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 A consumer co-op provides goods or services to its members, and it is generally either a retail or service co-operative. Retail co-operatives are owned by large groups of member-consumers who purchase goods such as food and groceries, hardware, petroleum, student supplies or outdoor gear. Service co-operatives are owned by the members who use the services provided by the co-op - such as housing, child care or health care, cable television or internet, water or energy supply, fitness facilities, car-sharing or funeral services.
Most consumer co-ops serve individual members, but they can also serve organizations or small businesses, offering group buying, marketing and other services. These co-ops are often called purchasing co-ops as they get better prices for volume buying and then resell to their members.
The online tools and guides that appear on this page are the best of what is known to exist at this time. New materials will be added as they become available or as further research is completed in this area. NOTE: If you are aware of other tools or guides that should be added here, please let us know by sending an 
How-to guides
Guide to Co-operative Housing
This provides a detailed overview of how housing co-ops operate in Canada, including legal, operational and financing issues. It was developed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in 2005.
Keys to Success for Food Co-op Start-ups in Rural Areas (US)
Created in 2005, this is a practical guide to assist the development of retail food co-ops, especially in rural communities. It uses four case studies to illustrate the various stages of start-up, and it is relevant to Canada except for issues related to legislation and access to financing.
Health Care Co-operative Start-up Guide
Created by the Co-operatives Secretariat in 2003, this guide offers a good introduction and overview of health care co-operatives in Canada and outlines the key steps in developing a new co-operative in this sector.
A Guide for the Development of Purchasing Cooperatives (US)
This 2009 guide is for small businesses wishing to form a purchasing co-op as a way to increase their buying power and reduce costs so in order to compete more effectively.
Case studies / Examples
Consumer Co-ops in British Columbia
These case studies were written in 2001, and they offer a close look at the development of consumer co-ops in five different communities of British Columbia. They examine each co-op's history, their challenges and success, and the lessons learned.
Consumer Co-op Success Stories (US)
This collection of stories offers a look at US consumer co-ops in housing, health, financial services and energy. Links within the articles connect to websites that offer further information.
Reports and other resources
Car Sharing Co-operatives in Canada
This 2009 report from the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) offers a good overview of the history and current status of car sharing co-ops in Canada, including the business model and the unique benefits and challenges.
Child Care Co-operatives - a research report
This 2007 report from CCA provides a comprehensive view of Canada's child care co-op sector. It includes a detailed statistical profile, case studies, international comparisons and perspectives, and a detailed bibliography with links to further resources.
Federations serving consumer co-ops in Canada
Below are links to six different federations that serve consumer co-ops in Canada. Each of the federations is owned and controlled by their member co-ops, and they provide a range of essential services to their members that make the local co-ops viable.
 Arctic Co-ops Limited
Federated Co-ops Ltd.
Co-op Atlantic
Co-op Housing Federation of Canada
Alberta Federation of Rural Electrification Associations
Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops |
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