Different direction for now

[rebel]

I'm looking at a different direction for survival. Last year we purchased an old commercial building that we're renovating. I'm thinking about a co-op for folks to bring their goods for sale and/or barter. If it gets really bad there is always the other options. What do you think?

[crashdive123]

Interesting idea. Don't know the area you are talking about, but interesting. Here's a Wiki article on co-ops. Is this the kind of thing you are thinking about?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumers%27_cooperative

[rebel]

Pretty much. I just think people are going to need to help each other. This building would be a meeting place for folks with goods and services. Even if the dollar is worthless you will need things and have things that others want.

[rebel]

Talking with the old-timers of the depression they had the same story. Food was a priority. Getting an apple for christmas was a good christmas. My family had a farm and they never turned anyone away. They also , were never taken advantage of. Some of the other priority items were alcohol, tobacco and candy. Everybody has a little change for candy now and then.

[rebel]

You could also sell/ barter seed and garden tools. Give instruction on wilderness foraging. Fishing supplies. Provide child and elderly care. etc.

[crashdive123]

If it's something you're passionate about, and you've done your homework - go ahead. Just be aware of all of the pro's and con's and costs.

[Ridge Wolf]

This is an excellent idea. You could set this up to be a non-profit organization... owned by the local residents (buy in?) as a cooperative and also stockpile warehouse supplies for natural disasters et.al. You might consider including a community shelter with it also. Have the shelter and the supplies together.

This idea is sellable especially after hurricane Katrina and others in the south. Create several of them in those areas that are prone to disaster... Although disaster does happen anywhere. Just some thoughts.. good luck.

[Rick]

Rebel - A cooperative form of enterprise is not designed to make a profit. Ideally, any profit made is distributed among the members. If that's what you have in mind then you're on the right track.

If, however, you want it to be a source of income then you might think about leasing space to anyone that wants to set up a booth or table with items to sell or trade.

I'm not certain where you are from and it varies from state to state in the U.S. but incorporating is pretty straight forward, simple and inexpensive. You could even set it up as a single member LLC to take advantage of flow through taxation.

[canid]

that is a great idea. i've worked with co-oppers in the past and i happen to feel that people already need to help each other out, that is; if they care to see each other make it and are willing to take on a share of the burden of enterprise, or whatever else. it's certainly not for everyone, but it doesn't have to be a lot of work either. something about many hands something-or-other.

[BraggSurvivor]

rebel, have you considered a Farmers Market / Co-operator type venture? There is one here in Calgary and seems to work great. It would cover your overhead costs of owning the building and build a network of like minded community to share in ideas. Locally grown produce has really taken off the last few years.....

[rebel]

These ideas are great! Perhaps, it would grow to become some international network of local likeminded individuals. I was thinking of a "Stone soup farmersmarket/co-op". As for now, God has blessed us with the ability to afford the building. I probably have 3-4 months of work in refinishing. I'm sure something will give insight for a direction. It seems everything always works out.

[crashdive123]

Good luck with it.

[rebel]

Well, squid! You could come help me. Of course that would mean moving 1600 miles to the great white tundra. Don't worry. There is a barb wire fence between us and the north pole.

[crashdive123]

Sorry bud. Ya lost me on that one.

[rebel]

I bbq ribs in a blizzard. Chillin'-&-Grillin'. ?!?!

[rebel]

Sam, I did the pm thing. See if it works. It's the first time I've tried it.