For Businesses Serving the Resale, Consignment, and Thrift Industry

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The resale industry is supported by more than the stores themselves. Behind successful resale, consignment, and thrift businesses are companies providing the products, services, technology, and expertise that keep those businesses operating and growing.

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NARTS Partner Membership brings those businesses into our professional community, creating opportunities to build relationships with resale professionals, share industry knowledge, and introduce solutions that support store owners and their teams.

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Partner Membership is designed for businesses that provide products or services to resale, consignment, and thrift stores.

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Before applying, please review the membership requirements below.

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Who Qualifies for Partner Membership?

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Partner Membership is available to companies and businesses that provide goods or services to resale, consignment, and thrift businesses.

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This may include:

• Point of sale systems, inventory management software, and other technology providers.

• Companies supplying store fixtures, displays, packaging, tags, and retail supplies.

• Wholesale merchandise and inventory providers.

• Marketing, advertising, website development, and business service companies.

• Business consultants, coaches, trainers, and educational service providers.

• Payment processing, accounting, and other professional service companies.

• Other businesses providing products or services to the resale industry.

 

Businesses must provide products or services relevant to the retail members represented by NARTS.

 

What Is the Difference Between Partner and Primary Membership?

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Primary Membership is intended for qualifying businesses that sell predominantly used or recycled personal or household merchandise directly to retail customers.

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Partner Membership is intended for businesses that provide products or services to those retail businesses.

For example, a consignment store selling secondhand clothing to shoppers would generally fall under Primary Membership. A software company providing inventory management systems to that store would fall under Partner Membership.

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If your business operates in both areas, please contact NARTS before applying so we can determine the appropriate membership classification.

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What Does Partner Membership Offer?

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NARTS Partners have opportunities to connect with store owners and resale professionals who may benefit from their products, services, or expertise.

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Depending on the current Partner program, opportunities may include:

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• Partner Directory Listing: Introduce your company, describe your products or services, and provide a link to your website.

• Educational Opportunities: Share relevant knowledge and expertise through educational content, webinars, or other opportunities offered by NARTS.

• Member Communications: Participate in available opportunities to introduce your business and share information with the NARTS community.

• Event Participation: Explore sponsorship, exhibitor, and other participation opportunities at NARTS educational events.

• Industry Connections: Build relationships with resale, consignment, and thrift professionals and better understand the needs of the businesses you serve.

 

Some opportunities may require separate registration, approval, or additional fees. Partner Membership does not guarantee speaking engagements, promotional placements, or access to member contact information.

 

What Is Expected of NARTS Partners?

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We want our Partners to be valuable contributors to the NARTS community.

 

Partners are expected to:

• Provide accurate information about their business, products, and services.

• Conduct business professionally and ethically.

• Respect NARTS members and their business relationships.

• Follow NARTS guidelines for promotions, communications, and event participation.

• Share educational information that is relevant and useful to resale professionals.

• Respect the privacy of NARTS members and the confidentiality of member information.

 

NARTS Partner Membership represents participation in the Association. It does not automatically constitute an endorsement, certification, or guarantee of a Partner's products or services.

 

Can Partner Members Vote or Serve on the NARTS Board?

 

Partner Members do not have voting rights in NARTS elections or other matters submitted to the voting membership.

 

Under Article IV of the bylaws, individuals holding Affiliate Membership are not eligible to serve on the NARTS Board of Directors.

The bylaws also establish conflict of interest restrictions involving businesses that provide products or services to resale stores.

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What Do the NARTS Bylaws Say?

 

The NARTS Association Bylaws use the term Affiliate Membership for the membership category publicly referred to as Partner Membership.  The following provisions are from the October 2025 NARTS Association Bylaws.

 

Article IX, Section 1: Supplier Membership

 

Supplier membership in this corporation is limited to companies or corporations supplying goods or services to the retail membership of this corporation.

 

What this means: Partner Membership is intended for businesses providing products or services to resale, consignment, and thrift stores represented by NARTS.

 

Article IX, Section 2: Affiliate Membership

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AFFILIATE: Any firm, partnership, corporation or other business entity providing products or services to store members of this Corporation or to entities selling at retail, goods that consist predominantly of used or recycled personal or household merchandise.

 

What this means: Businesses providing products or services to qualifying resale retailers may apply for Partner Membership, even if the businesses they serve are not currently NARTS members.

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Article IX, Section 1: Membership Approval

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Any person applying for membership to this corporation is subject to the approval of the board of directors.

 

What this means: All Partner Membership applications are subject to approval by NARTS.

 

Article III, Section 1: Voting Rights

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Additional memberships of the resale or thrift stores and individuals or entities holding Secondary, Associate, Provisional, Sustaining or Affiliate membership shall be granted non-voting status.

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What this means: Partner Members may participate in the NARTS community but do not receive voting rights.

 

Membership Dues and Renewal

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• Partner Membership dues are established by the NARTS Board of Directors.

• New members pay one full year of dues, along with any applicable application fee, when applying.

• Membership renewals are due on the first day of the month of the anniversary of joining. Membership automatically terminates when dues become 60 days overdue.

 

All NARTS members agree to follow the Association's Code of Ethics and maintain ethical business practices.

 

What Happens When I Apply?

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When applying for Partner Membership, you'll be asked to provide information about your business, including:

• Company name and contact information.

• Business website.

• Products or services offered.

• Types of resale businesses you serve.

• A brief description of your company and how your products or services benefit the resale industry.

 

NARTS will review your application to confirm that your business meets the requirements for Partner Membership.

 

Ready to Become a NARTS Partner?

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NARTS values the businesses that contribute their knowledge, products, services, and expertise to the resale industry.

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We want our Partners to be more than names in a directory. We want to create opportunities for meaningful connections, useful education, and relationships that benefit both our Partners and the resale professionals they serve.

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If your company provides products or services to resale, consignment, or thrift businesses, we'd welcome the opportunity to learn more about you.

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Not sure if your business qualifies? Contact NARTS before applying. We'll be happy to review your business information and explain the membership requirements.

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By applying for Partner Membership, you acknowledge that you have reviewed the eligibility requirements, understand that your application is subject to approval, and agree to follow the NARTS Code of Ethics and applicable Partner program guidelines.