http://ask.metafilter.com/tags/mec Questions tagged with 'mec' at Ask MetaFilter. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:09:10 -0800 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:09:10 -0800 en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://ask.metafilter.com/82330/why%2Da%2Dcoop%2Dbusiness%2Dmodel How does a co-op business model benefit the company? and can any industry use a co-op business model or is it reserved only for smaller/niche markets with passionate buyers? I am curious as to why a company would choose a co-op model? I have a local mec.ca and they are quite popular among the outdoor/hiking/camping/etc crowd. Their webpage states they are not about making money but to serve its community(members). What is it about co-op that allows them to operate the way they operate now that a non-co-op model can't? tax benefits? more $$ ? or is it really goodwill?<br> <br> Can say, a computer store use a coop model? a video game store? an aftermarket car parts store?<br> <br> So far, I have only heard of supermarkets and outdoor camping gear(rei.com, mec.ca) stores use a coop.<br> <br> comments? tag:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.82330 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:09:10 -0800 business coop mec model brinks