CPA'S MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Consumer Protection Association of America

MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Consumer Protection Association of America was created in 1997 in response to the need for an independent advocate for fairness in the marketplace. Customers are MAD AS HELL and many businesses still don't recognize that customers are their most valuable asset! It is time for fairness, common sense, and an active commitment to the basic rights and responsibilities of customers and businesses to control their relationship in the market. CPA's Code of Standards and Ethics stands as a model of simplicity and effectiveness to provide a clear statement on which each party in a transaction can rest with confidence.
Three decades after President John F. Kennedy made consumer interests a national issue, and hundreds of laws, regulations and guidelines have been established at the federal, state and local levels, customers are still being taken advantage of by some of the businesses who provide them with products and services. And, some customers are abusing the law by black-mailing businesses into large settlements or are making them carry more than their fair share of the responsibility for products that don't work and guarantees that aren't honored by the manufacturer.

The issue is simple. Abuses on both sides need to stop. And, Consumer Protection Association of America stands ready to become involved if a business and its customer can not resolve their issue on their own. Although CPA is a member organization, we serve non-members as well. The fees for our memberships and services are nominal when compared to every other recourse available.
Budget controls are taking away staff that consumer agencies used to have at the state level to help out, and attorneys are generally only able to take cases which will make it worth their time and effort to become involved. Even though businesses talk about the importance of customer service, customers get lost in the maze of technology just trying to get an answer on the telephone, retailers still point their fingers at manufacturers when products don't work, and, many times the complexity of the industry (automobiles and computers are two of the worst offenders) provide businesses with too many excuses why "it's not our problem."

Customers are the most valuable asset of any business! Where and how customers spend their hard earned dollars creates business success and failure. A business deserves to know when they have treated a customer right and when they've blown it. And, businesses who want to succeed will take this information to the heart of their operations. They want to know how their customers are affected by their behavior. That's why CPA's motto of "Resolution through Communication" is essential and why CPA's "Consumer Action Tools" such as the Thank You! and You Blew It! cards, complaint process and "Opt-Out" service are essential.

Anyone may use CPA's tools on a fee-for-service basis. However . . .

• Membership provides consumers and businesses with the confidence that they are working on the level playing field created by the Code of Standards and Ethics of the Consumer Protection Association of America.
• Member fees demonstrate a commitment to the principles and work of CPA.
• Consumer members know that any time they have a problem with a business anywhere in the world, CPA will work with them to resolve it. Their membership is insurance against being left alone in the marketplace.
• Business members know that customers feel more confident working with them when an independent, third party is standing behind their promises. They are not at the mercy of frivolous lawsuits and exposed to abuse by consumers.

Consumer Members pay $29.95 for their first year and $19.95 for each renewal year. They receive access to over $285.00 of CPA services each year.

Business Members are non-internet businesses who pay an annual fee based on the number of places where they have contact with customers. They receive access to specialized evaluation and consulting services from CPA to assess and improve their customer service and conflict management services. Business Members also may use CPA's dispute reconciliation process with their vendors when they are a customer and are being mis-treated. A business member may also be an e-Service Partner.

e-Service Partners are internet businesses who pay an annual fee for the use of the CPA e-Service logo on their web site and the development of one stop access for their customers to their policies, procedures and direct communication regarding their products and services. CPA provides conflict resolution services for its e-Service Partners as though they were a non-internet business, and other services on a fee-for-service basis. e-Service Partners may also be business members.

For additional information or to sign up for membership, click on the link below...

CONSUMER PROTECTION ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

CPA is a member organization that invites businesses and their customers to join together to change how business will be done into the 21st century. CPA gives members and others effective tools for communication and complaint resolution no matter where or when the transaction takes place. Whether you're a business or a consumer, when someone promises to provide you with a product or service, you deserve to get what you expect!

When you receive more than you expect...let the business know with CPA's Thank You! card. And, when you don't, use CPA's You Blew It! card. As a member, you receive copies of both to hand out in person...or, send them via e-mail using the links provided.

If you need to, file a complaint following CPA's guidelines and sample complaint letter. And, if the business still doesn't do the "right thing", you can file a formal complaint with CPA. We can even provide formal arbitration services if needed.