What type of cooperative primarily offers low-cost services to its members?

A service cooperative primarily offers low-cost services to its members by pooling resources and sharing costs among a group. These cooperatives exist to provide essential services that may be difficult for individuals to afford independently. For instance, a service cooperative may offer services such as insurance, healthcare, or educational resources. By leveraging collective purchasing and operational efficiencies, these cooperatives can pass on savings to their members, allowing them access to needed services at reduced prices.

In contrast, purchasing cooperatives bring together individuals or businesses to buy products in bulk, achieving cost savings through economies of scale. Market cooperatives focus on providing a platform for members to market and sell their products. Consumer cooperatives are owned and operated by consumers for mutual benefit, often concentrating on selling goods at a lower price or providing a wider selection than traditional retailers. Each of these cooperatives serves a specific function, but the defining characteristic of service cooperatives is their focus on delivering services at a lower cost to their members.