Nonprofit Recording Co-op Marketing Plan

Gamehenge Tapers Co-op

Executive Summary

Gamehenge Tapers Co-op is a not-for-profit organization that was created to serve the Boulder, Colorado tapers community. The tapers community is a hobby based community that trades live recordings for personal use, never for commercial gain. The Co-op will provide this community with the equipment needed to further the taping of shows that in effect supports the trading community as well. The Co-op sells the recording equipment at wholesale prices plus a low overhead percentage. Offering members heavily discounted rates encourages them to become more active tapers. Because the organization is a not-for-profit co-op, members are willing to volunteer their time to help the organization allowing it to become successful. The organization exists to support the trading community.

The basic market need is a source of equipment and intellectual capital that supports the taping community. Because of the very nature of the movement being underground (not for legal reasons, but due to general commercial shunning of taping), a local support organization is in high demand. The recent popularity of the CD recorders (creating perfect copies of the original) has also been a factor in tapings recent increase in popularity.

Membership dues and a small charge for overhead will allow the organization to cover costs associated with doing business and allow it to slowly grow over time. Gamehenge Tapers Co-op will be increasing their membership roster by at least 20% per year.

Company Summary

Gamehenge Tapers Co-op is a co-operative organization designed to serve the Boulder tapers community. The tapers community is a hobby based group that records and trades live concerts. All of the bands that allow live recordings are "live" or "jam" bands who incorporate improvisation into their live performances so each performance is unique. The group members trade these live performances for personal consumption, enjoying the unique attributes of each individual show. Commercial use of these shows is strictly prohibited.

The organization sells a wide range of equipment for tapers. The equipment is purchased through normal wholesale distribution channels and sold directly to organizational members. Membership is required for entry to the co-op. A $40 entry fee and proof of traders status (a copy of your show list is usually sufficient) is all that is needed to become a member. Products must be purchased through the website and can be picked up from the office at certain times throughout the week. Questions regarding products can be answered via email or phone (typically voicemail with a return phone call).