OPEN AND TRANSPARENT PRICING
Our pricing is based on our materials and labour costs, and we include small additional percentages to cover operational expenses and surplus for cost overruns.
VALU CO-OP operates as a social enterprise—there are no profits, no investor dividend payouts, no member kickbacks, and no surplus returns. Everything is reinvested into the CO-OP and community. We believe in paying our members upfront for their labour and work. All workers are paid a living wage and we are currently building an extended health and dental benefits plan.
We are committed to ongoing regular contributions to our Internal and Community Reserve Funds with each purchase made. Our Internal Reserve Fund is dedicated to co-op futures, emergency funding, and facility + equipment improvements; while the Community Reserve Fund goes toward community projects, solidarity campaigns and actions, social justice initiatives, community and co-op members in need, member shares support, and charitable giving.
For pricing tables and customized quotes, please email orders@valucoop.ca with your inquiries.
OUR SUPPLIERS
VALUe #10: We aim to source materials and supplies produced through ethical labour practices, and which uphold environmentally sustainable practices.
We do our very best to source high quality materials and supplies that are ethically-made, sweat-shop free, and environmentally sustainable whenever possible. As part of our commitment to transparency, we have listed our suppliers here. We are proud to stock a range of union-produced goods!
T-shirts, Sweaters, Garments
From their website:
Items from Quality Knitting’s Unionized Workforce are 100% Sweatshop-Free. Canadian Union Apparel is committed to having a diverse, inclusive, and positive work environment that is completely sweatshop-free. As a proud member of the UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 175) our employees have access to dental, health, and life insurance, as well as to unique skill-building initiatives that combine elements of leadership, education, and communication.
Our Organic Cotton T-Shirt
100% Certified Preshrunk
Super Soft Organic Combed Cotton Jersey (Global Organic Textile Standard) 9 oz
Euro Fit
Double-Needle Topstitch at Collar, Cuffs and Hem Taped Neck and Shoulder
Available in Sizes XS-3XL
Tote bags
From their website:
We pride ourselves on providing products that are made in Canada by unionized workers. We believe the union label is one of the most effective ways to promote and advance the cause of organized labour in a practical way. It demonstrates the product was made by people earning decent wages, with fair conditions and a safe working environment.
We believe unionized workers produce higher quality goods and services that can be made available to you at competitive prices. We use an extensive list of unionized suppliers. One of our main objectives is to contribute to a future with jobs and justice for all.
Buttons
From their website:
While our line of products is continually changing, you can rest assured that you will find consistency in the quality and efficiency of our button making machines and button machine supplies. Tecre Company is dedicated to keeping button making fun, and this means friendly and fast service for our dependable, long-lasting button maker machines and button making supplies.
Printing Supplies
From their website:
Inks
The Roland DG organization worldwide has been proactive in establishing environmentally sound business practices that have both reduced the environmental impact of its products and led to the adoption of cleaner, more energy efficient manufacturing practices.
Recycling Programs
Roland DGA’s cartridge recycling program joins a host of initiatives worldwide designed to decrease the environmental impact of the company’s products and operations.
In addition, Roland DGA recycles paper, cardboard, pallets, plastics and other recyclables. The company has also installed low-wattage lights throughout its facilities that feature sensors and automatic timers to conserve energy.
Eco Solvent, True VIS ink
TrueVIS INK fits neatly into reusable cartridges and slides into a hidden ink bay for clean use and less waste. TrueVIS meets strict environmental standards and user demands for reduced cost ink production that doesn’t sacrifice color or image quality.
