Local Farmers in Friedberg-Ockstadt and Ockstadt Thrive with Honor System Pumpkin Sales

Customers love the convenience of helping themselves to pumpkins and paying on trust. However, not everyone respects the system, leading to occasional thefts.

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2025 October 12 . 6:00 AM

1 min read

This is a collage image. In this image we can see pumpkins placed on the lawn straw, shrubs and a... — This is a collage image. In this image we can see pumpkins placed on the lawn straw, shrubs and a net.

Pumpkins on a trust basis - Local Farmers in Friedberg-Ockstadt and Ockstadt Thrive with Honor System Pumpkin Sales

In a unique approach to selling seasonal produce, local farmers in Friedberg-Ockstadt and Ockstadt are employing an honor system for direct marketing. Customers can help themselves to pumpkins and pay via a trust box or QR code, with the majority respecting the system.

Florian Hess, a fruit and vegetable grower in Friedberg-Ockstadt, has been selling pumpkins on an honor system. His operation offers a variety of decorative and edible pumpkins, perfect for carving around Halloween. Similarly, Obst Rhede from Ockstadt, run by entrepreneur Hans-Jürgen Rhede, also uses this trust-based system for their seasonal fruits.

The Hessian farmers' association reports that these self-payer stands are generally well-received by consumers. Around 85 percent of customers pay honestly, appreciating the convenience and trust placed in them. However, not all customers adhere to the honor system. Some help themselves without paying or even steal the money box, leading to nocturnal thefts of larger quantities. While smaller cash shortages are usually due to lack of change, bigger problems can occur if the whole box is stolen.

Despite occasional dishonesty, the honor system continues to be a popular and successful method for local farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers. With most customers respecting the trust placed in them, the system allows for convenient and flexible purchasing options.