Organizational structure
It is possible to identify three different kind of organization for Ethic Purchasing Groups , each group , depending on its own need and characteristics can choose the type that fits better its demands .
The first typology is the informal one , in which components choose not to formalize an agreement , but to use a less strict structure of organization . This kind of group adopts shared regulations / guidelines in which are described in detail their activities , completely carried out by the components , without implying any additional cost for the product purchase . Little groups of people , who look for a more flexible organization , prefer this kind of organization .
Another kind of structure is characterized by the collaboration with existent associations or cooperatives . To join the EPG , participants have to be also members of the association , and all the collective purchases have to be planned as one of the goals of the association . The advantages of this organization reside in the availability of wide spaces , at disposal or property of the association , for the storage of great quantities of goods , and in the guarantee of a regular accounting managing . Naturally , all these services imply additional costs , for this reason there is a price increase on the products bought .
The last organizational type consist in an EPG that decides to constitute an association . This is often a choice made by a large or an increasing group that want to obtain more autonomy and a more definite identity , in order to access capitals destined to associations , to dispose municipal spaces or to acquire new ones . To make it possible , it is necessary to draft the memorandum and the articles of association and to lodge / deposit them at the registry . The aim of this kind of association envisage the collective purchase and , in order to behave fairly , is very important that this new entity would be a no-profit-making one . The association has to register all the income and expenditure , all the receipts has to be put in the association ’ s name , all the purchases have to be made only for the association ’ s members . Usually all members pay a share of participation to help sustaining of the costs or , otherwise , it is possible to apply a price increase on the products .
The most spread structure is the informal one , both for small and big groups . Undoubtedly , this represent the less demanding organization type that counts on the reciprocal trust of the participants .
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