Initial Payment Authorization:
I authorize Association for Independent Americans (AIA) to debit entries to my (our) credit card or bank account with the depository named for the purpose of honoring charges initiated by Association for Independent Americans. This authorization will remain in effect until the company has received notification from me that it is to be terminated in such a time and manner for the company to act on it. I have the right to stop payment of a debit entry by notification to Depository at such time as to afford Depository a reasonable opportunity to act on it prior to charging account. After account has been charged, I have the right to have the amount of an erroneous debit credited to my account by Depository, provided I send written notice of such debit entry in error to Depository within 15 days following issuance of the account statement or 45 days after posting, whichever comes first.
Recurring Payment Authorization:
If recurring payment option selected, I understand that the first debit entry will start one month after Effective Date and the approximate day of the month for ongoing debit entries is based upon effective date. Effective dates of the 29th, 30th, or 31st will result in debit entries on or around the 28th. If dues are paid annually, the renewal date will be 365 days from the effective date of the membership. I acknowledge that if the appropriate funds are not available at the time of the debit entry, that AIA has the right to cancel my membership effective that day or attempt to draft the dues again within 31 days and may charge up to a $25 service fee to my account. I further acknowledge that any overdraft charges due to a lack of funds or any other fee that is applied to my account are not the responsibility of AIA.
Terms and Conditions for Membership Application
By checking the box and entering my name below, I am indicating my intent to electronically sign this application for membership in Association for Independent Americans and warrant that all of the information I have provided is true, complete, and accurate. Upon application, I understand my membership benefits will be in effect the next business day. I understand my membership card may be required to receive member discounts. I understand benefits are offered at the sole discretion of AIA and may vary by availability, vendor, or state of residence. Vendors reserve the right to withdraw or change their offers without notice. The benefit descriptions have been taken from the benefit providers’ marketing material and members should carefully examine benefit information before choosing any benefit. AIA makes no affirmation of fact or promise relating to the goods and services and specifically disclaims any warranty, expressed or implied, as to the merchantability of the goods and services reflected. To be entitled to AIA benefits, you must be a member in good standing and dues must be paid current. AIA does not verify eligibility status on benefits. Each vendor has the responsibility and right upon claims or services submitted against a benefit to honor or deny service. All information collected by the IBC in connection with this application for Membership is utilized solely for the purpose of providing Association benefits.
Membership cancellation:
Monies collected prior to cancellation are non-refundable. Should I choose to cancel my AIA Membership, I understand I must contact AIA at 1-888-861-4242 or write to AIA at P.O. Box 143275, Irving, TX 75014-3275.
Arbitration:
All disputes, claims and controversies between current or former Members and AIA shall be settled totally and finally by arbitration in Dallas,Texas, or such other location as AIA prescribes, and administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules. There shall be one arbitrator who shall be an attorney who shall have expertise in business law transactions, and preferably an attorney knowledgeable in the direct selling industry. AIA shall select the arbitrator at its sole discretion from the panel which the American Arbitration Association provides. Each party to the arbitration shall be responsible for its own costs and expenses of arbitration, including legal and filing fees. If a Member files a claim or counterclaim against AIA, a Member shall do so on an individual basis and not with any other Member or as part of a class action. The arbitrator shall have the right in his or her discretion to authorize the obtaining of discovery, including the taking of depositions of witnesses for the purpose of discovery. The presentations of parties in the arbitration proceeding shall be commenced and completed within sixty (60) days after the selection of the arbitrator and the arbitrator shall render his or her decision in writing within thirty (30) days after the completion of such presentations. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the parties and may, if need be, be reduced to a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.* At the request of any party, the arbitrator shall make and provide to the parties written findings of fact and conclusions of law. This agreement to arbitrate shall survive any termination or expiration of the Membership.
Nothing in this provision shall prevent AIA from terminating a Membership or from applying to and obtaining from any court having jurisdiction injunctive or emergency relief prior to the filing of or during or following any arbitration proceeding or pending the handing down of a decision or award in connection with any arbitration or other proceeding. The adoption and/or modification of this arbitration provision shall not apply retroactively to any dispute which arose or which AIA had notice of before the date of the adoption or modification.