Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GENERAL
- What is a buying club?
- Why organic?
- How is ROBC different from other buying clubs?
- What other areas does your group service?
- Do you know of any other buying club groups in AZ?
MEMBERSHIP
- Are there any jobs or responsibilities that are required of members?
- Are there any fees or commitment levels required to join?
- Where are orders picked up?
- What methods of payment do you accept?
- What if I cannot pick up on the scheduled pick up day?
- How much do members generally save ordering through your buying club vs. retail?
WHAT IS A BUYING CLUB?
A buying club is a group of people who pool their time, resources, and buying power to save money on high quality healthful foods. There are varying degrees of formality.
Buying clubs are also a type of natural food co-op that are (generally) informal organizations of friends, members of church groups, etc. who buy food together from a food co-op warehouse.
WHY ORGANIC?
“Organic” – the popular buzzword of our day. Many people are fairly familiar with this label on produce and health foods. But, not everyone fully understands the importance of it in our diet. The following resources help to explain why organic foods are, in fact, very important to our health.
- The Truth About Organics
- 10 Really Good Reasons To Buy Organic
- Benefits of Eating Organic
- The Poisoning of Our Foods
- Dangers of Genetically Engineered Foods-Part 1
- Is Your Food Genetically Modified
HOW IS ROBC DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BUYING CLUBS?
We differ from some buying clubs in the fact that we are not an organic produce buying club. Although we have access to some staple organic produce with a few of our vendors, it is not what we primarily order or organize as a group. We mainly order from organic companies that offer a wide variety of all natural, organic, earth friendly foods and products. The biggest savings our members receive is on bulk items. Visit our Getting Started to see a list of the current vendors we order from.
WHAT OTHER AREAS DOES YOUR GROUP SERVICE?
We primarily serve the Tucson and Southern AZ areas (Tucson, Marana, Safford, Wilcox, Benson, Whetstone, Vail, Corona/Sahuarita). However, we do welcome members from any area as long as they are willing to make arrangements to pick up their orders at any of our drop locations.
DO YOU KNOW OF ANY OTHER BUYING CLUB GROUPS IN AZ?
Yes! We have two sister co-op groups. ROBC and STOBC are sister groups that branched out of the GOBC group. GOBC was founded and coordinated by Jocelyn & Kevin Klotz until their family’s recent move to NW Tucson.
- GOBC (Grande Organics Buying Club)
Serving Casa Grande Valley & surrounding areas
Main contact: Tracy Peterson
Website: www.grandeorganicsbc.info. - STOBC (South Tempe Organic Buying Club)
Serving the South Tempe, AZ area
Main contact: Celi Back – amback78@gmail.com
ARE THERE ANY JOBS OR RESPONSIBILITIES THAT ARE REQUIRED OF MEMBERS?
There are no required jobs or responsibilities. However, volunteers are often needed to help unload the Azure truck. When there is are specific needs for volunteers other than unloading the truck, we will send out an email asking for assistance.
ARE THERE ANY FEES OR COMMITMENT LEVELS REQUIRED TO JOIN?
There are no membership fees or dues at this time. There is also no weekly or monthly commitment level required for membership. Members order as they need to. We simply ask that members place at least 1 order about every 6 months. There is no purpose joining our group if a member doesn’t place an order on at least a minimal basis.
WHERE ARE ORDERS PICKED UP AT?
There are currently 10 pick up locations that members can choose to pick up their orders from. Orders are picked up at the Drop Coordinators’ homes.
- SE Tucson, NE, Tucson, Central Tucson, NW Tucson, Marana
- Benson, Whetstone, Vail, Corona/Sahuarita
WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Check, cash, and electronic payments via Paypal or Chase QuickPay.
WHAT IF I CANNOT PICK UP ON THE SCHEDULED PICK UP DAY?
If an order is placed and a member unexpectedly cannot pick up on the scheduled pick up day, members are responsible to make arrangements to either have someone else pick up their order for them or contact the Drop Leader to pick up their order on the next available day. If you know ahead of time that you cannot pick up on the scheduled day but would still like to place an order, (ie: going on vacation), please contact the Drop Leader before you submit your order to see if she is able to hold your order until you return.
HOW MUCH DO MEMBERS GENERALLY SAVE ORDERING THROUGH YOUR BUYING CLUB VS. RETAIL?
Savings will vary with each vendor and product. However, members can generally expect to save anywhere from 15% – 60%.