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[two_third] Have a question that hasn’t been answered here? Email customerservice@oneotacoop.com or call us at (563) 382-4666.

What is a co-op?

A co-op (cooperative) is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

Co-ops are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative owners believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.

Unlike most corporately-owned businesses that make decisions primarily to maximize profits, co-ops make decisions to maximize services to their owners and their community.

Any business can be organized as a co-op. Grocery stores, credit unions, housing facilities, child daycares, and hospitals are all good examples of cooperatively run businesses.

Adhering to democratic principles, co-ops provide millions of jobs, stimulate the economy, and enhance the communities that they’re a part of.

Do I have to be an owner to shop at the Oneota Co-op?

Definitely not. We welcome ALL customers to shop at the Co-op. There is no additional charge for products if you are not an owner. Your cashier will ask if you are an owner at the register. Our owner sales are recorded by owner number. This allows special sale prices to apply to these sales and it is also a record that helps with our dividend process in years we make a profit.

How do I join?

A share in the Oneota Co-op can be purchased right at our cash registers. Just alert a cashier and they will help you fill out our Owner Share Purchase Agreement. The form is quick and the whole process could take just a few minutes. Unless you have questions and then it can take as long as you need!

Why should I join?

Cooperative ownership benefits the business as well as its owners. It provides the co-op with equity to make major purchases or improvements. Co-op owners gain many benefits as well as rights and responsibilities. Your participation and commitment enliven the Co-op and help to make it a true community organization. Patronage dividends can be given in profitable years at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

The extensive list of benefits specific to the Oneota Co-op can be found on our Ownership page (click here).

How does the payment plan work?

The full cost of a share at the Oneota Co-op is $140.00. However, we offer an option to pay this off over time. The day you purchase your share you must pay a minimum of $20.00, (along with a $5.00 administration fee for the installment plan). Each March 1st your next installment will be due. After seven payments your share will be paid off in full and you will not need to make any additional payments.

While you are paying your installments in a timely manner you are considered an owner-in-good-standing of the Oneota Co-op. All owner benefits are available to you. If a share installment is not received by March 1st of each year, the owner will no longer be considered ‘in good standing’. Owner benefits will not be received until payments are brought up-to-date.

Am I able to refund my ownership/share?

Your ownership at the Co-op should be looked at as a stock purchase rather than an expiring membership. You are truly purchasing a share of stock in the cooperative business itself. This share is refundable upon request, and at the discretion of the Oneota Co-op Board of Directors. To request a refund of your ownership/share, the following form must be printed, filled out completely, and mailed to the Co-op for processing. (Click here to download the Withdrawal From Ownership form.)

How does the monthly discount work?

Every month our owners each have one 5% discount to use. This discount can be used on any single shop during the month. All you must do is let the cashier know, at some point during your transaction, that you would like to apply your discount. Our computer system keeps track of everything – so it is easy to find out if you have already used your discount. And each 1st of the month there is another discount for you to use.

Discounts apply to most products in the store. There are a handful of exclusions, listed here: Co+op Deals sale items and also milk, eggs, butter, wine, beer, fresh breads and pastries, and Deli items.

Don’t forget about our Owner Senior Discount! Any owners who have reached the age of 60 qualify for a 5% discount EACH Monday & Tuesday. Please alert a cashier if you qualify for this discount. We will add the information to your account and the discount will appear each Monday & Tuesday. All you have to do is remember to shop on Mondays!

Discounts may be used together. For example, a monthly discount could be used in combination with a senior discount on a Monday or a monthly discount could be used in combination with our Wellness Wednesday discount.
[section name=”When is Wellness Wednesday?”] Wellness Wednesday occurs the THIRD Wednesday of each month. On this day all owners receive a 10% discount on most products in our Nutritional Supplements and Body Care departments. All you have to do is be an owner and shop on this day to receive the discount. Don’t forget you can also use your monthly discount on this day for extra savings. There are a handful of exclusions, including already discounted Co+op Deals sale items. Simply ask a staff member if you have a question about it when you come to shop!

What kind of payment do you accept?

Oneota Co-op accepts all major debit/credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, NCG Co-op Gift Cards, SNAP (EBT) cards, checks and cash.

Please be prepared to share your Driver’s license for all out-of-state and non-owner checks.

Owners may write checks for $20.00 over the amount of purchase.

For your convenience we have a Decorah Bank & Trust ATM located in our entryway. We encourage you to make a choice to use CASH on small purchases. This saves money in banking fees and allows us to focus resources on more important things.

Do I have to work at the Co-op to be a Owner?

Nope! Our Co-op is fully staffed by paid employees and we love our jobs. We are happy to keep doing them and let you do your grocery shopping.

I am studying at Luther College. Should I become an owner of the Oneota Co-op?

Yes! Many Luther students choose to take advantage of the benefits of being an Oneota Co-op owner. See the answer to the question above in regards to this investment. The $140.00 share price should not push you away. You can also opt for the payment plan of $20/year. This is a refundable investment no matter how you choose to pay. Just think of the Co-op as the caretakers of that $140.00 while you are studying. We will put it to good use in our local economy and if you need it back at a later date see here (link to Withdrawal From Ownership form).

Do I receive a discount for purchasing a large quantity of product?

Yes, our owners receive a 15% discount (off the regular retail price) on any products that are special ordered. Special ordering generally involves buying product by the case. See our Special Order Policy here .

Can I bring my own containers to fill at the store?

Yes and please do so! We encourage all customers to bring their own, clean containers to be refilled each time they shop. See more about shopping in Bulk here.

[section name=”How do I submit a comment, suggestion, product request or complaint?”] There are many ways to let us know your thoughts about the Oneota Co-op – and we really want to hear them! In-store there is a comment box at the Customer Service Desk. These comments are passed directly to our Leadership Team each week. You are also welcome to submit comments and requests through our online suggestion box here.

How can I become more involved in the Oneota Co-op?

In so many ways… one of the best ways to help us is to shop here and encourage your friends to shop at the Oneota Co-op. Your grocery dollars sustain us. In addition, you may:

Vote. Oneota is a democratically-controlled cooperative. Owners take care of their investment by voting for their Board of Directors who can be trusted to oversee that the Co-op is run responsibly.

Talk to the Board. The Board wants to hear from you! Attend monthly Board meetings, held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. Each meeting begins with Board learning, followed by owner comments at approximately 6:15 pm and the general meeting agenda. Meetings are currently held virtually. Check out or social media page for details.

Run for a position on the Board. Elections are held annually starting in March. Contact the Board if you’d like to run for a position.

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Owner Resources

New Owner Manual
Co-op Ends
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