[pnako]

Easier said than done, though. The problem is that potential clients aren't able to assess quality easily.

That system works for lawyers and doctors because there are bars and boards to not only vet theit credentials, but also restrict supply through quotas.

One solution might be for that coop to sell service around a valuable piece of software they own (or at least have demonstrable expertise with). Thats how the SQLite developers work, for example.