THE INTERIOR DESIGN BOARD OF TRADE FOR PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DECORATORS AND DESIGNERS
Benefits of Membership
1) A Listing in ABT's National Directory of Professional Interior Decorators & Designers
The Allied Board of Trade ("ABT") has been dedicated to the Interior Design Industry since 1925.
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ABT was the first trade association to serve the Interior Designer, acting as a liaison between designer and supplier to promote ethical standards of business conduct in the industry. We are a concerned, supportive, and progressive membership organization.
As one of our valued members, you will experience warmth and dedication on the part of every staff member when you call for assistance or information. You will appreciate the respect your listing will bring you.
2) The ABT Membership Card
Your ABT Membership Card is your entré to the most prestigious Showrooms, Design Centers, Marts and Trade Events, Nationally and Internationally.
It eliminates those time consuming questions relating to affiliations, references, and background training. You will feel proud to present your Allied Board of Trade Membership card to vendors and showrooms when accompanied by a client.
3) ABT Hotline
Need source information? Don't spend precious hours at the computer. We are fast and accurate. Call our office and we will be happy to provide this service. Our files save time and shoe leather!
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4) The ABT Mart Connection
We provide the major Marts and Design Centers with our National Directory of Professional Interior Decorators and Designers. This listing, when accompanied by your ABT ID card, makes to faster and easier for tenant showrooms to process your application for admittance, for trade passes and for all professional courtesies..
5) ABT Trade Information Service
As part of the ABT Direct Mail program, many suppliers receive a computerized list of members so that you'll receive trade related information such as sales notices, brochures and newsletters.
6) Affordable Web Site Design
Expand your business and achieve "online" success through the creation of an inspired website designed by savvy design trade professionals. JA Creative Design will set up your goals, site architecture, content writing, tool selection and evaluation of site traffic.
Your website will be your studio/showroom. Let JA Creative Design navigate the technicals and create a site you will be proud of. Consider adding a new dimension/division through E Commerce. Ask about private labeling. For more information click here. www.jacreativedesign.com
7) Business Advice
Care to discuss the requirements of a particular job? Our knowledgeable staff can make specific design suggestions. We're also available to answer questions regarding Fees, Contracts, Compensation, Marketing, or client related problems.
8) ABT Arbitration Service
Have a problem? Don't know where to turn? We succeeded in getting designers' orders delivered from a company having filed a Chapter 11 petition. There is no problem we will not attempt to handle for you.
9) The ABT Collection Service
When you look at your books, are you uneasy about monies owed to you from clients? For merchandise? Consultation? Services? We tailor our collection methods to the specific debt involved and vow never to tarnish your image nor diminish your reputation. We welcome the business your family or corporate attorney really does not want nor understand. To initiate action, simply forward your past due statements with descriptive invoices and a cover note with your comments. Fees are on a contingent basis.
10) The ABT Letters of Verification
Need a letter verifying the length of time you've been in business, or a letter confirming your good standing in the trade for admission to associations, for licensing, for your bank, for your portfolio? Ask us! We will supply letters of reference upon request.
11) The ABT Insurance Program
Do you ever ask yourself: "What if a client sues stating that my decorating servers were inferior?" "What if my drawings, renderings, blueprints are destroyed in a fire?" "What if I want to do a Showhouse. How do I protect my suppliers' valuable on-loan art, furnishings or accessories from theft, fire, or damage?" "If I work from home, will my Homeowner's Policy exclude my business property?"
If you are concerned about these and other risks of doing business as a designer/decorator we can help. A specialist in Design Insurance will discuss your concerns and make recommendations. Errors and Omissions coverage is the area of greatest interest to our professionals. Be sure to inquire about this coverage with our
Insurance specialist.
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12) The ABT Certificate of Membership
Would you like to have an ABT Certificate verifying your membership? For a small fee of $20.00, you can have this certificate, which you can mount or frame and display in your office.
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Members with 25 years in the field are entitled to a LIFETIME EXCELLENCE AWARD certificate, also available for a $20.00 fee.
13) The ABT Reference Service
As an ABT member, you are automatically enrolled! Allied membership may make the difference in obtaining an assignment when important residential or contract clients call us to inquire regarding qualifications, reliability, and standing in the trade.
14) The ABT Magazine Rack
A trade/consumer magazine service. ABT members may take advantage of significant savings on all magazines. We bring you "reception office" rates on all your subscriptions.
15) The ABT Trade Publication/ Magazine
As a member, you will receive- ABSOLUTELY FREE- a variety of trade publications. In addition, you will receive special rates on many additional trade publications.
16) ABT Car Rental
can make business and leisure rentals more rewarding than ever for Allied Board of Trade members with special rates, discounts, and value-added offers on car rentals in the U.S. and Canada. For reservations and information visit www.avis.com, or call 1-800-831-8000. Don't forget to provide your Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) #B347200 every time you rent to receive up to 25% off- that's in addition to your coupon savings.
Did you know that your Allied Board of Trade membership entitles you to save up to 20% off every time you rent with Budget? Simply mention your Budget Customer Discount (BCD) #R252200 when making your reservations. For reservations and information visit www.budget.com or call
1-800-455-2848 and mention your BCD number.
