Hmn. I would suggest this topic be moved to a different forum...one where we discuss BRS business and operational issues, however, I don't think we really have one.
These are really tough issues. In my opinion, it shouldn't be the function of the BRS, nor our sponsorship program, to funnel business to LFSs. I don't think anyone is suggesting otherwise, but that is one end of the spectrum. The other end is completely bypassing the LFSs, which is equally as short-sited and unproductive.
I think we need a balance and I think our policies/practices are helping us achieve that balance. I think we give the LFSs the opportunity to reach our members conveniently and affordably. That's what our sponsorship packages are promising and what we are delivering, and that seems like a good middle ground to me. Now that we're on our own forum system, the whole group buy forum should further help LFSs tap into and meet our membership's needs.
I don't think many/any of us would prefer to deal with online vendors -- if we can get a competitive deal locally we generally choose that option. If LFSs can't be competitive for a given item, I don't think they should expect to get our business. Competitive doesn't necessary mean the lowest price although that is always a primary factor.
One point that I've heard implied that I'd like to challenge is that the BRS is significant enough to drive LFSs out of business. Sure, if you take all of our business away from the LFS community, it would hurt them, some a lot more than others...but I don't think we represent the bulk of the customers at almost any of the LFSs (the only exceptions being the businesses that have sprung from our members).
That said, I still don't think it is part of the BRS mission to start acting like a co-op. If people want a co-op, they should start one and that should be a separate organization (and a BRS sponsor).
Personally, that sounds like a lot of work for what I would expect would be extremely little benefit -- co-ops have to be run like businesses...are you really that envious of the lifestyle of our LFS owners? ;-)
I think most of us are saying pretty similar things. Give the LFSs a crack at whatever group buys we are interested in... Give our sponsors additional means to service our membership. Don't restrict our members from pursuing whatever option they wish to pursue. Don't use the BRS organization to bypass the sellers we would traditionally have to deal with to purchase things (in other words, if the organization would have to set up an account, then don't deal with them).
That's my opinion. Compelling arguments for/against welcome.