Co-op Cost Cuttersis a province wide buying program provided to housing co-ops who belong to their local federation or to CHF Canada. Co-op Cost Cutters provides a variety of products and services to member co-ops at good prices and quality. Here is some information on the program and how it works:
Products and services in the Co-op Cost Cutters program include:
- appliances – refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and laundry equipment
- maintenance supplies – plumbing, electrical, cleaning, hardware and tools, heating and air conditioning
- office supplies – office, paper, and computer supplies
- paint supplies – paint and materials
- floor and wall coverings
- coin laundry – purchase or lease
- credit and rent checks
- photocopiers and office equipment – purchase or lease
- cleaning supplies
- exterior and interior renovations and painting
- fire safety equipment and inspections
- toilet retrofits for water savings
- pest control
Find a complete list of current Co-op Cost Cutters suppliers.
More information is available on the Co-op Cost Cutters website.
How does a co-op sign up?
The co-op contacts the suppliers it wants to use to set up a Cost Cutters account with that supplier. Each co-op office has received an information kit with the Co-op Cost Cutters contact person for each supplier.
Why should co-ops use Co-op Cost Cutters?
This question is best answered by referring to the sixth Co-operative Principle: Co-operation among Co-operatives. Co-ops working together means the combined buying power of all co-ops increases by getting better and favourable pricing based on volume sales.
Co-ops will get good service from Cost Cutters – another reason for using the program. If your co-op is not satisfied with the service received, the federation will intervene at your co-op’s request to get the problem solved. Co-ops must continue to receive good products and service at a favourable price in order for a supplier to remain part of the program.
And finally, when a co-op uses a Cost Cutters supplier, the federation receives a commission on all sales. This source of income to the federation reduces its dependency on having to increase member dues to support the federation’s services that are needed and requested by co-ops.
How are suppliers chosen?
Suppliers are chosen based on their reputation, their ability to serve most co-ops in the area of the program and their willingness to offer co-ops preferred pricing. Prices are regularly evaluated and are based on the total volume of business conducted by the supplier with all co-ops purchasing the product or the service. Co-ops will always get discounted pricing on those products and services that co-ops are most likely to use on a regular basis. It is not always possible to offer the lowest price in the marketplace so co-ops are encouraged to compare prices taking into account quality, service and extras not included in the price quoted.
Does a co-op have to use all of the services or can it use some of them?
Co-ops may choose to use another company for some purchases and a Cost Cutters supplier for other purchases. As independent entities, co-ops are always free to choose a company to purchase from who gives good service and value that satisfies the co-op.