The Rochdale Principals are a set of guidelines that grew out of the experience of the Rochdale Society in England.  The Society consisted of weavers and others in trades who formed a consumer cooperative incorporated in 1852.  Their guidelines numbered twelve and are as follows:

1. Voting is by members on a democratic basis.
2. Equity provided by members.
3. Membership is open.
4. Equity ownership of individual patrons is limited.
5. Net income is distributed to patrons according to use made of cooperative.
6. Dividend on equity capital is limited.
7. Exchange of goods and services at market price.
8. Duty to educate.
9. Cash trading only.
10. No unusual risk assumption.
11. Political and religious neutrality.
12. Equality of the services in membership.