co-op membership

mmandjsmom · #1 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 12:30 AM

Does anyone here belong to a co-op? How does yours work. I've been shopping at one, but have not joined yet. I'm trying to figure out if the $100 joiners fee is worth it. The only benefits I know of are 5% off one time per month & able to get the member sale prices.

Discuss....

jujubee · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 08:53 AM

I'm not a member of one, but I know some folks on here are...

kristen.c · #3 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008, 03:01 PM

I'm not a member either, I don't even think we have one close enough that I would shop at it. If you have a close (and reliable) friend who's interested in joining you could always split the membership cost with them and then make a big list each month of what both families want and then divvy everything out when you get home.

Anyone else here that can give Brandy some direction?

wennyoh · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 05:21 PM

I believe it really depends on what your local co-op offers. We just moved and have not found a co-op near us, but we used to be close to a co-op that had great specials and deals for co-op members - particularly on bulk bin items. You need to read what the benefits your co-op offers and if they will be enough incentive for you to join. Most co-ops do offer discounts and special privileges to co-op members. Plus, it is nice to support your local community by joining a co-op or shopping at one.

cutiepatootie · #5 (**permalink**) 11-23-2008, 03:56 AM

I'm part of a co-op. I shop there at least one a week, AND looove it!!!! It is totally worth it to me. Check to see if part of your 100.00 joiners fee is fully refundable....we had to pay 15.00, plus 55.00 for full time membership. The 55.00 is refundable if we ever leave.

I love that their sales are MONTHLY. You get an entire month to stock up on deals. And the deals are pretty much the same at many of the co-ops...they have a generic flier that all the co-ops use I believe.

They do have good sales...I've been able to find some good deals on things here and there....every month, there are several items I buy off the sale list. Sometimes sales are better than Whole Foods,....sometimes not.

Right now, Organic valley 4 pack butter is 4.49, and there is a 1.00 coupon hung up...so 3.49 for that 1lb? of butter, is a hot deal to me.

There are other things of course...since they have limited shelf space, my co-op usually carries the best of items in each section.

And we get 1% back every year. Not much, but I still love the place. Veggies are always cheaper here, but quality is NEVER comprable to Whole Foods. I did complain to our co-op, that our apples are always bruised, and the produce is not taken care of very well, but what can you do.

John Kane · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmandjsmom

Does anyone here belong to a co-op? How does yours work. I've been shopping at one, but have not joined yet. I'm trying to figure out if the $100 joiners fee is worth it. The only benefits I know of are 5% off one time per month & able to get the member sale prices.

Discuss....

Being a member on a co-op is nice. And you you'll have the benefits on it.

RedSoxRosie · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009, 01:20 PM

I've seriously been considering this lately. But the one near me the fee is either $225 or $250...I can't remember. So that was the original reason why I didn't join last year...plus not really knowing much about it all.
But I have been saying that one of these weekends when I get the time I'm going to go and ask questions and get all the info and make a decision.