How LocallyGrown Compares to Popular Alternatives
I respect my competitors! We serve different needs and have all built good platforms. This is an honest comparison to help you choose the right solution for your market.
I'd rather you pick the platform that fits your needs than oversell mine. If you have questions after reading this, email me—I'll honestly help you evaluate your options, even if that means recommending a competitor.
Which Platform Is Right For You?
Start here if you're unsure where to look
Choose LocallyGrown If...
- ✓ You run a multi-grower community market
- ✓ You value direct access to someone who ran a market for 20 years
- ✓ You want modern, fast software that works today
- ✓ You prefer commission pricing (3%) over fixed monthly fees
- ✓ You're seasonal and don't want to pay off-season
- ✓ You need responsive support (replies within hours, not days)
- ✓ You're okay working with a solo founder instead of a company
Consider Open Food Network If...
- • Open source governance matters deeply to you
- • You want to join a global cooperative movement
- • Philosophy is more important than speed/polish
- • You're comfortable with volunteer community support
- • Your sales are very low (it's free under $500/month)
- • You're outside the US (they're strong in AU/UK/EU)
- • You have technical skills to self-support if needed
Consider Local Line If...
- • You're an individual farm (not a multi-grower market)
- • You need extensive wholesale/restaurant features
- • You do high-volume sales ($15K+/month consistently)
- • Fixed monthly costs work better for your budgeting
- • You need subscriptions/SNAP/EBT TODAY (I'm building these)
- • You prefer professional corporate support to solo founder
- • You need multi-language support (they have 7+ languages)
Consider Local Food Marketplace If...
- • You run an established food hub with complex logistics
- • You need warehouse inventory management
- • You manage multiple delivery routes/trucks
- • You serve institutional buyers (schools, hospitals)
- • You need advanced wholesale features
- • You can commit to annual contracts
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Based on current publicly available information
| Feature | LocallyGrown | Open Food Network | Local Line | Local Food Marketplace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basics | ||||
| Best For | Multi-grower community markets | Cooperative movements, ideological alignment | Individual farms, light food hubs | Established food hubs, complex logistics |
| Founded | 2002 (23 years) | 2012 (13 years) | ~2016 (9 years) | ~2010 (15 years) |
| Track Record | $32M+ processed, 942K+ orders | Unknown (federated model) | Unknown (private company) | Unknown (private company) |
| Team Size | Solo founder | Distributed volunteers + small paid staff | VC-backed company | Private company |
| Pricing | ||||
| Pricing Model | 3% commission (2% for high-volume) | 2-3% commission (free under $500/mo) | $49-449/month fixed | $49-449/month fixed |
| New Market Bonus | ✓ First $15K free ($450 credit) | Some regions free under $500/mo | ❌ | ❌ |
| Setup Fees | $0 | $0 | Varies | Varies |
| Contracts | None | None | Monthly or Annual | Annual (prepaid) |
| Seasonal Pause | Yes (pay $0 off-season) | Yes | No (pay monthly year-round) | No (annual commitment) |
| Technology | ||||
| Tech Stack | Modern (SvelteKit, rebuilt 2025) | Older (Ruby on Rails) | Unknown (proprietary) | Unknown (proprietary) |
| Mobile Experience | Mobile-first design | Mobile-responsive | Mobile-responsive | Mobile-responsive |
| Open Source | No | Yes (AGPL 3.0) | No | No |
| Self-Hosting Option | No | Yes (technical skills required) | No | No |
| Core Features | ||||
| Online Ordering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payment Processing | ✓ Stripe | ✓ Stripe | ✓ Stripe | ✓ Multiple processors |
| Pickup Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delivery Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ Advanced routing |
| Product Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Order Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Customer Database | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reporting | ✓ Basic | ✓ Basic | ✓ Advanced | ✓ Advanced |
| Advanced Features | ||||
| Subscriptions/CSA | ❌ Coming Q1 2026 | ✓ (Beta, known issues) | ✓ | ✓ |
| SNAP/EBT Online | ❌ Coming Q1 2026 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Language | English (Spanish Q1 2026) | ✓ Multiple languages | ✓ 7+ languages | English |
| Wholesale Features | Basic | Advanced | Advanced | Very Advanced |
| Inventory Management | Basic | Basic | Advanced | Warehouse-level |
| Route Optimization | ❌ Planned Q3 2026 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ Advanced |
| POS Integration | ❌ Under consideration | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accounting Integration | ❌ Under consideration | Limited | ✓ QuickBooks, Xero | ✓ QuickBooks, Xero |
| Support | ||||
| Support Model | Direct founder access | Community volunteers | Professional support team | Professional support team |
| Response Time | Hours (business days) | Days (variable) | Hours (business hours) | Hours (business hours) |
| Phone Support | On request | No | Yes (higher tiers) | Yes |
| Onboarding Help | ✓ Personal | ✓ Community-driven | ✓ Professional | ✓ Professional |
| Documentation | In progress | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive |
| Governance & Philosophy | ||||
| Business Model | Bootstrap (commission-funded) | Cooperative + grants | VC-backed (growth focus) | Private company |
| Decision Making | Solo founder (fast) | Democratic consensus (slow) | Corporate priorities | Corporate priorities |
| Sustainability Risk | Single point of failure | Grant dependency | Acquisition/pivot risk | Unknown |
| Geographic Focus | US (strongest in Southeast) | 16 countries (strong AU/UK) | 8 countries, 49 US states | US/Canada |
Note: This comparison is based on current publicly available information. Features and pricing change. If you spot an error, please let me know and I'll update it.
Calculate Your Costs
See how pricing compares at different sales volumes
🎁 New Markets: First $15,000 FREE
Every new market gets a $450 credit. That means:
- If you do $5K in sales, you pay $0 (vs. OFN: $125, Local Line: $149)
- If you do $10K in sales, you pay $0 (vs. OFN: $250, Local Line: $149-299)
- If you do $15K in sales, you pay $0 (vs. OFN: $375, Local Line: $149-299)
For many small markets, this covers your entire first season.
| Platform | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | % of Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| LocallyGrown (3%) | $150 | $1800 | 3.0% |
| OFN (2.5% avg) | $125 | $1500 | 2.5% |
| Local Line (Growth: $149/mo) | $149 | $1,788 | 3.0% |
| Local Line (Pro: $299/mo) | $299 | $3,588 | 6.0% |
| LFM (Standard: $149/mo) | $149 | $1,788 | 3.0% |
💡 Insights
- Under $5K/month: Commission models (LocallyGrown, OFN) are cheaper than fixed fees
- $5K-$10K/month: Costs are competitive across platforms
- Above $15K/month: Fixed fees would normally be cheaper, BUT I offer volume discounts...
- Seasonal markets: Commission models let you pay $0 off-season (huge advantage)
- Growing markets: Commission scales naturally with your growth
Volume Pricing: As markets grow, I reduce commission rates on a case-by-case basis. Some established markets pay 2% instead of 3%. If you're doing high volume, let's talk—I'd rather keep you happy at 2% than lose you to a fixed-fee competitor.
Honest take: At standard 3%, fixed pricing would be cheaper above $15K/month. But I'm flexible. If your market is thriving, I want to keep you as a customer by offering pricing that makes sense for your scale.
Where LocallyGrown Is Behind (And What I'm Doing About It)
Transparency builds trust. Here's what I haven't built yet.
Subscriptions/CSA Features
Coming Q1 2026What's missing: Recurring orders, flexible CSA management, customizable boxes, skip weeks, store credits.
Who has it: OFN (beta, known issues), Local Line (mature), LFM (mature)
What I'm doing: In active development. Target launch January 2026. I'm not rushing this—I want it done right.
If you need it NOW: Consider Local Line or LFM. OFN's subscription feature has known bugs based on their community forums.
SNAP/EBT Online Payments
Coming Q1 2026What's missing: Accept SNAP/EBT cards online (in-person works fine).
Who has it: Local Line, LFM (OFN doesn't have it either)
What I'm doing: Going through USDA FNS approval process. This is bureaucratic and can't be rushed.
If you need it NOW: Local Line or LFM are your options.
Multi-Language Support
Spanish Q1 2026, others laterWhat's missing: Full platform translation for non-English speakers.
Who has it: OFN (many languages), Local Line (7+ languages)
What I'm doing: Starting with Spanish in Q1 2026, will add more based on demand.
If you need it NOW: OFN or Local Line are better choices for multilingual markets.
Advanced Wholesale Features
Not planned short-termWhat's missing: Multiple price lists, complex wholesale workflows, institutional buyer tools.
Who has it: LFM (very strong), Local Line (strong), OFN (good)
What I'm doing: I have basic wholesale (one price list). Planning improvements for Q2 2026, but this isn't my focus.
If you need it NOW: If wholesale is core to your business, LFM or Local Line are better fits.
Enterprise Integration
Under considerationWhat's missing: QuickBooks/Xero accounting integration, POS system integration, API access.
Who has it: Local Line (good), LFM (very good)
What I'm doing: Gathering feedback on what integrations matter most. Will prioritize based on demand.
If you need it NOW: Local Line or LFM if enterprise integrations are critical.
Why I'm Honest About Gaps
I'd rather you choose the right platform for your needs than oversell mine. If these missing features are critical and you can't wait, I'll honestly help you evaluate alternatives.
That said, if you can wait for Q1 2026, I'm confident LocallyGrown will be the best choice for community-focused, multi-grower markets.
Check what's coming next on our roadmap →
Why Choose LocallyGrown
When solo founder + proven platform + modern tech is the right fit
🧑🌾 Built By Someone Who Lived It
I didn't read about farmers markets—I ran one for 20 years. 60 growers, 1,500 customers, $10K-15K/week. Every feature exists because I faced that problem myself.
What this means for you: The software solves real problems, not theoretical ones.
📞 Direct Access to the Developer
When you email me, you get me—not a support queue, not a junior tech, not a chatbot. I typically respond within a few hours during business days.
What this means for you: Your questions get answered by someone who understands both the code AND the market operation.
⚡ Modern, Fast, Rebuilt for 2025
I just spent a year rebuilding everything from scratch. SvelteKit, modern architecture, mobile-first. This isn't 10-year-old code with patches—it's brand new.
What this means for you: Fast, stable, secure. Ready for the next 20 years.
💰 Commission Pricing = Seasonal Friendly
Pay 3% when you make sales. Pay $0 when you're closed. No monthly minimums, no contracts, no surprise bills in January.
What this means for you: Your costs scale naturally with your market.
🎁 First $15,000 FREE for New Markets
Every new market gets a $450 credit. Your first $15K in sales costs you nothing. Many small markets run their entire first season for free.
What this means for you: Try LocallyGrown with zero financial risk. Prove the model works before you pay me a penny.
📊 Flexible Volume Pricing
As your market grows, your commission rate can shrink. Some established markets pay 2% instead of 3%. High volume? Let's talk about custom pricing.
What this means for you: You're not locked into rigid pricing tiers. I'd rather keep you happy at 2% than lose you to a competitor.
📈 $32M+ Proven Track Record
This platform has processed $32 million in sales through 942,000+ orders over 23 years. It's not a beta test—it's proven at scale.
What this means for you: You're building on a foundation that's already proven it works.
🎯 Focus on Community Markets
I'm not trying to be everything to everyone. I'm focused on multi-grower community markets. That's my expertise, that's what I optimize for.
What this means for you: Features built for YOUR use case, not diluted by trying to serve everyone.
🤝 No VC Pressure, No Corporate Games
I'm not chasing growth targets or acquisition exits. This is my life's work. I'm here for the long haul.
What this means for you: Sustainable pricing, sustainable development, sustainable relationship.
📊 Transparent Roadmap
I publish exactly what I'm building and when. No surprises, no overpromising. See the full roadmap →
What this means for you: You know what's coming and can plan accordingly.
Detailed Platform Profiles
Deeper dive into each platform's strengths and trade-offs
LocallyGrown
The pragmatic pioneer, rebuiltBest For
- Multi-grower community farmers markets
- Seasonal markets (commission pricing advantage)
- Markets that value personal, responsive support
- Markets comfortable with a solo founder vs. corporate vendor
Core Strengths
- Longest track record: 23 years, $32M+ processed
- Modern technology: Rebuilt 2025, fast and stable
- Direct founder support: Email Eric, get Eric
- Seasonal-friendly pricing: Pay $0 when closed
- Built by a farmer: Real-world experience embedded
Current Limitations
- No subscriptions (coming Q1 2026)
- No SNAP/EBT online (coming Q1 2026)
- English only (Spanish Q1 2026)
- Solo founder (single point of failure)
- Basic wholesale features
Pricing
3% commission on sales, negotiable to 2% for high-volume markets. No setup fees, no monthly minimums, no contracts. Pay $0 off-season.
New markets: First $15,000 in sales free ($450 credit).
Established markets: Volume discounts available—some markets pay 2% after proving scale.
Support
Email Eric directly. Typical response time: a few hours during business days (Eastern time). Phone calls available on request.
The Bottom Line
If you want proven software with modern technology, personal support from someone who ran a market for 20 years, and seasonal-friendly pricing—and you're okay with a solo founder instead of a big company—LocallyGrown is probably your best fit.
Open Food Network
The cooperative movementBest For
- Food system change advocates
- Markets that want democratic governance
- International markets (strong in AU/UK/EU)
- Very small markets (free under $500/mo)
- Technical users who can self-support
Core Strengths
- Open source: Full code transparency, forkable
- Global community: 16 countries, strong ideological alignment
- Democratic governance: Users have a voice
- Multi-language: Many languages available
- Free tier: Under $500/month sales
Current Limitations
- Aging technology (Ruby on Rails from 2012 era)
- Volunteer support (slower response times)
- Slower development (democratic consensus required)
- Subscription feature has known bugs (beta)
- UI/UX less polished than commercial alternatives
Pricing
2-3% commission (varies by region). Free under $500/month in some regions.
Support
Community forums, regional volunteer coordinators, documentation. Response times vary. No guaranteed SLAs.
The Bottom Line
If ideological alignment with a global cooperative food movement matters more than polish and speed, OFN is a great choice. You're joining a community, not just buying software.
Local Line
The VC-backed professionalBest For
- Individual farms (not multi-grower markets)
- Markets doing $10K+/month consistently
- Those who need wholesale features
- Multi-language markets (7+ languages)
- Markets that need subscriptions/SNAP NOW
Core Strengths
- Feature-rich: Subscriptions, SNAP/EBT, wholesale, integrations
- Professional support: Support team, phone support available
- Multi-language: 7+ languages supported
- Mature platform: ~9 years of development
- Growing quickly: VC funding enables fast development
Current Limitations
- Fixed monthly pricing (pay year-round, even off-season)
- VC-backed (acquisition/pivot risk)
- Corporate support (ticket queues vs. personal access)
- Higher pricing at low volumes
- Optimized more for individual farms than markets
Pricing
$49-449/month depending on features needed. Annual contracts available (sometimes required).
Support
Professional support team. Email and phone support (higher tiers). Documentation, training materials, onboarding assistance.
The Bottom Line
If you need a feature-rich, professionally supported platform TODAY and do enough volume to justify fixed monthly costs, Local Line is a solid choice. Just understand you're working with a VC-backed company with growth pressure.
Local Food Marketplace
The food hub specialistBest For
- Established food hubs
- Complex logistics (warehouses, multiple routes)
- Institutional buyers (schools, hospitals)
- Advanced wholesale operations
- Markets ready to commit to annual contracts
Core Strengths
- Food hub focused: Advanced warehouse/logistics features
- Wholesale strength: Very strong institutional tools
- Mature platform: ~15 years of development
- Route optimization: Advanced delivery management
- Integrations: QuickBooks, Xero, other enterprise tools
Current Limitations
- Annual contracts (prepaid commitment)
- Higher pricing tier minimums
- Complexity (may be overkill for simple markets)
- English only
- Less focus on community market features
Pricing
$49-449/month (typically annual prepaid contracts). Custom pricing for enterprise needs.
Support
Professional support team. Dedicated account management for higher tiers. Training and onboarding.
The Bottom Line
If you're running a serious food hub with complex logistics, LFM is probably your best choice. They understand the wholesale/institutional game better than anyone. But for simple community markets, it's probably overkill.
Still Not Sure?
I know choosing platform software is a big decision. You're committing to a tool that'll run your market operations.
I'm happy to help you think through which option is best—even if it's not LocallyGrown. I've been doing this for 23 years and understand the trade-offs.
One more thing: If you choose a competitor after reading this, I genuinely hope it works great for you. Local food systems need good software, and I respect everyone building in this space. — Eric
Help Me Improve This Comparison
See something inaccurate? Missing important info? Let me know and I'll update it.
Email feedback to [email protected]
Information current as of publication