CSA customer question

[littleminnie]

Well I have Spring Fling shares this season. 4 shares for $100 over 2 months or so before the season starts. I only let 5 people sign up. I gave them a full list of stuff for their first 2 shares to choose from with point values on everything. Then I said they could choose what they want for 30 points or so. I said please try to do about half homegrown stuff and half homemade stuff so I wouldn't have to bake everything.
I am having a little issue with the one lady. She chooses all homemade stuff that I have to bake or have already canned but no produce. Then she goes over the points recommended and then asks for more stuff- 'can she pay for these 3 extra items?' I am glad she loves my lists but I am wondering if I should give her a little check/nudge now or not. I am worried she will always try to get more and frankly as it is I will have to short her next 2 boxes to make her even with the others and not so far over the $100 value. So this week I have to bake 4 things Monday night after work to fill all her requests. Anyway do you think I should give a hint here or just let it go and give her less of the fresh stuff in the next 2 baskets?

[Joseph Lofthouse]

I think it's best to right out say how things are... Communication is better than letting problems fester. I don't have any problem at all if my CSA people want to pay extra... One fellow routinely buys extra onions.... I'd be glad to take the $100 until the points run out and then ask extra $ for the additional baked/preserved goodies.

Last year I let a subsection of the CSA do customized baskets... That did not work well for me. They'd say I don't want _____, or _____, or ______, and then complain that their basket was sparse. This year I am going to be firm about "No customization: You get what I am able to harvest, when I am able to harvest." If it means that section of the CSA gets pruned off, then oh, well.

[12540dumont]

MN,
I have to agree with Joseph. They get what they get. Problems must be resolved in the first couple of weeks.

My customers occasionally ask for something extra. One wanted more dried tomatoes, one more apple butter and another more olive oil. I can do this if I have it and it's convenient for me. If there are only 20 jars of apple butter, and I have 20 customers, I have to say no.

As soon as they asked, I let them know the cost and stuck an envelope in with a bill in the next box. None of them have objected. Once I even made cupcakes for a kid's birthday. I have a 12 year old who begs me to make rye rolls. People will ask. I have to weigh what I have time for vs. their requests.

I draw the line at "can I skip potatoes and have extra artichokes type of thing". I make exceptions only truly for those folks who have food allergies.

[oxbowfarm]

How much extra are you guys charging for all this value added stuff? Around here the average share is $450-$650 range for June-October.

[Joseph Lofthouse]

Apr 29, 2012 13:24:00 GMT -5 oxbowfarm said:

How much extra are you guys charging for all this value added stuff? Around here the average share is $450-$650 range for June-October.

$270 for a yearly share in my CSA. June to mid-October. Or $15/week.

I don't offer value added things though: Too much regulation.

[littleminnie]

Like I said, I am doing a four basket $100 spring share. Only the first 2 shares can there be ordering/choosing. But she just seems to be pushing it. I guess the paying for extra is not a problem then.