Question 1

What is Flashmob Market?

Accepted Answer

Flashmob Market is an online platform where you can pre-order fresh, quality food directly from local producers. We follow the REKO model (Rejäl konsumtion — fair consumption) from Scandinavia: you indicate what you'd like, the producer sets it aside for you, and you pick it up in person on market day.

Question 2

How does pre-ordering work?

Accepted Answer

Browse the producers' offerings, select your products, add them to your cart, and submit your pre-order. The producer sets aside your items, and you pick them up in person on the chosen market day — usually done in about 15 minutes!

Question 3

What is the pre-order deadline?

Accepted Answer

Pre-orders close at midnight (00:00) the night before the market day — meaning you can submit your order until the end of the day before. For some products, the preparation time may cause earlier cutoffs (e.g., 2 days before market day for items with a 2-day lead time). It's best to pre-order early to make sure you get what you want!

Question 4

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payment happens at pickup, directly to the producer. Each producer sets their own accepted payment methods: card, cash, or bank transfer. You can see the accepted methods on the producer's profile page and in your order confirmation. You don't need to pay anything in advance.

Question 5

When and where do I pick up my reserved items?

Accepted Answer

When placing your pre-order, you select the market day and location. You pick up directly from the producer at the scheduled time and place. You'll find the exact address and time on the market day page.

Question 6

Can I pre-order from multiple producers at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can add products from multiple producers to your cart within a single market day. On the cart page, items are grouped by producer. When you submit, a separate pre-order is created for each producer, so each one only sees their own items.

Question 7

Can I cancel my pre-order?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can cancel your pre-order at any time before market day, free of charge. Open the pre-order on your "My Orders" page, and you'll find the cancel option there.

Question 8

What happens if the producer doesn't confirm my pre-order?

Accepted Answer

If the producer declines your pre-order, you'll be notified by email and the reserved stock is automatically released. You don't need to do anything — the producer may simply not be able to set aside the product.

Question 9

What happens if I don't show up for pickup?

Accepted Answer

If you don't show up, the producer may sell the reserved product to someone else. Repeated no-shows can result in a negative trust rating visible to all producers. Please cancel your pre-order in time if you can't make it — producers prepare your items in advance and count on you.

Question 10

When is the sales contract formed?

Accepted Answer

Submitting a pre-order and receiving confirmation does not create a sales contract. The actual sale takes place in person between the seller and buyer on the chosen market day, at the time of pickup and on-site payment.

Question 11

Does the platform handle payment?

Accepted Answer

No. The platform does not process any payments. Payment takes place directly between seller and buyer, in person, at the time of pickup.

Question 12

How much does the service cost?

Accepted Answer

Using Flashmob Market is completely free — for both buyers and producers. Zero middlemen, zero commission. You pay the producer's price, nothing more.

Question 13

How can I follow producers and products?

Accepted Answer

On any producer or product page, you can press the "Follow" button. If you follow a producer, you'll be notified when they add new products or sign up for a market day. If you follow a product, you'll be notified when new stock becomes available. You can manage your follows in your profile.

Question 14

How can I rate producers and products?

Accepted Answer

After pickup, you'll receive an email link where you can rate the producer (recommend / don't recommend) and the pre-ordered products (1-5 stars). Ratings are public and help other buyers make choices. If you'd prefer not to receive rating emails, you can turn them off in your profile.

Question 15

How do I send a message to a producer?

Accepted Answer

On the producer's profile page, click "Send message" to write to them directly. You can even send a message without being logged in — just provide your email address and it arrives as an anonymous message. You'll receive the producer's reply by email.

Question 16

Who is Petra?

Accepted Answer

Petra is Flashmob Market's AI-powered assistant. Click the chat icon in the bottom-right corner to talk with her. She helps you search for products, explore what's available, and can even help you put together your cart. Petra uses the platform's data, so she always has up-to-date information.

Question 17

What is the "Start a Market!" feature?

Accepted Answer

If there isn't a Flashmob Market location in your area yet, you can suggest one on the "Start a Market!" page. Fill out the form: enter the location name, address, type (e.g., park, parking lot, square), your preferred day and time slot, and what products you'd like to see (up to 10 items). If enough interest builds up, we'll help organize the first market day. The community can create its own local market!

Question 18

How does the "Start a Market!" community initiative work in detail?

Accepted Answer

1. Create an initiative on the "Start a Market!" page (login required). 2. Share the link so others can join as supporters. 3. Once it reaches 50 supporters, the team helps find producers and an organizer. To request changes to the initiative name or location, contact our team (e.g., via the Petra chat or email). Taking on the organizer role and inviting producers requires being logged in — if you have trouble with this, let the team know.

Question 19

Can I indicate what products I'd like to buy?

Accepted Answer

Yes! For existing market locations, you can signal your demand on the location page (up to 10 items, with quantity and unit). This helps producers and organizers gauge local demand. Your demand signal stays active for 90 days, then you can renew it.

Question 20

What should I do if there's a problem with the product at pickup?

Accepted Answer

Let the producer know directly at pickup, or afterward via the "Send message" button on their profile. Everyone makes mistakes — most situations can be resolved easily in person with the producer. If you can't reach an agreement, you can share your experience in the rating system, which also helps other buyers.

Question 21

Is there a blog or newsletter?

Accepted Answer

Yes! In the "Blog" section, you can read our latest articles about local producers, seasonal recipes, and platform news. If you subscribe to the newsletter, you'll receive the most important updates by email. You can subscribe on the blog page or during registration.

Question 22

Is there a mobile app?

Accepted Answer

Flashmob Market is available as an iOS app on the App Store. There's no Android app at the moment, but the website (flashmob.market) works perfectly on mobile — you can even add it to your home screen. You can log in everywhere with the same account.

Question 23

How do I join as a producer?

Accepted Answer

You can reach the registration form from the "Become a Producer" menu item or from the footer. After applying, our team reviews and approves your profile. Then you can start listing products and joining market days.

Question 24

What is the REKO model?

Accepted Answer

REKO (Rejäl konsumtion) is a model that originated in Finland, built on the direct connection between producer and buyer. No middlemen, no markup — you pay the producer's price. The flash-market style pickup is fast and personal.

Question 25

Why "Flashmob Market"?

Accepted Answer

The name refers to the lightning-fast pickup experience: you indicate what you want in advance, and you get it at the location in minutes. No standing in line, no waiting — quick and efficient, like a flash.

Question 26

Why might the local government want a more formal arrangement?

Accepted Answer

Because if multiple producers regularly appear at the same location and many buyers show up, it increasingly looks like a market or organized use of public space. This usually doesn't mean a ban — rather, it means a more organized and predictable framework.

Question 27

Why might they ask us not to stop just anywhere in the parking lot?

Accepted Answer

Because parking regulations, traffic safety, and road use are separate legal considerations. If a parking lot or road is used for non-traffic purposes, there may be specific rules, so designated spots and short, orderly pickups make things easier for everyone.

Question 28

How do I add a product?

Accepted Answer

Under the "Products" menu, click the "New Product" button to create your products. Enter the product name, price, unit, and any optional choices if needed (e.g., cuts, giblets). The product is created in "Draft" status — you can activate it using the toggle next to the status on the product edit page. After activation, add stock so buyers can pre-order.

Question 29

What is stock and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Stock determines how much of a product you can offer during a given period. Enter a quantity and a time period (e.g., February 1-28) — the product will be available across all market days within that range. Buyers reserve on a first-come, first-served basis, and once it's gone, the product can no longer be pre-ordered.

Question 30

How do I sign up for a market day?

Accepted Answer

In the "Market Days" menu, you can see all upcoming market days. Click "Sign Up" to indicate you'll participate — then buyers will see your products on that market day. If you can no longer attend, you can withdraw with the "Withdraw" button.

Question 31

How do I manage pre-orders?

Accepted Answer

In the "Orders" section, you'll see incoming pre-orders grouped by market day. If automatic confirmation is turned off, you'll need to approve them individually. At pickup, mark the order as "Picked Up".

Question 32

What is the trust system?

Accepted Answer

On the "Customers" menu's "Buyers" tab, you can rate your customers: negative, neutral, or trusted. This helps producers track who honors their pre-orders. Ratings are visible to all producers.

Question 33

How does order confirmation work?

Accepted Answer

If you turn it on in "Settings", buyer pre-orders are confirmed automatically. If you turn it off, every pre-order goes to "Awaiting Confirmation" status, and you need to accept or decline each one individually.

Question 34

How do I record an on-site pickup?

Accepted Answer

On market day, use the "On-site Pickup" feature to record pickups from buyers who arrive without a pre-order. Enter the buyer's name and the items — the pickup is immediately set to "Picked Up" status. This way, unplanned sales are also tracked.

Question 35

How does automatic receipt generation work?

Accepted Answer

If you set up your Szamla Agent API key on the "Profile" page under the "Invoicing" section, the system automatically generates a receipt via Szamlazz.hu when a pre-order moves to "Picked Up" or "Paid" status. Receipt generation happens in the background — you don't need to wait for it.

Question 36

What happens to pre-orders if I withdraw stock?

Accepted Answer

You can only withdraw stock if there are no open reservations on it. If there are pending pre-orders, you must close them first (approve + pick up, or decline). After withdrawal, the product disappears from the affected market days, and no new pre-orders can be placed.

Question 37

How do I send an SOS message to my buyers?

Accepted Answer

If you have an urgent notice (e.g., you can't attend, or something has changed), use the "SOS Message" feature to notify buyers who pre-ordered for that market day. SOS messages are sent by email. You can send up to 3 SOS messages per market day.

Question 38

How can I communicate with my buyers?

Accepted Answer

On the "Customers" menu's "Messages" tab, you can message your buyers directly. Buyers can also send you messages from your profile. If you'd prefer not to receive messages from a particular buyer, you can block messaging on that buyer's detail page.

Question 39

How can I view and manage buyer reviews?

Accepted Answer

On the "Customers" menu's "Reviews" tab, you can see your buyers' feedback about you and your products. You can write a public reply to any review. If a review is inappropriate, report it to the administrators, who can hide it if necessary.

Question 40

At what point does a pickup location count as an assembly?

Accepted Answer

Just because several people are present doesn't make it an assembly. Assembly regulations are about expressing opinions on public matters. A pickup point where products are handed over typically does not fall into this category.

Question 41

Can I hand over products next to my car in a public parking lot?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but circumstances matter. If you're only handing over pre-arranged, pre-packed orders briefly, without unpacking, serving new customers, or disrupting traffic, that's generally viewed more favorably. However, if you're also selling on-site, serving new customers, or if your presence starts to resemble a commercial setup, questions about commercial activity and public space or road use permits may arise more easily.

Question 42

Am I the same as a delivery courier?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly, but in certain situations the logic may be similar. If you're only handing over pre-assembled packages and there's no meaningful browsing, on-the-spot purchasing decisions, or setup at the location, it's closer to a handover than on-site selling. If new sales also happen on-site, it looks more like commercial activity. Importantly, handing over a package from your car doesn't automatically make you a mobile vendor: mobile vending is a separate commercial category.

Question 43

Am I safer if there's no table, stand, or banner?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes. Without unpacking, the situation is less likely to resemble a traditional setup or on-site selling. That said, the location, number of participants, and actual operation still matter. If you unpack, occupy space for extended periods, or use the parking lot for non-traffic purposes, the question of public space or road use permits arises more easily. It's also worth noting that the range of products allowed for public space sales is narrower; the permitted list includes items like vegetables, fruit, raw milk, buffet items, bakery products, and pre-packaged sweets, but not meat, cheese, or eggs.

Question 44

As a small-scale producer, do I need any special registration or notification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Small-scale producer activity must be reported to the relevant district authority, and the producer is responsible for the safety, quality, and traceability of the food they put on the market.

Question 45

What happens if too many producers and buyers show up?

Accepted Answer

That's not a problem in itself — it's more a sign that you've outgrown the informal pickup point format. If the operation becomes regular, there are many participants, and on-site buying appears alongside pre-arranged pickups, it's worth giving it a more formal framework. If all sellers are small-scale producers, a local producers' market is often the cleanest and most stable long-term solution, as it can operate with just a notification and fits well with the small-scale producer model.

Question 46

When is a "public space permit" needed?

Accepted Answer

The colloquial "public space permit" usually refers to a public space use approval or road management approval. This typically comes up when you're using public space in a way that doesn't match its usual purpose, or when non-traffic use of a road, parking lot, or sidewalk is involved. The exact procedure may vary by municipality, so it's always worth checking the local regulations and the rules of the site manager.

Question 47

At what point does this become a market?

Accepted Answer

According to legal logic, when multiple people regularly and repeatedly engage in retail activity at the same location. A weekly REKO point with many producers and on-site, ad hoc purchases can easily move in this direction.

Question 48

What is the cleanest model for the local government?

Accepted Answer

If all sellers are small-scale producers, then a local producers' market is usually the best solution. This can operate with just a notification, but requires orderly space use, opening hours, and a daily registry of the selling producers. If not everyone is a small-scale producer, it's worth thinking about a market, fair, or other separate commercial format.

Question 49

If it's on municipal land and organized by the municipality, is everything automatically fine?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically, but the situation is generally much easier to resolve. Municipal cooperation helps clarify space use, opening hours, and operational rules, but you still need to decide whether the specific operation is a local producers' market, a market, a fair, or another format.

Question 50

When does this become an outdoor event?

Accepted Answer

In fire safety terms, when the organized outdoor event exceeds 1,000 people or 5,000 m². This becomes relevant mainly for larger events; a smaller pickup point typically doesn't approach this threshold.

Question 51

What can a public space inspector do if they show up?

Accepted Answer

They can check whether you're using the public space lawfully and whether any required permits or approvals are in place. That's why, as an organizer, it's always an advantage to have your operational logic and space use thought through and documented in advance.

Question 52

Does it matter if there's alcohol at the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there may be additional administrative requirements. For certain occasional events, selling alcoholic beverages may trigger separate notification or reporting obligations, so it's worth checking in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Buyers

For Producers

Legal Questions for Producers

For Market Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions

For Buyers

For Producers

Legal Questions for Producers

For Market Organizers