The AFC Cooperative Marketing Program is designed to assist distributors in jointly promoting AFC products through a cooperative marketing allowance. The program is very flexible in allowing for a wide variety of promotional programs and applications.

However, it is important to follow the program requirements outlined below.



Select Specific Requirement:

Qualifying Programs:

• Newspaper and magazine advertising (space and production).
• Distributor catalogs, newsletters, direct mail flyers and brochures that include AFC products (production costs).
• Promotional giveaways: key chains, golf balls, coffee cups, jackets, etc. (Items must include AFC or product brand logo used correctly.)
• AFC counter day activities: signs, flyers, invitations, giveaways, prizes and banners.
• AFC product training meetings: room rental, signs, invitations, giveaways, follow-up letters.
• Sales tax, when applicable.
  Trade show expenses for AFC products only.
• Postage, handling, shipping, delivery and other distribution expenses for authorized promotions.
  

Programs that DO NOT Qualify:

• TV and radio advertising.
• Newsletters or direct mail pieces that do not include AFC products or the portion of mailers and newsletters that do not include AFC products.
• Giveaways that do not include the AFC logo. If the AFC logo is not used correctly, a deduction in co-op dollars will be made at the discretion of the Marketing Project Admin.
• Food or refreshments for counter days or training meetings.
• Parties or dinners.
• Personal expenses, living accommodations, entertainment, refreshments.
• Cash incentives or sales incentive programs for dist. personnel.
• Golf outings or tournaments.
  

Co-op Standards

Use of Co-op Funds

Distributors must exceed the previous year’s dollar volume (2007 vs. 2006) to participate (minimum $100,000 purchase level).

Available co-op funds are based on .25% of the distributor’s previous year’s stock purchases of AFC Cable Systems’ or AFC Fittings’ products. Co-op funds do not accrue from one year to the next and are allocated based on individual branch stock purchases. AFC and the distributor will share 50/50 in the cost of qualifying programs. AFC’s contribution is limited to the available portion of the distributor’s co-op fund. Deductions off of invoice payments for co-op funds is not allowed.

A current co-op balance is available by contacting
Barbara Machado at 508-998-1131, ext. 1623 or
e-mail: bmachado@afcmail.com

Claim or Request Processing

Advertising in magazines or newspapers requires pre-approval by Barbara Machado in marketing.
Make requests on the Cooperative Advertising & Promotion Request & Claim Form.

You will receive official approval to begin production. All other promotions within the guidelines of this program do not require pre-approval. However, you must adhere to all terms of the program to receive credit.

Mail the claim form within 60 days of the program to Barbara Machado,
AFC Cable Systems, 272 Duchaine Blvd.,
New Bedford, MA 02745 or
Fax to 508-998-8533.

All requests must be accompanied by a sample or photo of the item produced or a tear sheet for advertisements as well as copies of the supplier’s invoices. You will receive a credit memo notification of the credit to your account within 30 days.

The program is in effect from
January 1, 2008 until December 31, 2008.
All claims must be received by January 31, 2009.