Streamlined operations

At the beginning of each week Michael does a stock take of his produce to determine what will be made available for sale. He then updates the website, hiding, showing and setting produce quantities as required. For popular items he can even specify limits so everyone gets a chance to purchase some, avoiding latecomers missing out.

The shop section of the site is 'opened' for ordering and his customers notified with a personalised message.

Shopping is restricted to existing customers rather than open to the general public. This ensures Michael can maintain a loyal and limited customer base and provide a sufficient range of produce to all.

Customers log in, browse the 'shop', fill their box and choose their preferred delivery option (for a fee) or pickup location. A variable packing fee determined by the value of their order is also applied.

At a preset time (usually 2-3 days) the shop closes and no further ordering is possible.

Efficient packing

When it comes time to head out to the fields a picking sheet is produced showing how many of each item is required to fulfill all the orders.

Invoices doubling as packing lists are printed, added to boxes and used to ensure each box gets loaded with the correct produce and included in the appropriate delivery run.

Financial management

Customers pay for their purchases by internet banking or credit card with all transactions tracked on the website. Account credits, coupons, individual discount rates and other pricing adjustments are available if required.

Integrated reporting helps Michael learn from his sales over time, giving an overview of which produce is most popular and profitable as well as customer spending habits and much more.