1) Little/no transparency. I don't really know where my produce comes from. I do know that it comes from multiple growers, but I don't know where or who they are. I don't know what their growing practices are, or even what they are growing (with our seed money). We are not allowed to visit the operation. Is if fair, then, to call this a CSA? And at least one of the products is a mystery even to the owner of the CSA--a couple of months ago we received an herb that almost no one could identify because the CSA owner couldn't understand the accent of the woman that grew it. (It turned out to be fenugreek!)
2) Fragile operation. When a crisis occurs in the family, the deliveries are canceled/delayed. This is somewhat understandable but also difficult to accept when it happens so frequently. They have a lot of customers to let down! A good business remembers its promises to its customers and works to keep them (in this case, the CSA should hire substitute or temporary delivery drivers, etc.). Sometimes after a delay the vegetables begin to wither or yellow. While it is unfortunate that the CSA has trouble transporting and storing its produce, share owners signed up for farm fresh produce and should receive it.
3) Spotty communication. Produce is supposed to be arrive on my porch at a specific day; we should be updated accurately and in a timely manner, but lately usually we are not, and the produce surprises us 2-3 days late. Hope you don't travel, so you don't miss your box! Someone used the CSA blog to complain about the boxes being late; rather than address his concerns the family deleted his posts, and closed all delivery posts to comments. (If you do travel, yes, you can put your deliveries on hold, but even though it's not in the contract you must notify the CSA at least a month in advance.)
Members are not allowed to pull of their contracts so if you are willing to deal with the quirks above, sign up and have some veggie fun. If you are not, and would appreciate a more professional operation, consider joining another CSA or visit some of our awesome farmers' markets, open pretty much every week.