensure that every box is the perfect fit.
READ MORE Meet Our New CSA Website GrownBy
Many farmers are already selling custom shares on GrownBy, and their customers are customizing!
Harvie farmers have recommend GrownBy as a CSA management software alternative, and we've already helped a number of Harvie farmers make the switch to GrownBy.
Ready to build Custom CSA Shares?
If you want to cater to your community and offer a customizable CSA to your customers, reach out directly at support@grownby.app.
The GrownBy support team offers a comprehensive onboarding program for Harvie farmers to simplify transition to GrownBy's online marketplace. We will work with you every step of the way, so you can continue to offer your shares without interruption.
Our team is also available for one-on-one consultations to answer your questions and guide you through the online shop setup process.
GrownBy FAQ: Common Questions Regarding GrownBy's Custom Shares
Learn how GrownBy's technology can streamline your CSA program and help grow your community. Discover answers to common questions about our CSA share customization features, fees and features.
Will GrownBy build my custom box? How will GrownBy know what to add?
Yes! GrownBy will build a box for each customer based on their preferences. We utilize a smart algorithm to build a farm box based on past purchases, customer preferences, and real-time inventory availability.
How does GrownBy know what my customers want?
GrownBy will learn your customers’ preferences over time. Our next release will have more opportunities for preference-learning.
Do I need to have a specific number of any given item for my box?
No! Boxes will be based on your inventory in GrownBy. If you have 50 CSA boxes available, but only 10 bunches of carrots for the week, no need to stress! We'll handle it. Learn more about inventory management here.
Where does the Custom CSA box algorithm select items from when building a custom box?
The customization feature selects items only from the specified CSA Group, rather than the Farm Store's full inventory.
What happens if a customer doesn’t customize their box before the deadline?
No sweat! Customers will receive a "farmers choice" box. In a future release, this box will be generated by GrownBy.
Can a customer skip their distribution?
Yes! Customers can login and claim a vacation week for future farm credit.
When and how do customers get notified? What do those notifications look like?
Customers are automatically notified when the customization window opens before each distribution. You set the window — we'll send the notification.
GrownBy also sends automatic notifications for order confirmations, reminders prior to distribution or delivery day, and payment related push notifications on the app. Learn more about automated customer notifications for customers and farmer notifications.
The customization deadline looks like the below example. The highlighted text indicates personal information customized for each customer and order deadline.
Is buying a custom CSA box available for non-members? Can I make my CSA private so only members can purchase a custom share?
Yes, buying CSA shares can be open to non-members. You can choose how to set up your CSA to make it open or private. Learn how to adjust your CSA privacy settings.
How do I set the open and close times for my customization window?
You tell us when you want it to open. The customization window close time is set by your schedule’s cutoff window and happens at midnight.
How much does GrownBy cost?
We offer a predictable, scalable pricing structure. We charge a small co-op and processing fee when you make a sale, with fee-free offline transactions.
There is NO set-up/start-up fee, NO annual fee or subscription, NO premium versions or upgrades. Credit Card Transitions: ~5% (2% co-op fee, 2.9% +$.30 per transaction) ACH Transactions: ~3% (2% co-op fee, 1% + $1.50 one time per customer fee)
Cash Transactions FREE
Who pays the transaction fees on GrownBy?
That depends. We recommend activating a feature on GrownBy that gives customers the option to help cover all farmer fees, including co-op and credit card fees.
On average, when farms enable this option, 62% of their fees are covered by shoppers. Learn how to enable this feature.
Are there extra charges for support/start up/more pick up locations?
Nope. GrownBy charges the same fees for all farms, no matter how many products, pick up locations, shares, or support is needed.
All new features are included as part of our cooperative fee, ensuring you receive more value without paying more. It's kind of our thing.
Does GrownBy generate labels?
Yes. You can print labels via thermal or regular ink printer directly from GrownBy. Alternatively, you can export a .csv to create your own label. Learn how to customize and print packing sheets and labels.
Can I continue to sell shares once my season has begun?
Yes! Shoppers can join your CSA once your season has already started, if you allow it.
Does GrownBy offer customer support?
Yes! Our farmer-led support team is highly rated. We encourage you to reach out with comments and questions. A real human, with real farming experience will get back to you as soon as we can.
Shoppers can reach us for help with their orders and accounts. Farmers can forward requests from shoppers to us, when appropriate.
I'm ready to build my Custom CSA Shares on GrownBy. How do I get started?
GrownBy is the seamless all-in-one solution for local farm sales.
We are the only CSA Management software designed for and owned by farmers.
Build your farm shop on the GrownBy Marketplace for free and start selling your products in less than an hour! Grow with us on Instagram at @farmgenerationscoop and @grownbyapp.
Your Feedback Matters
Your feedback plays a significant role in improving GrownBy’s customization. Share your your thoughts, questions, and concerns about the transition.
Need More Help?
Visit our Help Desk to troubleshoot general issues.
Email us directly at support@grownby.app. A real human with real farming experience will get back to you as soon as possible.
Need more help? Schedule a one-on-one support call to answer any questions you may have using GrownBy.
Comments