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NSS Convention
Thank you to all who participated in the Caver Co-Op, and especially to those who volunteered their time to assist at the Co-Op.
From June 23-27, 2025, the National Spelological Society (NSS) will host the society's annual convention in Cobleskill, NY.
The convention website: https://caves.org/convention/2025-nss-convention/
The convention schedule: https://talks.caving.dev/nss-convention-2025/schedule/ and https://caves.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/May-18-Convention_Sched_5_18-1.pdf
Questions/comments about the Co-Op or this page? Email nberg2648@gmail.com
What is the Caver Co-Op?
What is the Caver Co-Op?
The Caver Co-Op provides an opportunity for NSS Convention attendees to buy and sell caving related items. You'll find the Caver Co-Op in the vendor area, and it's open to check in items on Sunday with regular hours beginning Monday for sales and to check in additional merchandise. The Caver Co-Op charges fees on sales with any profit going to the NSS. The fee structure is set to encourage sellers to volunteer at the Caver Co-Op.
Volunteering
Volunteering
Sign up to volunteer
We encourage you to volunteer. The Caver Co-Op is only open when there are volunteers to staff it. Any NSS member can volunteer. and you don't need to be buying or selling anything to do so. You can sign up online now at Volunteer Sign-Up and at the Co-Op.
What volunteers do
Keep merchandise neat, check that price tags are attached and secure, assist sellers, monitor for pilferage, conduct sales.
Shifts
One-hour blocks, starting Sunday 6/22 around mid-day, then Monday - Thursday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Friday 8:00am - noon. Hours may change.
Volunteer incentives
Sellers who volunteer for 4 or more hours will receive a greater percentage of their sales (see "Commission" below).
Selling
Selling
Sellers are acting as consignors, providing items to the CAVER CO-OP to be sold on their behalf.
Who can sell?
Current NSS members with a Convention registration number can sell.
Seller Form
At the Co-Op you will be given a Seller Form to complete and sign. List each item that you are selling, starting on page 2 of the form. You can save time by printing and filling out this form in advance, which is at this link Seller Form
Pricing
The seller sets the prices. List all in whole dollars, minimum price is one dollar, merchandise with a lower value should be bundled to make the minimum value. Item prices that include cents will be sold at a price rounded up to the next dollar.
Labeling
Label/tag individual items and bundles of items with a seller code unique to you plus the price (readable and securely attached). Use your NSS number as the seller code, alternatively you can use your Convention registration number. Use the seller code of "NSS" to donate the full sales price to the NSS. Sellers can save time at check-in by labeling merchandise beforehand.
Allowed Merchandise
Items must be caving related. No large knives, weapons, and similar dangerous merchandise. Staff may, at their discretion, not accept an item and not sell an item.
Payment and Commission
Payment will be by check mailed to the seller at the name on the Seller From. We will supply an envelope for you to address. A commission, which goes to the NSS, is deducted from each sale. See the section on "Commission" below. Items sold as a donation to the NSS will have their sales go directly to the NSS.
Unsold items and Pickup
Unsold items need to be picked up before the posted closing time on Friday. Arrangements for someone else to do the pickup must be made before Friday. Unclaimed items will be considered a donation.
Liability and Security
Volunteers will track inventory and sales, however, the volunteers, the NSS, and representatives of the NSS are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Buying
Buying
Who can buy?
To make a purchase at the Co-Op, you need to have a Convention registration number.
Payment
Payment is accepted by credit/debit card, check, and cash. Prices are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
Tax
Tax is 8% on goods, 4% on clothing and shoes selling less than $110, and 8% on clothing or shoes selling for $110 or more.
Return policy
All sales are final.
Commission
Commission
The Commission is the portion of the sales price (before tax) that goes to the NSS
Sellers will receive the sales price of each item sold (before tax) minus the commission
Volunteering 4 or more hours: 10% commission
Volunteering less than 4 hours or not volunteering: 20% commission
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