A Professional Association
Members are elected to the Association for their high business standards, professional ethics and expertise. They adhere to a vigorously enforced code of ethics as laid down in the association's Bylaws. After a thorough application and screening procedure dealers continue to have their membership renewed and confirmed annually. AADDA members pride themselves on their reputation for integrity, wide knowledge of their chosen field of specialization and the high standards, which the AADDA Seal represents. Association members offer the ADDANDA Guarantee in all of their transactions. It is for these reasons that a seller or consumer can have complete confidence when purchasing from, listing with or selling to any AADDA member.
What AADDA Membership Means
Why should you buy, trade or sell to/from an AADDA Member?
· AADDA members are experienced in their chosen fields of Art Deco and Art Nouveau specialization. Membership in the association validates their level of achievement. As a result, our members are able to provide reliable information and advice to all who have an interested in the field of Art Deco antiques and collectibles.
· Our Members are committed to building long term personal relationships with their clients. Dealing with our professional members provides a valuable avenue for trust and confidence in transaction you are involved in. Our members are not simply interested in the "Quick Sale." They are committed to your satisfaction as a consumer in the wonderful world of Art Deco. Our members have direct contacts and connections to assist you in locating objects you have been searching for or purchasing items they have available.
· Our Members are able to provide comprehensive advice on the purchase, sale and care of art deco and art nouveau works of art. Our members encourage questions and inquiry into any item they have available as both a means of valuable learning as well as delivering customer satisfaction.
· Collectors, dealers and consumers wishing to buy or sell individual pieces or collections are able to do so discreetly, and in complete confidence of AADDA standards and Guarantee.
· Many of our members have the facilities and expertise to professionally restore or repair collectibles or can provide advice about the restoration of art deco antiques and collectibles.
· Many of our members offer professional appraisal services, consignment services and liquidation services.
· The AADDA plans on hosting Art Deco Art Nouveau Dealers Fairs in an effort to promote the association and strengthen its membership. Plans for such events will address both State and National events.
What safeguards does AADDA provide for the consumer?
The AADDA establishes and enforces a professional Code of Conduct for all of its members. This code establishes clear guidelines and expectations for all association members in any business practice. Members of Association offer the AADDA Guarantee on all items they sell. In the highly unlikely event that there should have been a mistake in the description of an item listed by, sold, traded or purchased - the Association expects its members to make a full refund of the purchase price. If there is a dispute between a member and a consumer that can not be reasonably resolved - it can be taken to the AADDA free Arbitration Review Board rather than the law courts. Such lengthily avenues are often protracted and expensive. The association will form a panel of at least three expert members from the appropriate field. These appointed members would serve as the Arbitration Review Board for that particular case. These members are drawn from our extensive membership and represent art deco/art nouveau dealers from across the country. They will independently judge whether an object was correctly described at the time of sale. The AADDA Arbitration Service provides a rapid resolution to which all of our members are bound. This process ensures an independent review at no cost, and provides experienced opinion - the exact same process involved through lengthily legal actions - in all arbitration complaints.
Governing the AADDA
The Officers of the AADDA are elected at large or appointed as provided for in the associations bylaws. The AADDA Past President serves as Chairman of the Governing Board. A nationwide network of State Representatives keeps members in touch with the Governing Board and provides members with a local association contact point. All State Representatives are experienced association members, familiar with the AADDA membership in their respected area. The AADDA maintains Standing Committees to ensure that the general membership actively participates in Association business. The AADDA also utilizes the Member Community Boards feature as well as the website itself to communicate governing events of interest to all Members and Associates. For additional information on the Governing Body of the Association review the AADDA Bylaws.
