Help Centre
Quick answers for shoppers and producers using The Local Harvest.
Looking for the deeper explainer? See How It Works for the end-to-end guide — full buyer / producer journeys, fees, deliveries, security, and what to do when something goes wrong.
For shoppers
How do I find producers near me?
Use the search bar on the home page or visit /search and enter a postcode or town. You can filter by category, certifications, delivery options and distance.
How do I place an order?
Add products to your basket from any producer page or marketplace listing. When you check out we use Stripe Connect to pay the producer directly. You will receive an email confirmation.
How are deliveries handled?
Each producer sets their own collection or delivery options on their profile. Look for the pin / delivery icons on the producer card to see what they offer in your area.
Can I cancel or refund an order?
Cancellation and refund policies are set per producer. Contact the producer directly via the messaging button on their profile, or contact us at hello@thelocalharvest.co.uk if you cannot reach them.
How do I delete my account?
Sign in, go to Dashboard → Settings → Privacy, then click "Delete my account". This permanently removes your profile and personal data within 30 days.
For producers
How do I register my business?
Click "Register your business" in the footer or visit /register/business. After paying the listing fee via Stripe and verifying your email, your profile enters admin review (typically within one business day).
My listing is not showing in the directory — why?
Listings only appear once: (a) admin approval is "approved", (b) your subscription is active or you are on a lifetime-free tier, and (c) your profile is marked active. Check Dashboard → Profile for your status.
How do I add products to the marketplace?
Sign in, go to Business Dashboard → Products → Add product. Each product is reviewed before going live (or auto-approved if you are a trusted producer).
How do I get paid?
You connect your Stripe Connect account during onboarding. Customer payments land in your Stripe balance and are paid out to your bank account on Stripe's standard schedule, minus our platform fee.
Can I take a break / pause my listing?
Yes — Dashboard → Profile → toggle "Profile active" off. Your products are hidden until you re-enable it. Your subscription continues unless you cancel.
Payments, fees and tax
What does it cost to list?
See our /pricing page for current tiers. Founding-100 producers receive 12 months free and a discounted lifetime monthly rate.
Do you charge a transaction fee?
Yes. The platform fee is deducted automatically by Stripe Connect on each successful order. The fee percentage depends on your tier — see /pricing.
Do I need to be VAT registered?
In the UK you must register for VAT once turnover exceeds £90,000 per 12 months. We do not provide tax advice — please consult HMRC or your accountant.
Delivery, pickup and fulfilment
How do I tell shoppers where I deliver?
Edit your business profile and pin one or more fulfilment locations on the map. Customers see your reach next to your listing in search.
I am pickup-only — what should I do?
Set your fulfilment radius to 0 km and add your collection address as the primary location. Make this clear in your profile description as well.
Account, privacy and security
I forgot my password.
Click "Sign in" then "Forgot password?". You will receive a Resend email with a one-time link.
How do I export my data?
Sign in, then Dashboard → Settings → Privacy → "Export my data". You will be emailed a JSON download within 24 hours.
I cannot log in but need to exercise my GDPR rights.
Email privacy@thelocalharvest.co.uk with proof of identity (a copy of a photo ID matching the email on file). We respond within 30 days.
Still need help?
Drop us a line at hello@thelocalharvest.co.uk or use our contact form. We aim to reply within one business day.