I've heard the annual meetings are quite lively...
if its like the UK equivalent, its not a requirement that the customers are co-op members, but the funeral co-ops generally have a good reputation for providing affordable services (it costs quite a bit to die in a capitalist world!).
The UK Co-op does give members special rates for funerals.
As for transfer of shares, I think it depends on local law and the rules of the co-op involved but they are usually treated like anything else in the estate.
Maybe some people have discovered an alternative route to eternal life, since they can't afford to die.
@mattcropp Seriously though, sounds like a really good idea given the high costs of funerals, and how (I hear) most funeral homes are owned by big operators
@mattcropp LOL that must sure be a fun place to work!
@mattcropp What happens to member shares when one of the unlucky cooperativists "withdraws"? Are their shares transferrable or they go back to the Coop pool?
I mean this is a concern any other coop should have, but it seems especially relevant for a coop in this line of business where the cooperativists are all but guaranteed to quit being members.