Types of co-operative societies - SS1 Commerce Lesson Note
· Consumer Cooperative: This type of cooperative society is formed by consumers who join together to purchase goods and services in bulk. By pooling their resources, they can negotiate better prices and obtain quality products. The main focus is to meet the needs of the members as consumers.
· Producer Cooperative: In a producer cooperative, individuals or businesses in a specific industry come together to collectively produce, process, or market their products. By working together, they can benefit from economies of scale, share resources, and have a stronger market presence. The members are both owners and producers.
· Wholesaler Cooperative: Wholesaler cooperatives are formed by wholesalers or distributors who join forces to streamline their operations and increase their bargaining power. By working together, they can access larger markets, negotiate better deals with suppliers, and reduce costs through joint distribution efforts.
· Retailer Cooperative: Retailer cooperatives are established by independent retailers who collaborate to enhance their competitiveness. By pooling resources, they can achieve economies of scale in purchasing, marketing, and advertising. This allows them to offer a wider range of products, compete with larger retailers, and share business support services.
· Thrift and Credit Societies: Thrift and credit societies, also known as credit unions, are financial cooperatives formed by individuals who pool their savings to provide affordable credit and other financial services to their members. They promote savings, provide loans, and offer a range of banking services while prioritizing the financial well-being of their members.