Non-Member Shopping

This proposal is to allow non-members to be able to shop from the coop, while reserving voting privileges to dues-paying members.

Background

Currently, only dues-payingmembers memberswho contribute labor and pay dues are allowed to shop with the coop.

Problem

By restricting who is allowedshopping to shop,members, we are reducingscreening theout overallindividuals volumewho of goods that we couldmight be providinginterested forin people.shopping and joining our coop community at a lower engagement level than current members. Current practice also restricts our sales volume. If the volume of sales were to increase, we would potentially be able toin the future to:

1. negotiateNegotiate for lower prices from Chicano Sol (and any other provider), and
2. provideProvide cheaper and higher-quality goods to people in the community.

Solution

To increase shopping, thisThis proposal recommends that we open up access to our shelf stock and the Meso app to any resident in DC,non-members, provided they are willing to pick their order up from theLuther LutheranPlace churchChurch during our current shopping windows on Sunday and Wednesday (or other negotiated pickup location)location if necessary). ThoseIndividuals who shop through us and do not contribute labor or pay monthly dues will be known as customers, in contrast to dues-paying membersmembers..

Monthly

Customer Dues

Surcharge

Instead of dues, theThe coop reserves the right to institute a percentage surcharge on each order for non-memberorders by customers. This surcharge would be raised in the future if a need is assessed, but this proposal recommends a 3%5% surcharge to start.

Voting Rights

Only dues-paying members would be able to vote aton coopformal meetings.proposals and structural changes to the coop.

Customers would be able to voteshare infeedback non-bindingwith members, and to respond to informational surveys that the coop may decide to issue.

Conclusion

This proposal recommends allowing non-members to shop at the coop and to charge them a 3% surcharge.