Everyone can shop; Anyone can join!
Common Market believes that a business owned by its customers is in the best position to meet the needs of those customers. Ownership is about more than just investing in wise choices for your health; it’s about investing as a partner in the business. We measure our success through a three-tiered bottom line—People, Planet, Profit—which correlates to social, environmental, and economic development. A business should be a positive contributor to the local community, thus we make a conscious effort to give back in meaningful ways and show gratitude for the very community that supports us.
Want to be a part of the Co-op movement? Take a look at the benefits, rights, and responsibilities of a Common Market Owner, fill out the online form, make a payment, and become an Owner today!
Becoming an Owner
To become an Owner, simply complete an equity share form and make a payment. An equity share is a one-time cost of $200; however, a payment plan of eight quarterly payments of $25 is available. Should this payment plan option be chosen, payments are due every three months.
The purchased share is a legal equity share, meaning the purchaser owns part of the business and Ownership is connected to a single individual. Anyone within the Owner’s household may use the account, but only the Owner may vote and/or run for a seat on the Board of Directors.
Benefits of Ownership
Personal benefits:
- A 10% discount on Owner Appreciation Days in February, June, and October (one transaction of your choice)
- Free Bulk Water (deionized & reverse osmosis) – bring your own container!
- Ability to reserve the Community Room at Rt. 85 or 7th St. (pending availability)
- Special discounts from Community Partners
- A subscription to Spoonful, the Common Market newsletter, delivered via mail or email
- New owners receive exclusive coupons
- A 50% discount on Community Room classes for yourself and one guest
- A 12% discount on special orders
- Opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors
- Opportunity to attend Ownerfest, our annual owner meeting
- A free tote bag
- A Patronage Rebate in years the co-op is profitable
Community benefits:
- Keeps farms in our community
- Keeps profits in our community
- Ensures our ability to carry out our mission in Frederick County
- Supports a home-grown business
- Encourages and supports sustainable farming practices
- Encourages and supports fair, ethical, and just business practices
Give Ownership
Do you have friends or family who you would love to see become owners of your local co-op? You can give them the Gift of Ownership! This is done in the form of a special $200 gift card, which can be redeemed only for ownership at the co-op. You can purchase the gift card online or at our Service Desk. Simply purchase the gift card and give it to that special person you want to see become an owner! They will then come in to the store to redeem the gift card and fill out the Owner Equity Form. It’s a simple way to spread the love of your co-op.
Owner Appreciation Days
Our Owner Appreciation Days run for an entire month, three times per year—every February, June, and October—and are one of the most appreciated benefits of being an Owner! Owners receive 10% off a single shopping trip* every February, June, and October. Choose your discount day wisely as you only get to use it once that particular month.
*Discount offered exclusively to Owners. Owners must be up to date with equity payments in order to take advantage of the OAD discount. Visit our Service Desk if you are unsure about your Ownership account status.
Still unsure about becoming an Owner? Click here to scroll through some frequently asked questions or email Matt Turner, Owner Services Lead at ownerservices@commonmarket.coop.