I am very new to coops of any type so I have to apologize if these subjects have been discussed in depth and I don't know where to look (if I can be pointed in the right direction, TIA). These questions are mine, not the VéloCity Co-op. Some have been discussed in general and some not at all, I am doing a little research for my own education. 

 

Use of patron/customer sign-in sheets. Y/N comments Pro/Con. Using sheets to track shop use, help motivate donations for stand time vs. not putting off those who have limited funds.

 

Use of membership. Y/N comments Pro/Con.  $5 for membership, 1st hour (or "use") is free so cost neutral, write the date on a business card and leave it at that. Collect $5 to use the stand/tools/consumables as patron/bike passes the door and either gets their card or flashes it to use the coop. Idea is they would spend >$20 to purchase the consumables they might only use once a year. Plants the idea stand time and consumables cost.

 

Use of requirement to have taken a basic class to use the stands (waved at the discretion of the Sr. person on site). Y/N comments Pro/Con.

 

Non-profit competing with the local bike shop by offering paid services. Pro/Con We try to offer "Verbal assistance" right . . . but many struggle with "Righty-tighty, lefty-loosy" and are often trying to get back on the trail so aren't in a place where they are looking for a learning experience. So if they can't do the work themselves, paid services when the LBS is on the other side of the same building.

 

Again, TIA to any who can take time to answer or point me to message archives for education.

 

Ron