Our Code represents sound advertising, selling and customer service practices that enhance customer trust and confidence in business. It is built on the APA standards for Trust, eight principles that summarize important elements of creating and maintaining trust in business.
This Code also represents standards for organization, company, artist, band or group accreditation by APA. APA accredits organization, company, artist, band or group based in the United States and that meet these standards and complete application procedures.
To be accredited by APA an organization, company, artist, band or group affirms that it meets and will abide by the following standards:
1. Existence. Have been operational in any APA service area for at least the most recent 12 months, unless the principal(s) previously operated a similar business with an eligible record.
2. Legal. Fulfill all licensing and bonding requirements of applicable jurisdictions; provide all license and bonding information upon application for APA accreditation; and provide updates upon request of APA.
3.Civil & Criminal. Be free from government action that demonstrates a significant failure to support APA ethical principles in marketplace transactions (this requires a determination by APA as to the nature of any
violation, whether it was caused or condoned by management, and actions taken to resolve underlying issues that led to the government action).
4. Conformity. In its relationship with APA:
6. Honesty. Tell the Truth, Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all terms.
Upon request, provide APA with all information required to evaluate compliance with APA standards. This may include, but is not limited to business name, address and contact information; names and background of principals; business and banking references; licensing and/or professional accreditation. Honor Promises, Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations. Fulfill contracts signed and agreements reached. Honor representations by correcting mistakes as quickly as possible. Be Responsive, promptly respond to all complaints forwarded by APA. Make a good faith effort to resolve disputes, which includes mediation if requested by APA. Comply with any settlements, agreements or decisions reached as an outcome of a APA dispute resolution process.
7. Safeguard & Privacy. Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their information.
Respect Privacy with what information they collect; with whom it is shared; how it can be corrected; how it is secured; how policy changes will be communicated; how to address concerns over misuse of personal data. Secure Sensitive Data, organization, company, artist, band or groups that collect sensitive data online (credit card, bank account numbers, Social Security number, salary or other personal financial or health information) will ensure that it is transmitted via secure means. Businesses will make best efforts to comply with industry standards for the protection and proper disposal of all sensitive data, both online and offline.
8. Service & Product. Provide great service, products
This Code also represents standards for organization, company, artist, band or group accreditation by APA. APA accredits organization, company, artist, band or group based in the United States and that meet these standards and complete application procedures.
To be accredited by APA an organization, company, artist, band or group affirms that it meets and will abide by the following standards:
1. Existence. Have been operational in any APA service area for at least the most recent 12 months, unless the principal(s) previously operated a similar business with an eligible record.
2. Legal. Fulfill all licensing and bonding requirements of applicable jurisdictions; provide all license and bonding information upon application for APA accreditation; and provide updates upon request of APA.
3.Civil & Criminal. Be free from government action that demonstrates a significant failure to support APA ethical principles in marketplace transactions (this requires a determination by APA as to the nature of any
violation, whether it was caused or condoned by management, and actions taken to resolve underlying issues that led to the government action).
4. Conformity. In its relationship with APA:
- meet all applicable standards within this Code of Business Practices;
- cooperate with APA’s activities and efforts to promote voluntary self-regulation within the business’ industry;
- honor any settlements, agreements or decisions reached as an outcome of a APA dispute resolution process; and
- complete the required application and pay all monetary obligations to APA in a timely manner.
6. Honesty. Tell the Truth, Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all terms.
Upon request, provide APA with all information required to evaluate compliance with APA standards. This may include, but is not limited to business name, address and contact information; names and background of principals; business and banking references; licensing and/or professional accreditation. Honor Promises, Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations. Fulfill contracts signed and agreements reached. Honor representations by correcting mistakes as quickly as possible. Be Responsive, promptly respond to all complaints forwarded by APA. Make a good faith effort to resolve disputes, which includes mediation if requested by APA. Comply with any settlements, agreements or decisions reached as an outcome of a APA dispute resolution process.
7. Safeguard & Privacy. Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their information.
Respect Privacy with what information they collect; with whom it is shared; how it can be corrected; how it is secured; how policy changes will be communicated; how to address concerns over misuse of personal data. Secure Sensitive Data, organization, company, artist, band or groups that collect sensitive data online (credit card, bank account numbers, Social Security number, salary or other personal financial or health information) will ensure that it is transmitted via secure means. Businesses will make best efforts to comply with industry standards for the protection and proper disposal of all sensitive data, both online and offline.
8. Service & Product. Provide great service, products
