Bensmom

This is probably a stupid question, but what exactly is the coop your were refering to in the "cute shoes" thread? Is it like a food coop, where you buy membership into it and then can buy things at a reduced rate? I've just never heard of something like this before and was curious.

symesa

It's just usually a Yahoo Group or something similar for moms to buy products. None of the ones I know about have any membership fees, but there is a coop fee if you buy a product.

So, for instance, I just bought some EcoBags through a coop I'm on where one mama discussed it with the EcoBags company to find out if they allow coops. If so, how much is the discount? Then, the mama puts out the word and people sign up and paypal her for what they want. She sends the group order in. Then, it is sent back to her where she separates and mails out to each participant. Since it is a lot of work for the mama doing all that, there is usually a coop fee ranging from $1.50 to 10% of your order. Most mamas who do it are really just doing it out of the kindness of their own heart...and so they can get the products at a reduced rate as well.

I have happily participated in several...but they are definitely not for you if you want to receive your stuff ASAP! It can take quite a lot of time...which may or may not be worth the discount. If you are interested in some specific types of coops I might be able to point you in the direction to find them, just email me at alison_parish @ yahoo . com

lapoissonne

I tried to get a Bosom Baby one going because she was going to give us 20% off! I am sure she'll still do it but it takes a large group to get it going.

Bensmom

Thanks Alison- I have never heard of this kind of thing- neat!