Frequently Asked Questions

Member Questions

What is a ‘buying co-op’?

Our buying co-op (cooperative) is a simple group strategy to approach local professionals and ask for a group discount on products or services.  Similar to warehouse shopping and online deal marketplaces but localized for our specific markets and needs.

How do I purchase a deal?

When a deal goes live, instructions for purchasing will be explained. Most often we ask that you complete an online form. We want to make it as easy on everyone as possible. Some deals may require a visit to your home prior to pricing. You are not committed to the deal until pricing has been provided.  Please remember to come back to our website and submit your invoice or receipt so we can make a donation to the school or charity of your choice!

What if I change my mind?

In order for us to obtain the best pricing and best vendors, it is important to be 100% sure that you would like to purchase the goods or services being offered before completing the commitment instructions. We reserve the right to remove individuals who cancel appointments or services from the co-op group and access to future deals. When pricing is cut and dry, we ask that you commit to your purchase upon completing the form.

Will the same items or services be available again?

We hope so! We would like to offer the same goods and services multiple times per year, scheduled out to help budgeting. WE CANNOT guarantee that pricing will always remain the same! Some prices may go up or down on future offerings depending on the vendor and season.

How do you select professionals?

Searching for a good professional is a detailed process for us. We pour through various social media platforms for pros that are regularly referred by people in our communities and look through sites like Yelp, Home Advisor and Angie’s List to find professionals with high ratings. Pros must have impeccable customer service records as well as high rated products or services. Pros must be licensed, bonded and insured when applicable. We do not always look for the lowest price but rather the BEST price for the BEST product or service. We obtain bids from multiple professionals for every deal we offer and present these bids to a small committee of individuals to review. We get input from them and look to make sure the deal is sound and something we all would purchase for our own homes or families. We do all of the phone calls and negotiations for you saving you TIME and MONEY!

What’s the catch?

There is no catch! Our goal is to create a win-win situation for both the customer and the pro. We bring the professional customers ready to purchase and they provide the goods or services at a great price. All you need to do is follow the instructions on the posted deal and pay the pro. Easy-peasy!

Do I have to purchase a deal to be part of the co-op?

Nope! You are not required to make any purchases to remain a part of Thrive Communities.

Can I contact the professional directly?

We ask that you do not contact the pro unless otherwise indicated. Part of our negotiation strategy is keeping costs down on both ends and keeping things as streamlined as possible. If you have a question that Thrive cannot answer, we will refer to the professional for you.

What if I am not happy with the product or service I purchased?

Thrive is a buy at your own risk cooperative. We make EVERY effort to find the BEST products and services at the BEST price and we strive for happy and satisfied customers. If for some reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, we ask that you first contact the professional to address your issue, especially if you deem your product to be faulty. If the pro does not resolve your problem, please contact us directly. We do want to know if a pro has not met their end of the deal! Professionals who do not provide stellar customer service will be removed from the platform.

Do you, the owners of Thrive, make money on this?

We negotiate an admin fee with the professionals when possible or sometimes it is a trade of services. Most times it is a small percentage of the sales we help generate.

Vendor Questions

Is There a Fee to Participate?

There are no upfront fees. We charge am administrative fee which is a small percentage of total sales. If we do not sell any of your services, you pay nothing. No risk whatsoever to the vendor.

How Can My Business Participate?

In order to participate in a Thrive Co-Op deal the following is required:

  • 4+ Stars reviews on websites like Yelp, Angie’s List, and Google.
  • Must offer an exclusive discount on products and/or services not available to the general public.
  • Must be licensed (if required)
  • Must be insured (if required)
  • Must be able to service to many people within a specified period of time.
  • Must offer amazing customer service!

If this is you, please submit your information via our New Business Sign Up FormNew Business Sign Up.

Do I Have to Offer a Discount on My Products or Services?

While it isn’t absolutely required, it is customary for our Pros to provide members with a special offer or discount.  The discount or special offer helps to incentivize members to purchase your products and/or services.

Do I Have to Provide a Price Upfront? Our Pricing is Custom to Each Customer?

No worries! If your service requires a custom estimate we ask that you provide us with a “standard package”. Let us know what is included and what is excluded for a specific price. Don’t worry, we understand most of our members will require a custom price.

Schools & Nonprofits

Is There a Fee to Participate?

Absolutely not! We would love to work with your school or charity. Please contact Angela (at) thrivecommunities.us.

What is Required to Participate?

In order to receive fundraising dollars from Thrive Communities we ask our schools/charities to:

  • Introduce ThriveCommunities.us in your monthly newsletter and on your social media channels.
  • Promote ThriveCommunities.us deals in your monthly newsletters and on your social media channels.
  • Remind Parents to submit their purchases via our Giveback Submission Form.  Make sure they select your organization so we can donate a percentage of their purchases to your school/charity.

If you have any questions, please contact Angela@ThriveCommunities.us.