Co-Op's

Our Co-Op has gone through several structural changes and various group members/divisions. We started small, then joined a larger group and eventually broke off again. Our current group has 6 active families and around 10 other families who occasionally order. We are currently in the process of change. Hopefully it will be a good change.

The benefits of a larger group are:

• families don't have to commit to ordering as much
• theoretically, more people to help with the work (however, often people slack b/c they know others will cover for them)
  
• more chances to order
• more people to split cases of items with
• truck delivery

The benefits of a smaller group are:

• not as many people to work with/please
• members are more committed because they have to be
• not as much headache for the group leader
  
• flexibility to schedule pick up's and order's when it suits the group members
  

Our group started because we wanted to purchase good quality organic/natural foods at a good price. Personally, my priorities have changed over the years. I now strive to buy as much locally and from small, family owned businesses that I can. I have found that working with smaller, family operated businesses is easier. They care about their product, the environment, the land it grows on and want their customers to be happy. Purchasing straight from the business cuts out the middle man, saving the buyer on shipping and mark up costs.

We opened a banking account specifically for our Co-Op. All of the members have the account number and and responsible for depositing what they owe. Two of the members of our group are on the account which allows them to write checks and have access to the account. One of those members is also responsible for keeping track of all of the accounting and some of the ordering. The other members take turns picking up our order, sorting the order and also do some of the ordering.

To start a Co-Op, you need to find families who have the same health interests as you do. Decide what kind of products you are interested in and contact the companies that sell them. We contacted our local grocery store and now purchase, by the case, natural and organic products from them at wholesale prices. I know of several larger grocery stores that offer 10 - 30% discounts if you are willing to take a case of one item. Ask for a manager when you are inquiring. Be polite and kind. It will get you a long way.

Businesses we have or currently order from are:

Albert's Organics
Azure Standard
Big Tree Organics
Cedar Grove Cheese
Frontier Co-Op
Tropical Traditions
United Natural Foods

A few of these companies deliver, some ship UPS/USPS and some we pick-up.

It is best to call and ask to speak to someone in management, instead of emailing, when you are inquiring about opening an account. It is more formal, you can personally ask questions and you get a feel of who you are dealing with. Most companies will be very willing to deal with you. Ask their policies and work with them. They want your business. Another important thing to remember is, be honest. We have had several times when invoices were incorrect in our favor. Call them and make it right. They will respect you as a customer much more.

When inquiring about a wholesale account, ask about minimum orders, if they offer free shipping on certain order sizes and if they prefer online ordering or call in ordering. Also ask about payment, some companies will sent a bill with your order, others you have to pay by credit card.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. For the most part, our Co-Op has been a very positive thing.