The NPA is you. We proudly are able to offer our membership a wide variety of member services and benefits, from affinity programs that will help your business everyday to programs that benefit the industry as a whole and protect our businesses and way of life.
Legislative & Advocacy
- NPA Advocacy
- Position Statements/Industry Issues
- Advocacy Website www.PawnShopsToday.com
- Public Relations
- Legislative Resources
- Government Relations & NPA Legislative Council
- NPA PAC
Compliance
Communications
- NPA Magazine
- Pawn FyNdR
- NPA iPhone App
- PawnFyNdR
- NPA NewsBrief
- NPA Website
- Members Forum
- NPA Insider
- Customized TV Ad
- Burglary Victim Lost/Stolen Card
- Pawn PR 101
- PR Refresher
- Property I.D. Kit
Meetings & Events
Community Relations
- Future Business Leaders Program (FBL)
- C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors)
- NPA Musical Instrument Gift Day
Education
NPA Mentor Program
The NPA is looking for pawnbroker members who are interested in participating in the new NPA Mentor Program. The program is designed to match emerging leaders within the pawn industry with
seasoned pawnbrokers for an educational and productive experience. Mentors will be paired with participants for a 12-month professional journey.
The NPA Mentor Program is a membership benefit of NPA. Mentors and mentees must be NPA members and able to attend pawn industry conferences including Pawn Expo. NPA will be using success stories of mentorship in membership publications such as National Pawnbroker and NPA Insider and on the NPA website.
Click to Download the Program Guidelines and Application
Online Training Courses (OTT)
NPA has partnered with Online Training Technologies, LLC. (“OTT”) – A leader in Internet-based training – to assist NPA members in meeting their employee training needs. Over 150 courses are offered on essential topics, including Patriot Act regulatory compliance, job skills, product knowledge or policies and procedures. Each course is self-paced and it only takes about one hour to complete. Employees will get a certificate of completion after each course and managers have reporting tools to see the progress on each employee Job Skills Training Course
- Behavioral Assessments
- Cash Drawer Balancing
- Check Cashing
- Counterfeiting & Forgery
- Cross Selling
- Customer Service
- Ethics
- Frauds and Scams
- History of Pawn
- Money Handling
- Pawn 101
- Robberies Compliance Training Course
- AML Compliance for Tellers (English & Spanish)
- AML Compliance for Managers
- AML Compliance for Money Transmitter (English & Spanish)
- AML Compliance for Pawnbrokers (8300)
- Red Flags of Identity Theft
- Customer Information Regulations (Payday Advance)
- Fair Debt Collection & Unfair Practices (Payday Advance)
- Harassment for Managers
- Lending Regulations (Payday Advance)
- Sexual Harassment
Partnership Programs
PTIA Health Insurance
Equitable Payments
myOSHAstore.com
Hertz
Office Depot
NPA Website Resources
Firearms Resources
- NSSF – National Shooting Sports Foundation
- ATF – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
Legislative & Advocacy
NPA Advocacy
Your Voice on Capitol Hill NPA is the national voice, on both the national and grass roots levels, for legislative issues affecting the pawn industry. NPA is proactive and dedicated to addressing these issues. We are committed to educating the media and the US Congress in Washington, DC on the positive aspects our industry has to offer the general public. NPA keeps our members abreast of successes and challenges facing the pawn industry and informs them of Washington’s legislative and regulatory activities through our legislative e-mail updates.
Call to Action
NPA urges our members to help shape the outcome of pending legislation by sending feedback directly to federal and/or state legislative and regulatory agencies. Position Statements/Industry Issues NPA prepares position statements that deal with issues, policies, and practices that have an impact on the pawn industry. The NPA position statements are developed by a team of professionals in order to represent NPA’s stand on issues facing the pawn industry. The current position statements and industry issues are posted on the NPA website.
Position Statements
- Fingerprint Policy
- Regulatory Relief
- Safeguards – Final Rule
- 2005 Bankruptcy Law
- Data Security for Secondhand Dealers
- Equal Protection Under the Law
- Pawn Tax
Industry Issues
- Bank Discontinuance
- Customer Privacy Protection
- Data Confidentiality
Advocacy Website
PawnShopsToday.com is The National Voice of the Pawn Industry and is an advocacy website focusing on the positive story of the Pawn industry, journalist source information and Congressional activism. The website combines the best of cutting-edge Internet technology with tried and true communications strategies to build a movement for the Pawn industry that will make a positive impact.
PawnShopsToday.com is utilizing ground breaking social media to unite the Pawn industry, as well as providing a platform for your voices to be heard. PawnShopsToday.com gives the Pawn industry a diverse toolbox to connect with the people that matter:
- Industry Insiders
- Customers
- Journalists and Media
- Members of Congress and the House of Representatives
NPA has also launched supplemental social media resources, including: Pawn Shops Today Facebook Fansite, Pawn Shops Today Blog and www.PawnTweet.com, a Twitter filter for all of the pawn industry insiders. NPA members are encouraged to place PawnShopsToday.com banners on their business websites as a resource link. Banners and link information can be found at http://pawnshopstoday.com/Webmasters___Media.html
Public Relations
PawnShopsToday.com and other new media elements will be well supported by traditional public relations efforts in order to create a strong action plan for better, more aggressive public relations for NPA. As an important part of the public relations campaign, traditional press releases will be used to promote new initiatives or association activities, legislative issues or convey the human interest stories that put a “face” on the industry. National and local newspapers and business journals will provide invaluable opportunities to communicate NPA’s message. The campaign will encompass letters to the editor, seasonal public relations events, a tried and true response to relevant articles, as well as opinion editorials which are pro-active pieces. Finally, feature editorial placement with target publications can be critical to raise the public’s general awareness of an issue. Both the traditional journalistic public relations and the new media campaign will create a media “circle” moving exposure from print to the web, and back. This aggressive public relations campaign is an ongoing effort, and new elements and projects will be introduced over the coming months.
Legislative Resources
You can access the following legislative resources in Members Only of the NPA website, www.nationalpawnbrokers.org.
- Pawn Industry Overview Information
- Legislative Talking Points
- Position Statements/ Industry Issues
- Letter Templates for Pawnbroker & Local Officers to write to Members of Congress in support of the pawn industry
- View Bills that affect the pawn industry
- Congressional visit Talking Points
- www.PawnShopsToday.com – NPA Advocacy Website
- Email updates of the NPA Legislative Efforts
- Call to Action Email Request
Government Relations
The GRC oversees the implementation of NPA’s legislative programs and directs the activities of the NPA’s lobbyists and legislative staff. NPA’s lobbying team represents pawnbrokers of all types – from independent pawn stores to the multi-store operations – before Congress and the Federal Administration. The GRC provides pawnbrokers with the tools they need to be aware of legislation that impacts their business on a federal, state or local level. The GRC analyzes proposed laws and regulations, and lobbies and educates government about pawnbrokers and pawn industry concerns and priorities. The committee also reviews the legal aspects of legislative programs that the NPA is involved with at the federal, state and local levels and makes recommendations and reports on its findings. The GRC holds an annual legislative conference in Washington, DC. This conference offers pawnbrokers an opportunity to participate “first-hand” in the legislative process and actually lobby their legislators on issues of concern to the member and NPA-industry issues.
NPA Legislative Council
The NPA Legislative Council is earmarked specifically for the NPA Government relations efforts in Washington, DC. As an NPA member, you can contribute individually, as a corporation or a group, to the Legislative Council. The NPA Legislative Program is directed by the Government Relations Committee leadership and within the budgetary approval of the Board of Directors. All monies contributed to the NPA Legislative Council are used for the Association’s Federal level lobbying efforts, regulatory counsel and policy initiatives and are disbursed under the supervision of the Treasurer with regular reports to the Executive Committee and the Board. The establishment of this Council and the contributions received are the growth and forward progress of the NPA’s efforts to represent the pawn industry in Washington, DC.
NPA PAC
What is the NPA PAC?
Your PAC contribution allows the association’s members and staff to have face-to-face meetings at fundraising events with influential members of Congress. These members of Congress will cast votes on critical issues impacting your livelihood – the pawn industry. In today’s political environment, voting is not enough to ensure your voice will be heard. There are thousands of special interest groups involved in politics, all of them competing to have their ideas accepted by lawmakers. Voting may help you elect the right people, but by itself is no guarantee they know the pawn industry or understand the impact legislation will have on us. This is where the NPA PAC can make a difference. By joining the PAC, you are given the opportunity to help shape the laws that influence your business and ensure the lawmakers know who we are as an industry. Your NPA PAC donation can:
- Strengthen your industry’s relationship with members of Congress
- Help promote favorable legislation for the pawn industry
Guidelines for PAC donations: Federal law requires political action committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of each individual who contributes in excess of $200 in a calendar year.
- PAC contributions must be a personal check or personal credit card
- Individual contributions are limited to $5,000 per year
- Corporate contributions or contributions by foreign nationals are prohibited
- Your participation is voluntary and worthwhile
- PAC contributions are not tax deductible for federal tax purposes
Compliance
NPA provides up to date information and research for all compliance issues. NPA compliance manuals are available in the Member’s Only area of our website.
- Compliance with Federal Truth in Lending Requirements
- Complying with the FTC Safeguards Rule: Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information
- Compliance Boot Camp
Legal Defense Fund
The NPA Board of Directors has established the Legal Defense Fund to be utilized to fund litigation and/or fight legislation that ultimately could affect the pawn industry nationally, such as the Pawn Ticket Tax, Illegal Confiscation, and Customer Profiling to name a few.
Legal Library
NPA maintains a Legal Library that can be accessed by a pawnbroker’s attorney who is handling pawnbroker litigation. Contact the NPA Office for more information.
Communications
National Pawnbroker Magazine
NPA Magazine National Pawnbroker is the official publication of the National Pawnbrokers Association and is published quarterly in February, May, August, and November of each year. The National Pawnbroker brings you timely topics to assist in the success of your pawn business. Articles cover legislation issues, industry news, HR topics, compliance issues, history, and much more.
Pawn FyNdR
This is a unique search engine for the extensive database of the NPA members, which helps consumers find pawn stores they can trust. Users can search the database by city/state or simply by entering their zip code. PawnFyNdR is available online at www.PawnFyNdR.com as well as in the NPA iPhone app!
“Shrinkwrap/Clickwrap” License of Association Membership Directory
All Contents © 2011 National Pawnbrokers Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The NPA licenses the contents of its Membership Directory (Directory) only upon acceptance of all of the Terms and Conditions contained in this non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited license agreement. Please read this license agreement carefully before opening the sealed Directory. By opening the Directory, you hereby accept and agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions:
The Directory shall be used for individual, personal, and confidential reference purposes only and must be used pursuant to the terms of this
license agreement. The Directory and its contents are proprietary products of the NPA. The contents of the Directory may not, in whole or in part, be reproduced, copied, disseminated, entered into a computer database, used as part of or in connection with a mailing list, or otherwise utilized, in any form or manner or by any means except for the user’s individual, personal and confidential reference.
Contained herein are the names, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers and contact persons of member companies, organizations, institutions or individuals in good standing of the NPA. The NPA does not specifically endorse these members and makes no representations, warranties or guarantees, and assumes no responsibility for the products or services provided by these members. The NPA expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising from the Directory’s use or the performance of the products or services provided by its members.
NPA iPhone App
The National Pawnbrokers Association iPhone App has officially launched on the iTunes App Store. The NPA App is a great way to put the power of the National Pawnbrokers Association right in your hand. The NPA App includes the powerful PawnFyNdr, which will allow you to search for NPA pawnshops by Zip Code, State or City. The interactive map provides directions, address, telephone number and additional information about pawnshops of interest. Download the NPA iPhone App From the iTunes Store
Additional NPA App Features
- Pawn industry news
- Up to date information about the National Pawnbrokers Association
- NPA Meetings & Events
- Write to the NPA
- PawnShopsToday.com Blog
- Pawn industry social media
- And much, much more information about the pawn industry.
NPA NewsBrief
NPA members receive an electronic NewsBrief each Tuesday with pawn specific related articles. NPA members do not have to search the Internet for industry-related news. Each issue accumulates the pawn industry news for NPA members and delivers numerous quality articles to your inbox weekly. The NewsBrief is gathered by editors familiar with the pawn industry from over 14,500 hand-picked, editorially ranked sources, covering 150 countries and 35 languages. This saves a member’s valuable time, and further establishes NPA as the “go-to” resource for industry information. Be sure to sign-up (opt in) to receive your NewsBrief HERE.
NPA Website
NPA’s Website is your direct and best source for all information pertaining to NPA and the pawn industry for NPA programs, products, services, etc. Visit National Pawnbrokers Association Website for research, legislative information, educational resources, conference details, and Members Only Section. As a member, you have access to:
- Industry Partner Directory
- Membership Benefits
- Online Pawnbroker Directory
- Legislative
- Resource Library
- Meetings & Events
- Industry Overview
NPA Insider
NPA Insider is the National Pawnbrokers Association new online video channel. NPA Insider delivers authentic, interesting and valuable pawn news, webinars and industry information directly to the NPA membership – in an online video format. All videos can be found in our Members Only area.
TV Ad
NPA has produced two 30-second TV commercials with a donut that can be customized to include your store name, address, logo, and phone number. If you would like to receive the complimentary NPA TV ad, please Email NPA with your contact information, store name, and address.
Burglary Victim Lost/Stolen Card
These handy cards provide victims of burglary a list of other possible places their items may be found besides a pawn shop. It also includes the NPA address and phone number for further information.
Pawn PR 101
Since Pawnbrokers are in the media spotlight more and more every day, Pawn PR 101 will give you a few PR “tools” to use successfully in future media interviews. Pawn PR 101 is a quick-reference Public Relations Guide for the Pawn Industry, for you and your staff to conduct a media interview.
PR Refresher
This Public Relations “Refresher” course goes further in depth on how to manage media and press interactions and provides strong tips and talking points designed to allow members of the pawn industry to give successful interviews.
Property I.D. Kit
The Property I.D. Kit will help you and your customers keep important serial numbers, model numbers and receipts in one convenient location. The Property I.D. Kit assists your customers and employees to fight crime in your community.
Meetings & Events
Legislative Conference
Attending the NPA Legislative Conference will provide the opportunity to meet with key congressional and agency influencers, and will help build relationships with those legislators for the future. A strong showing of NPA members in Washington is vital to make sure our voices and concerns are heard about the pawn industry. Every member of the association is invited to attend this most important effort to strengthen our legislative program. Your appointments are scheduled by NPA, in advance for you, with legislators who serve on key committees of importance to the NPA. We will familiarize you with the current legislative issues facing the pawn industry and give pointers before you visit Capitol Hill for your appointments. After your visit to the Hill, you and other NPA members will share your experiences at a networking debriefing.
2012 NPA Legislative Conference Date:March 8, 2012
Location: The Liaison Hotel
Address: 415 New Jersey Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001
NPA Contact: Dana Meinecke at 817-337-8830
Reservations 866-233-4642
Pawn Expo
With nearly 1,200 attendees, the NPA Convention PAWN EXPO 2012 continues to focus on delivering high-level educational experiences for attendees. PAWN EXPO 2012 provides members with an opportunity to:
- Network with your fellow pawnbrokers from all over the world
- Participate in roundtable discussions to share proven ideas
- Attend pawn issue-related workshops and seminars by expert speakers on a variety of topics
- Learn about the latest products and services at the PAWN EXPO which features over 130 companies
- Make money at the Trading Sessions where buyers are ready to purchase diamonds, melee, colored stones, estate jewelry pieces, and high end watches (must make appointment prior to convention)
- And much more… -Golf Tournament -Silent & Live Auction -Social Events and the -NPA Annual Meeting
The NPA Convention PAWN EXPO is the most comprehensive resource for the tools, knowledge and contacts you need to succeed in the pawn industry.
Community Outreach
Future Business Leaders Program (FBL)
Funding for scholarships comes from donated scrap gold and monetary donations from NPA members. FBL Scholarship Program provides NPA members an opportunity to develop a more positive relationship with their communities and customers by giving back to their communities. FBL Scholarship Committee accepts scholarship applications each year until the end of March for deserving students. Applicants can be pawn customers, employees, or family of an NPA member. Scholarship applications and eligibility requirements are available on the NPA website.
C.O.P.S.
FBL is a supporter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) and awards scholarships to their organization each year. Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
NPA Musical Instrument Gift Day
This special national event is in celebration of National Pawnbrokers Day, which coincides with St. Nicholas Day. In the spirit of St. Nick’s compassion, generosity, and hope, pawn stores nationwide will work with local communities, schools, and charity organizations to donate musical instruments to fledgling music programs in desperate need of equipment. The NPA invites our members to support this very important cause. Research shows that children who study music excel in mathematics, language and reading development, and critical thinking skills. This is a great opportunity to reach out to your neighborhood, to improve a child’s life, and to remind the public that pawnbrokers are here to help their communities. For more information visit the Gift Day Website.
Partnership Programs
Take advantage of the special discounted rates and exclusive savings to NPA members for the following services and supplies.
State Pawnbroker Associations
Each State Pawnbroker Association provides a number of local resources to compliment the benefits offered by NPA. The State Pawnbroker Association’s provide advice and support to its members regarding state and local regulations and legislation.
Affinity Partners
Affinity Partner’s are companies who have developed special programs specifically for NPA members. All of these partners, in addition to providing you with excellent programs and discounts, also contribute to the NPA by providing non-dues revenue to the NPA. By supporting these companies, you are also supporting the NPA. I would encourage you to contact them and let them tell you what they can do for you!
Equitable Payments
How To Save Money Doing What You’re Already Doing!
NPA is proud to announce a new Affinity Partner, Equitable Payments, LLC, who along with our other capable partners, is joining the NPA family to provide the very best of merchant services. The NPA leadership is confident that when you look at the credit card processing services Equitable Payments is providing our membership, you too will want to sign up.
myOSHAstore.com
NPA has partnered with myOSHAstore.com to provide you with a one-stop shop for access to affordable safety products and services. Receive member-only discounts on a wide range of products including Labor Law Poster, First Aid and Safety products, Harassment Preventing Training, Written Safety Plans, and much more.
Hertz
As an NPA member, you can participate in Hertz Member Savings. Use your Hertz Member Savings Card again and again to enjoy the value of a menu of offers and year round discounts.
Office Depot
Office Depot has partnered with the NPA to provide a national office supply solution. Shop online at NPA’s custom Office Depot website or register your company credit card to receive your contract pricing in Office Depot stores. Some of the benefits include:
- Savings up to 86% on 200+ frequently ordered items
- Discounts ranging from 20-50% on most Office Depot Copy and Print services, including promotional products, customized stationery items, and special orders placed online or in stores
- 5% off the current retail web price for the most frequently ordered items in the Office Depot Business Solutions Division catalog
- Aggressive discounts on Office Depot’s already low prices for copy paper and toner
- Dedicated account management and exceptional customer service
PTIA Insurance
Professional Texas Insurance Agency provides Guaranteed Issue Group Health Insurance. You design your plan to fit your needs.
Major Medical plans with known carriers
- Drug Cards
- Doctor Office Co-pays
- ER Co-pays
- Dental & Vision
- Group Term Life
- Long Term Disability
- Short Term Disability
Medical Benefit Plans:
- RX Co-pay
- Office Co-pay
- 2 plan design options
- Guaranteed Issue
- HIPAA/COBRA compliant
- Hospital, Chiropractic, ER, and Ambulance included
- Optional Maternity Benefit
Firearms
Resources
