About Buying Clubs

Buying Clubs are groups of people, usually from multiple households, who pool their time, resources, and buying power to save money on quality healthy foods available from UNFI. Buying Clubs order in bulk must be able meet UNFI’s order minimums. Buying Clubs are encouraged to order monthly, however we do service clubs who order bi-monthly.

Buying Clubs receive their orders in one of two ways: either via delivery on an UNFI semi-truck or by warehouse pick-ups; each option has different order requirements.

Clubs are managed through an elected Coordinator and sometimes a co-coordinator. Since clubs operate under the conditions of its coordinator and its members, each Buying Club can run differently, making each club unique in its own way.

HOW DO BUYING CLUBS WORK?

Every Buying Club is run differently and it is up to each club to decide how to coordinate and submit their group order to UNFI. Only the Buying Club's elected Coordinator is authorized to place the order. To make this process as simple as possible UNFI offers several ordering tools and options.

A monthly Buying Club Pricelist is available for clubs to use when creating an order. Web Ordering can be used to view an online pricelist, search product ingredients, organize a community split basket, add items to individual baskets, and place the group order. Coordinators may also call in or fax in their orders to the appropriate UNFI Customer Service Department.

Once the group order is received, UNFI will process the order and prepare it for delivery based on your clubs determined ship dates and delivery method. When delivery is made by UNFI trucks Buying Club members meet the truck, unload the order, and then sort the group order into each individual member's order. Each Buying Club manages their own finances and pays for their order with one check.

WHY JOIN A BUYING CLUB?

In addition to purchasing quality natural and organic foods and products at cost saving prices, there are many other reasons to start or join a buying club:

• Get to know other people with similar interests from your community
• Support organic farmers
• Be a part of a cooperative food system that is owned and operated by people who use the products
• Learn new skills, such as using a computer or bookkeeping
• Revitalize your neighborhood, small town or rural area by providing access to products which might not otherwise be available
• Learn more about natural food, nutrition and cooking