Meg emailed in the following tip:
I am always looking for ways to pay less than retail price for the items I buy every day. So when I heard about co-op groups on Facebook, I was intrigued — and they turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done to save money.
A Co-Op (or Co-operative) negotiates a wholesale price on an item by having it’s members combine their individual orders into one large order. For example, if I were to buy designer lipstick from a store, I might have to pay $15 per tube. However, the stores themselves only pay $3 per tube. In a co-op, because there are 50 of us buying lipstick, we are able to pool our money together and buy an entire case – and we get the price that the stores would pay. Even after paying shipping from the “host” (the person that places the wholesale order) to my home, I’m still seeing savings of 15% to even 80%!
I have had great luck with buying cosmetics, children’s toys, clothing, organic body products, craft supplies, clothing, and even household items through co-op groups.
Most groups on Facebook are “closed” groups, so just ask to join!
Kelli says
My Husband and I have opened a co-op, its available to join now, but the first buy will be Jan 1, 2017. We are wanting to bring the co-op world into some men’s products as well as still fulfilling the most sought after items for women, children and families!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Thatguyscoop/
Hopeful says
Kelli, how is t going so far? My cousin and I have found great deals for children’s clothing (only interested in that) and are wanting to open a shop/but in page. Any advice or tips you have? Also, do you know how it would all work for taxes at the end of the year?
Thanks!
Stella says
Check out snag it shopping club, it is a great one
Ashley says
I’m a part of a great co-op that focuses mostly on girls clothes. It’s called Lily and Londyn ‘ s Steals and Deals. It’s awesome and they run squeaker shoes and other thing in occasion, but I’m in need of a boys clothing co-op which seems very, very rare.
Makyla Deleo says
I wrote a whole article on finding and navigating through Facebook Co-Op groups on my blog: http://confessionsofawahm.ca
Facebook Co-Ops are awesome money savers! This is another group that rates co-ops: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodbaduglycoops/
And this is the Co-Op I admin: https://www.facebook.com/groups/canadamamaclothcoop/
Kira says
makyla, I am considering opening a group/shop for baby clothes and wondering the best way to go about it and how taxes and such work at the end of the year. Any advice?
crunchy mom says
Check out Orange Kitty Co-op! They have great deals & really friendly & helpful hosts! http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOrangeKittyCoop/
sona says
For those interested in sewing (fabric and related items….patterns, notions)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FabricsAndNotions
I have been a member for probably 8 years and the people who run it have always been upfront and ethical. Some times they order right from the manufacturer, so are able to get specific colors dyed for them etc. Not a perfect solution since you cant feel or see in person (can see online) or return for the most part. US only I believe.
KK @ Student Debt Survivor says
so interesting, didn’t even know these existed. Off to check out off there are any in my area.
Brianne says
I have this on my to do list for the month of April- to find a co-op for gardening! I never thought about a co-op for other products! Thanks for the idea!!
nikki says
i would love more information on co ops they sound interesting. Are there specific ones you use or recommend?
thanks
Brenda V says
can you tell me the group that you belong to please?
thanks
Brenda
Tracy says
I am a member of an organic fruit and vegetable co-op in Houston, TX. Here’s the website.
http://www.rawfullyorganic.com/index.php
Christi says
Here is a great co-op group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Treesoflife/?fref=ts
Janelle says
A lot of them are cloth diaper co-ops but also have a lot of other things. So you could search “diaper co-op” or “mom’s co-op” on Facebook and some should come up.
Elisa says
how do you search for these co-ops..
Heather says
Great idea if you can figure out how to find/join. I am in some local buy/sell/trade groups too. They are nice because you can also post for items you need. The co-op I am having trouble finding.
Courtney says
I have just joined 2 co-op or ‘group buy’ groups, both craft related (I own my own craft business) and I’ve been really excited to see what kind of prices the buyers are able to negotiate for us!
I can’t help you too much on how to find the groups. I found one group through a local crafting group. My recommendation is to ask friends and look into local ‘swap and shop’ (where I found a lead to the other). If I find more information on any I’ll be sure to share it here!
Courtney says
Alright, best way a friend of mine recommended to find these groups. Type in the type of buy group you’re searching for, say ‘diaper’ or ‘makeup’. Then click the ‘group’ search filter. Then from there it’s pretty easy to tell which ones are group buys. I tried this with ‘diaper’ and came up with good results. Hope this helps.
Lyndsay Withey says
There is at least one cloth diaper co op on facebook. A few of my friends did that and said it was so much cheaper buying them anywhere else. Even used! She saved money and got brand new items
Becky says
no I haven’t heard of co-op groups. I do belong to a free / trade group as well as a couple local yardsale groups
Reagan says
I am part of a Facebook produce co-op for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We pay $20 every two weeks and get on average about $40 +/- worth of veggies and produce. It has saved my budget tremendously!
Melissa says
Hi Reagan. Could you share with me the group URL?
I’m on the gulf coast too and I’m interested in this group
Thanks!
Luba says
Would you all have to get the exact same toy and/or shade of lipstick?
Patty says
Very interesting idea. How do you find co-op groups on Facebook?
Sherry says
ditto… what is a way to “search” for them?
Lisa says
yes how?
Lydia says
Wondering the same thing!
Heather says
Yes! Tell all of us inquiring women how?
Unless I am a dairy farmer, I am out of luck.
Is there a secret code? lol
Jessica says
https://www.facebook.com/groups/coopdealsandreviews/
Is a group dedicated to promoting and reviewing other co-op groups 🙂
I’m a member of a half dozen different co-ops, and I’ve found all but one of them through this group.
Heather says
Jessica, you are AWESOME!!! 🙂
Thanks!!!
Lisa says
Yes, How do you find them?
Cindy huffman says
Would love a way to shop these closed groups