| By: Sara Sack, Ph.D. | |
| Assistive Technology for Kansans | |
| (316) 421-8367 |
| Consumers form groups to purchase goods in bulk in order to save money. | |||
| Advantages: Doesn’t take much capitol to start. Can result in considerable cost savings. | |||
| Disadvantages: Does not work well for customized equipment. Hard to find enough people wanting to purchase equipment. | |||
| Generally used by food cooperatives. |
| Very similar to buying club model. Best suited to low-tech supplies, software and items that are not customized. |
IDENTIFYING STATES THAT HAVE COOPERATIVE BUYING PROGRAMS FOR AT
| Kansas currently has a limited group purchasing plan primarily for software and word processors | |
| MD, FL, WI | |
| www.wati.org. PixWriter talking word processing program (regular price $180, buying program price $105 plus $5 shipping, Quicktionary Reading pen, WYNN Reading Software) | |
| Others? | |
| Working with consultant to develop cooperative, create business plan, and implement cooperative purchasing activities | |
| Working with consumers, consumer organizations, schools, and others to identify items to buy in bulk. | |