FAQs

Do I have to be a member to shop at the COOP?

No. The COOP is open to everybody, but only COOP members receive member pricing and member discounts.

How do I join?

Sign-up or renew your membership online at thecoop.com or at any of the COOP's retail locations.

What is the COOP?

The COOP was founded in 1882 by a group of students, as a cooperative which would provide the academic and professional community with a place to buy merchandise at competitive prices and that would also distribute the store earned profits among its members; currently in the form of a 10% member discount.

What is a COOP Number?

COOP members are issued a COOP Membership number that members should use whenever making a purchase in Coop stores. Provided the purchaser gives their COOP number at the time of purchase, these sales will be discounted 10%. To receive your 10% member discount on online purchases, please use the email addresses associated with your account to log-in to your member account.

What forms of payment can I use for purchase?

You may pay in store with cash, check, travelers check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Crimson Cash is accepted at all Harvard store locations and Tech Cash is accepted at all MIT COOP store locations. For online purchases, you may pay with credit cards only.

Can a Member let someone else use their COOP number?

Members are not allowed in any way to transfer their privilege or to make purchases on their account in the interest of others. The misuse of a COOP number will mean the cancellation of their membership.

What if I forgot my COOP number and want to make a purchase?

You can now log-in to your COOP account online simply by using the email address that you used when you signed up. Your web experience and COOP membership is all tied together in one place for your convenience.

To receive your 10% member discount on online purchases, please use the email addresses associated with your account to log-in to your member account. To receive your 10% member discount on in-store purchases, you may use either your COOP Membership number or the email address associated with your member account.

Is the COOP's logo merchandise officially licensed by Harvard and MIT?

Yes. The COOP's logo gifts, apparel, etc. are officially licensed by Harvard University or MIT.

When a product bears the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label, it signifies that the manufacturers are authorized to use the school's marks and that the product has passed the standards set forth by the university. By purchasing officially licensed products, you are assured of the highest quality and that a portion of your purchase goes to support the university or Institute.

Is the COOP a member of the Fair Labor Association?

Yes. The COOP is a registered member of the Fair labor Association as a "Category C" licensee.

The Fair Labor Association (FLA) is a non-profit organization combining the efforts of industry, non-government organizations, colleges and universities to promote adherence to international labor standards and improve working conditions worldwide. The FLA was established as an independent monitoring system that holds its participating companies accountable for the conditions under which their products are produced. To advance fair, decent and humane working conditions, the FLA enforces an industry-wide Workplace Code of Conduct, which is based on the core labor standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO).