Objectives of a Consumers Co-operative Society

The objectives of a consumers co-operative society all grow out of a single wish — to protect the ordinary consumer and to give him honest value for his money. The main objectives are:

• To eliminate unnecessary middlemen — By buying goods directly from producers or wholesalers, the society removes the chain of profit-taking middlemen who raise prices without adding real value.
• To supply goods at fair and reasonable prices — The saving made by cutting out middlemen and buying in bulk is passed on to members, so that goods of daily use are available at prices lower than, or no higher than, the ordinary market.
• To supply pure and good-quality goods — The society guarantees genuine, unadulterated goods of standard quality and correct weight, protecting members from the adulteration and short weight common in ordinary trade.
• To protect consumers from exploitation — It shields members from the tricks of profit-hungry traders — hoarding, black-marketing, artificial scarcity and overcharging — especially in times of shortage.
• To ensure a steady and regular supply — By stocking essential goods, the society ensures their regular availability to members even when the open market is short.
• To encourage the habit of saving (thrift) — The dividend on shares and the patronage bonus reward members for their custom and their savings, building the saving habit.
• To promote self-help and co-operation — By running their own shop, consumers learn to solve their common problems collectively, developing self-reliance and a spirit of mutual co-operation. …