Frequently Asked Questions
About the program in general
Appliance Canada
Color Your World, Glidden and ICI
Data Valet
Dome Carpet
Downtown Flooring
Grand and Toy
HD Supply
Phelps
Rent Check Credit Bureau
Ricoh Canada
Star Choice
Stratacon
ViewApartment.com
About the program in general
How do I know if my co-op is eligible for Co-op Costcutters?
In order to access the discounts, co-ops must be a member of their local federation, where a local federation delivers this service - or a member of CHF Canada, where there is no local federation.
Our co-op is not near a Color Your World or Grand & Toy store. Can we still access these savings?
Many of the Co-op Cost Cutters services are set up so that co-ops can order by phone, fax or online. This saves time for staff. All the companies have a representative that will provide help in setting up accounts - and even placing orders. Most of the companies provide free delivery to major cities.
I am a one person office and extremely busy all the time. What if there is a problem with any of the companies?
If a problem does come, there is help available. You can contact your local federation or Miriam Wohl, the co-ordinator of the program. Miriam's email is miriam@coophousing.com. Click on federations to get contact information for your local federation.
Appliance Canada
Color Your World, Glidden and ICI
Is there a paint product that is better for members who have allergies or environmental sensitivities to chemicals?
Yes, ICI Paints carries a paint that is described as zero VOC. It has no or low fumes (based on how much pigment is added for colour).
Is there a paint that will cover tough stains?
ICI carries a wide range of products, including paints that cover stains like nicotine, smoke - and even graffiti.
Data Valet
Dome Carpet
Downtown Flooring
Grand and Toy
HD Supply
I went to the local Home Depot store and asked about the Co-op Cost Cutters discount. They did not know anything about it. I ended up paying higher prices. Why is that?
HD Supply is the commercial arm of Home Depot. They are two different companies. The Cost Cutters deal is with HD Supply and not available at the stores. It is available only through catalogue ordering. You can do this by phone, fax or online. Co-ops get wholesale pricing, plus an extra discount and free delivery. There is a no-hassle return policy if you buy the wrong item.
Phelps
Rent Check Credit Bureau
Does Rent Check comply with municipal regulations that apply to member selection in housing co-ops in Ontario?
Yes
Ricoh Canada
Star Choice
How long is the term of your contract and how complex is it? Contracts with communications companies are always very complex and seem to have hidden clauses. We don't want to spend money on a lawyer.
The agreement your co-op would sign with Star Choice was drafted and approved by a CHFT lawyer, with the best interests of your members in mind. It is unlike most contracts, in that it is in plain language, and only 2 pages in length. The term is either 5 or 7 years, depending on Star Choice's capital costs to install our infrastructure. There is also a model by-law that was created by co-op lawyers that can be used if your co-op doesn't allow bulk billing and your members wish to enter a bulk arrangement
I've heard a lot about satellite not being reliable. What about weather interference? We don't need problems with outages.
Our service is 99.97% reliable. That means that for maybe one day per year, our service could be out for an hour or so. That is every bit as reliable as cable if not more so. As a matter of fact, many cable companies actually receive their channels from us! Weather interference is a thing of the past. Most issues surrounding satellite outages these days are the result of poor installations.
Some of our members have the Internet with the cable company. What happens if we go with Star Choice? Will they lose that service?
As long as the cable lines within the units are independent of each other, there is no reason a member cannot have Star Choice on one outlet and an alternate provider on another.
What about extra outlets? Do I need a receiver for each TV?
Yes. The Cost Cutter bulk rates include 1 digital receiver per household. Additional receivers are available to rent at a cost of $4.99 per month. If you compare the value of even a household with 3 televisions with for instance a "Gold" package, your members would still be receiving a tremendous value that beats anything cable can offer. For under $35.00 per month the member would have over 100 fully digital channels with an interactive digital receiver on 3 televisions. Plus all of the features of those receivers including music, radio stations, pay-per-view etc. We are also offering to sell refurbished units at the time of installation only for a price of $49.00 each.
Technology is moving so fast. How do we know if we sign with Star Choice that our system won't be out of date in a few years?
Our track record proves this shouldn't be a concern. We have always been the leaders in new technology. With our second satellite we were the first provider in Canada to broadcast from two satellites, and we've since launched a third satellite. That means we are better positioned than any other company to offer new channels and services. AND…we already have plans to launch a third satellite this year. The world is going digital in a hurry. High-Definition is already here, and Star Choice was the first to launch both. The real question is, where will cable be in a few years?
What if we have a contract with the cable company? Can we still switch to Star Choice?
There are different types of contracts the cable companies have in place with co-ops such as yours. If you have a bulk contract, then you are bound to fulfill the term of that contract. Other than that, you will most likely have an "Access Agreement", or "Easement" in place. This is simply an agreement giving the cable company the right to service it's infrastructure within your property. It does not restrict you from have an alternate provider within your co-op, or entering a bulk agreement with Star Choice.
Stratacon
ViewApartment.com
What people say
Our maintenance staff have been very pleased with the quality of the paint from ICI and, again, delivery is very fast. Also, ICI has been very helpful when we have needed advise on what type of product to use for special circumstances.
Westboine Park Co-op, Winnipeg