However, the peaceful approach of the guild socialists that sought to achieve revolution through gradual change meant that in practice guilds would have to operate and survive, at least initially, within a monetary capitalist economy. Producing in a capitalist economy meant that the building guilds had to purchase their plants, equipment, and raw materials in an inherently volatile market. As guild socialists themselves realized, "it is not easy to isolate a particular industry or a part of a particular industry and to make of it an oasis of Guild organization in the midst of a capitalistic system" (Cole 1921b, 18).

Clara E. Mattei, The Capital Order, loc. 444