What is one common objective of service cooperatives?

Offering low-cost services to members is a fundamental objective of service cooperatives. These organizations are designed to serve the needs of their members rather than prioritize profit maximization. By pooling resources and leveraging collective purchasing power, service cooperatives can negotiate better prices and provide services at a lower cost compared to what members might individually encounter in the market. This approach not only fosters a sense of community and collaboration among member-owners but also ensures that essential services are accessible and affordable.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary goals of service cooperatives. Maximizing profit for individuals runs counter to the cooperative’s philosophy of mutual benefit and community focus. Providing free services to consumers is typically unsustainable, as cooperatives still incur costs that need to be managed through member contributions or fees. Competing with large corporations might be a secondary effect of their operations but is not a primary objective; the main emphasis remains on meeting the specific needs of members effectively and affordably.