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Members will: - Represent each client fairly and honestly, providing all agreed-to services in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
- Establish reasonable, proper fees for services and provide written
estimates to each client.
- Use honest factual advertising.
- Deal with employees fairly, in an unbiased manner
- Operate an establishment that is a credit to the Association
and the community.
- Disclose to clients any payment
received from suppliers.
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Supply background information about the member and his/her business, or other information essential to the Association's
responsibility to provide factual reports on the profession. Cooperate with Association activities and efforts to promote and
improve the professionalism of the bridal business. Respond rapidly and honestly to all complaints forwarded by the
Association. Supply, on request, the evidence on which any advertising is based.
Use the Associations
name and logo only as authorized. Pay all association bills in a timely manner.
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Membership and Education
Synopsis
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There are two tracks within the Association. If you start as novice
member, you need to complete three of the options listed in the Membership Requirements Section to upgrade to Consultant level
membership. Separate from this is the Professional Development Program track with designations of Professional Bridal
Consultant™, Accredited Bridal Consultant™, and Master Bridal Consultant™, earned by completing various
phases in the Professional Development Program. It is possible to be a Professional Bridal Consultant™ while still being
a Novice member. Upgrading may be done at any time during your membership year. Dues are pro-rated. Renewal
as Novice member may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
The Association also offers a course called "Wedding As A Business", completion of it can count towards upgrade
to the Consultant level but not towards Professional Bridal Consultants™. "Weddings As A Business" is a course
that assists you in writing your business plan. It covers everything from fees to accepting the first bride. There is a test
at the end which is basically your business plan, but it is not necessary for it to be graded. You can have it graded by the
Director of the Education for an additional fee.
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Membership Requirements
for Consultants
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Most new members start at the Novice
level. If you already have completed any three of the items below, you can bypass Novice and join as a Consultant. To do this,
you need to include the appropriate documentation. All applications for Consultant membership are subject to review and approval.
At least one option must be from the first group. Group 1 - Weddings As a Business (with test counts as two requirements)
- ABC Professional Development Program (counts as two requirements
when all five courses and the final exam have been completed successfully)
- ABC seminar or workshop
- ABC Annual Conference
- Apprentice at two weddings, with recommendation from supervising
ABC member(s)
- Courses
offered by state coordinators that involve at least six hours of class work
- Other wedding-related courses (subject to ABC approval)
Group 2 - Business license or tax ID number (two years)
- Current business plan
- Current marketing plan
- Evidence of a business phone
(two years)
- Annual
reports/operating reports (two years)
- Business taxes (two years)
- Two media exposures within the last year
- Accounts established with three national suppliers
- Evidence of advertising for two
years
- Referrals
from six brides within the past year
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Vendors are those who handle part of the wedding. A florist, photographer
or caterer is an example of a vendor. As a member, you can benefit from the networking system,
and educational programs. Working with other professionals who are members of the same Association can only help your business
grow. Using these trademarked titles will show your brides that you are a professional
and understand their special needs. Vendors can join just as a Vendor Member and need
not progress through the ranks.
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