Starting a Bulk Goods Co-op/Buyers Club: A Beginner's Guide

Ever thought about how awesome it would be to buy your favorite items in bulk and split the cost with your community? That's exactly what a bulk goods co-op or buyers club is! Today, let's dive into how you can set one up, grow it, and benefit from huge savings and community involvement.

In essence, a co-op or buyers club is a group of people who pool their resources to buy goods in bulk. This way, you get items at a discounted rate, reduce packaging waste, and foster a sense of community.

Starting small is okay! Begin with friends, family, or neighbors. As the word spreads and more people see the benefits, your club will naturally grow. You can also choose if you want a membership fee to cover operational costs or if you just want open entry to all who are interested.

You can't buy everything, so you'll want to prioritize. Create a system where members can request specific items, be it quinoa, organic soap, or a stylish lamp. Google Forms or a shared Google Sheet can be simple tools to get started.

It's a democracy! Use tools like Doodle Polls or even Facebook Polls to let members vote on what items should be included in the next order. Items with the most votes get top priority. Or provide an option for presale commitment where items that get enough pledges gets selected.

There are countless places and products to source from:

• Food: Sysco, Costco, and Sam's Club are giants in the bulk food industry. For fresher options, consider collaborating with local farmers, the USDA has a great directory to find farmers in your area. Also, cash-and-carry wholesalers are also a great option.

• Makeup & Personal Care Items: Look into wholesale distributors, liquidation centers, or even local artisans who might offer bulk discounts.

• Decor & Furniture: Reach out to local carpenters, furniture shops, or even larger outlets that offer bulk deals.

• Coffee: Local roasters often love working with co-ops for bulk orders!

There will be times when you order too much. Instead of seeing it as a loss, turn it into an opportunity. Set up an online store using platforms like the Square POS system. Members (or even the general public) can order these extra items for pickup or delivery.

Consider having a central pick-up location or a rotation system. You might need storage solutions for perishable and non-perishable items. Renting a space or using a member's garage could be options.

Organize monthly or quarterly meetings (in-person or virtual) to discuss the co-op's direction, address concerns, and just bond!

Depending on your region, there may be regulations around buying and selling in bulk, especially food items. Do your research and ensure that your co-op stays compliant.

Starting a bulk goods co-op or buyers club is not only an excellent way to save money but also to build a close-knit community and support sustainable living. It requires effort, but the rewards – both tangible and intangible – are well worth it!