What BDRC Is Not

To avoid misunderstanding, we state clearly what BDRC does not do:

BDRC Does Not Hold Inventory

BDRC does not purchase, store, or distribute products. We are not a wholesaler or distributor.

Members maintain complete control over their inventory decisions, procurement sources, and product selection.

BDRC Does Not Mandate Procurement

BDRC does not require members to purchase from any specific supplier or through any specific channel.

All procurement decisions remain with individual members. The cooperative may facilitate collective discussions with suppliers for members who choose to participate, but participation is always voluntary.

BDRC Does Not Provide Financial Services

BDRC is not a financial institution. We do not:

  • Provide credit or advances directly
  • Accept deposits
  • Process financial transactions
  • Offer financial products

BDRC may facilitate connections between members and legitimate financial institutions, but we do not provide financial services ourselves.

BDRC Does Not Control Member Business Operations

BDRC does not:

  • Set prices for member businesses
  • Dictate business hours or operations
  • Require specific business practices
  • Interfere in customer relationships
  • Control business data for external purposes

Each member operates their business independently. The cooperative exists to support, not control.

BDRC Does Not Guarantee Commercial Outcomes

BDRC provides access to tools, information, and collective strength. We do not guarantee:

  • Specific financial results
  • Sales increases
  • Supplier discounts
  • Access to capital from external institutions

Member success depends on individual business decisions. The cooperative provides enablement, not assurance.

BDRC Is Not a Franchise or Chain

BDRC members are independent businesses, not franchisees. There is:

  • No common branding requirement
  • No standardized store format
  • No mandated product range
  • No territory restrictions
  • No franchise fees or royalties

Members maintain their individual identity and business approach.

BDRC Is Not a Technology Platform Controlling Business Data

While BDRC may provide digital tools to members, we are not a data aggregation platform that:

  • Sells member business data to third parties
  • Uses aggregated data for purposes unrelated to member benefit
  • Retains control of member business information
  • Requires data sharing as a condition of membership

Technology serves members, not external commercial interests. Data governance policies protect member interests and are subject to member oversight.

BDRC Is Not a Lobbying or Advocacy Organization

BDRC focuses on direct member services, not political advocacy. While we engage appropriately with regulators and government where necessary for cooperative operations, we are not:

  • A trade association
  • A political lobbying group
  • An advocacy platform for policy changes

Our focus remains on practical member enablement within existing regulatory frameworks.

BDRC Is Not an Exclusive Membership Organization

BDRC membership does not preclude members from:

  • Joining other cooperatives or associations
  • Using services from other providers
  • Participating in other commercial arrangements
  • Maintaining existing business relationships

Members retain complete freedom in their business associations.

What BDRC Is

BDRC is a member-owned cooperative that:

  • Enables digital readiness
  • Facilitates collective dialogue on an opt-in basis
  • Connects members with financial institutions
  • Provides aggregated market intelligence while protecting individual data
  • Maintains democratic governance and transparent operations

We exist to strengthen independent retailers while respecting their independence. Understanding what we do not do is as important as understanding what we do.

Questions

If you have questions about BDRC’s scope or boundaries, please refer to our FAQs or contact us.