The Plumbers Co-op Difference
You work hard — your purchases should work hard for you. At Plumbers Co-op, we’re not just a supplier. We’re a Member-owned cooperative, proudly supporting the Australian plumbing industry since 1955.
As a Co-operative, we are unique — the only plumbing merchant in Australia that offers you, the customer, the opportunity to become a Member Shareholder in the business. All company profits are returned to Member Shareholders annually — not to outside investors or corporate executives.
“Unlike corporate chains where profits go straight to CEOs and shareholders,
all profits are returned to you, the Member-Owners.”
That means every dollar you spend helps build your wealth, not someone else’s bonus.
Where Profits Go: Back to You
When you become a Co-op Member, you’re not just a customer — you’re a shareholder. You share in the success of the Co-op through annual dividends, rebates, and settlement discounts.
Here’s how it works:
Profit Returns: Every year, profits are distributed back to Members.
Discounts & Rebates: Receive settlement discounts and annual rebates on your purchases.
Dividends: The more shares you hold, the greater your return.
Reinvestment Option: Reinvest your rebates and dividends into additional Co-op shares to build long-term financial strength.
No Annual Fees: Your membership is an investment, not a subscription.
Learn MoreMember-Only Advantages
| Benefit | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Competitive Prices | Quality products at fair trade rates, from leading brands. |
| Profit Share | A portion of the Co-op’s yearly profits, simply for being a Member. |
| 30-Day Payment Perks | Pay within 30 days to receive a 2.5% settlement discount or earn rebates. |
| Ownership Voice | A say in how the Co-op operates, because it’s your business too. |
| Nationwide Branch Network | Access to close to 30 branches across NSW, QLD, and VIC. |
| Exclusive Promotions | Members-only sales, events, and giveaways. |
| Community Connection | Join thousands of Australian tradies who believe in fair trade, fair profit, and fair reward. |
Example of Financial Returns
The table below shows an example of how your Co-op membership can grow in value over time, based on typical monthly purchases and reinvested returns. These figures are indicative only and depend on ongoing performance and reinvestment.
| Monthly purchases | 1 year | 5 years | 10 years | 20 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $1,956 | $8,383 | $20,071 | $49,329 |
| $10,000 | $3,906 | $16,541 | $39,881 | $98,306 |
| $20,000 | $7,806 | $32,857 | $79,502 | $196,262 |
| $50,000 | $19,506 | $81,806 | $198,364 | $490,130 |
- Monthly Co-op purchases are paid within 30 days of Co-op statement
- Monthly Co-op 2.5% settlement discount is deferred and re-invested into Co-op shares
- Co-op annual rebate on 30 day account payments is re-invested into Co-op shares
- Co-op annual dividend is re-invested into Co-op shares
Member Returns Calculator
Estimate how your Co-op membership can grow in value over time.
Your Information
Your Returns
Detailed Breakdown
| Year | Annual Spending | Settlement | Rebates | Dividends | Total Return | End Shares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
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Dan Curran
Curran Plumbing and Electrical
About Us
Every year, Aussie plumbers unknowingly give away billions in profits – straight into the pockets of private owners and corporate shareholders.
Most plumbing supply businesses are built that way: a few people or corporate shareholders get rich, while the plumbers doing the work miss out.
At the Plumbers Co-op, we’ve flipped the model. Plumbers own us. When a plumber Owner-Member shops with us, they’re not building someone else’s empire – they’re building their own. We are the only plumbing supplies company where the buyer can be the profit-maker. And more.
Most of our Owner-Members reinvest the 2.5% settlement discount, rebates or dividends which has the effect of building their Co-op wealth. Doing this means spending as little as $5,000 a month over a career - on supplies you will buy anyway - can earn passive income of $325,000*.
We started in 1955 and now have approximately 6,000 plumber-shareholders. Join and spend with the Co-op and you’re not just a customer — You’re an Owner. Shareholder. Profit-Taker.
Learn More
WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.
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A Co-op, or cooperative, is a member-owned business organisation that operates for the benefit of its members. Members have a say in the business's operations and share in the profits.
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Benefits include lower prices through bulk purchasing, access to a network of professionals, profit-sharing, and having a voice in the business's decisions.
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You can become a member by purchasing shares in the Co-op and filling out a membership application on our website.
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Members must be licensed plumbers or plumbing businesses. Other specific requirements can be found on our membership application page.
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Yes, there is an initial fee of 100 shares at $2 each.
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We offer bulk purchasing of plumbing supplies, access to industry-specific training and resources, networking opportunities, and profit-sharing among members.
