Co-op Membership

Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op, but members receive a discount. Membership is individual and charged on a sliding scale according to income. The Membership year starts in July; if you join after then, the membership charge is reduced proportionately.  Charges for 2009 are:

$25.00 for members with a low income (less than$20k/yr)
$35.00 for members with a medium income  ($20k to $45k/yr)
$45.00 for members with a high income (more than$45k/yr)

If you’d like to become a member, ask the volunteer at the counter for a form.  New members receive a 20% discount on their first shop at the Co-op.

After that, members receive a 10% discount. Volunteering for one hour gets you a further 10% discount for a two month period. There’s also a further 10% discount if you place a bulk order.
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How to Shop at the Co-op

The Co-op stocks a range of goods – both packaged and unpackaged. Packaged goods can be purchased just like at an ordinary shop, and include chips, dairy products and alternatives, noodles, juices, soy milk, canned veggies, and much more.

However, the Co-op’s speciality is unpackaged goods, which are sold in large bulk bins and include chocolate, pasta, flours, grains, pulses, herbs and spices, nuts, cleaning products and much more. The best approach is to come prepared with containers and bags from home, then follow the simple steps below. It may seem daunting at first, but doesn’t take much effort and the volunteer co-ordinators are always on hand to assist.

• Particularly if you are buying from the bulk bins, please wash your hands (either in the kitchen or the toilet behind the yellow door on your left as you come in). Please note that the Co-op is in the process of purchasing “no handling” food grade plastic dispensers which will help us keep everything clean.
• If you didn’t bring a list from home, pick up a notepad and pen from the counter immediately opposite the front door.
• Scout out what you’re after – there are signs and the friendly volunteers and other members will be happy to help you.
• Note the item price and weigh your container. Write down the dollar amoung shown, which will be deducted when the cost of the item is calculated at the checkout. If you are using plastic or paper bags or other light containers you can note the amount- which might be a few cents – or you can consider the few cents a donation to maintaining our Co-op.
• Fill your containers, note the prices and container costs and when you’re ready take it to the checkout.
• If you have an accidental spill, please clean it up. There are rags, brooms, etc in the kitchen you can use. If you’ve spilled a large quantity or the item is an expensive one, please consider making a donation to cover costs – the Co-op has a standardised very low mark-up and is a non profit organisation.

If you forget, or need more containers, there is a bench with used bags, jars, etc, although it can be a bit of a lucky dip.  There are new paper bags available to purchase cheaply.

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Co-op Pricing

There is a price on all individually packaged items and on bulk containers. For non-members, the price is as marked. Members receive a discount. Standard member discount is 10% off the marked price. Members who have contributed two hours of work for a two month period receive a 20% discount.

Bulk orders  receive a 10% discount in addition to the usual discount for member. Member discount is calculated on the total purchase.

For example, for a good marked $10, a standard member (with 10% discount) would normally pay $9, but if the member bulk-ordered the good, it would cost only $8.10.

For a member with up-to-date work-hours (20% discount), a $10 item would normally cost $8, and if bulk-ordered would cost only $7.20.

Members can request bulk orders over the phone, by email or in person during opening hours.

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Co-op Facilities

The Co-op has an accessibility ramp at the Barry Drive end of the building which may be of assistance to people with restricted mobility/a pram, etc. Children are welcome at the co-op, and there are some sofas and a low table that you’re welcome to use.

The Co-op has a small commercial kitchen which is used for preparing some items for sale and occasional catering.
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