AHFA University
AHFA University is AHFA's online continuing education center offering the convenience of technical seminars and professional development programs while eliminating travel expenses and reducing time spent out of the office. Go to AHFA University >
DIRECTORIES
AHFA Membership Directory 
The AHFA Membership Directory contains contact information and links to all AHFA members, including manufacturers of furniture and their suppliers. The Directory may be printed by page or in its entirety. Also, the database may be searched by product category or by state. Members may update their listing information online at any time. The online Membership Directory and its database are a members-only resource.
Go to the Membership Directory >
Industry Resource Guide
The AHFA Industry Resource Guide is a searchable database that allows home furnishings companies to research and select a wide array of industry specific products and services. Easily accessible from a link on the AHFA home page (as well as from the link below), the Resource Guide enables executives to conveniently perform targeted searches using either a user-defined keyword search or an alphabetized category and sub-category search. The directory lists all AHFA Supplier Division members. These listings are designated with an AHFA member logo. The guide also includes listings from hundreds of other suppliers of goods and services targeted for use by home furnishings companies.
Go to the Resource Guide >
Trade Name Directory
The Trade Name Directory is an online resource listing various trademarks, brand names and trade names that AHFA members are using for specified products. If a member notifies us that the name is registered or trademarked, this is noted by ® or ™ beside that particular name. AHFA assumes no responsibility for the authenticity or ownership of any of the listings in the directory, nor does listing a name guarantee or imply any legal protection. Members update their own listings and may do so online at any time.
Go to the Trade Name Directory >
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
EFEC (Enhancing Furniture's Environmental Culture)
EFEC is a voluntary environmental management system created by AHFA in 1999 to help its members develop and maintain strong, proactive environmental programs. EFEC provides a systematic approach for reviewing and improving your company's operations for better environmental performance and improved profitability. In addition, many states now offer specific benefits for companies with an environmental management system in place. These benefits may include less reporting, fewer inspections, permit flexibility, faster permit approvals, government recognition and reduced permit and application fees.
Go to the EFEC website >
Environmental Guide
The Environmental Guide contains detailed information on environmental regulations and legislation of particular interest to the furniture and cabinet manufacturing industries. This site is updated regularly and contains links to many other useful Internet sites for furniture and cabinet industry environmental professionals. It also includes a compliance calendar and state and EPA contacts, as well as a glossary of terms. Adobe Acrobat software is needed to view content within the site and can be downloaded free of charge through the site, which is sponsored by AHFA, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc. and 3M.
Go to the Environmental Guide >
INDUSTRY GUIDES & MANUALS
Guide to Antidumping Procedures
On June 24, 2004, the U.S. Department of Commerce published a preliminary affirmative determination that certain wooden bedroom furniture from the People's Republic of China was being sold for less than fair value. This determination triggered various legal obligations for U.S. firms involved in the importation of wood bedroom furnishings, including the posting of a cash deposit or bond of estimated antidumping duties on all entries on and after June 24, 2004.
AHFA and the National Home Furnishings Association together commissioned a Guide to Antidumping Procedures by an international law firm not involved in the wood bedroom case. This resource is designed to help companies comply with their obligations under the antidumping proceeding and to answer common questions raised by importers, domestic manufacturers and retailers regarding this complex matter. The 58-page guide is intended for general information purposes and should not be construed as offering a legal opinion on any specific factual situation.
Go to the Antidumping Procedures Guide >
Antidumping Duty Review & Collection Procedures >
Freight Loss & Damage Claims Manual
The Freight Loss & Damage Claims Manual is a printed guide to understanding the principles and procedures for filing loss and damage claims. Written in 1988, the guide is available to members here.
Tagging Law Manual
This digest of United States and Canadian provincial labeling laws is updated every other year by the International Sleep Products Association. It covers laws pertaining to bedding, upholstered furniture and other products, but the greatest detail is provided for mattresses. It offers a concise listing of the basic licensing, registration and labeling requirements in each jurisdiction. The online manual is a members-only resource.
Go to the Tagging Law Manual >
Non-members may purchase a printed copy of the 30-page manual for $200.
Non-members click here to order >
Voluntary Ergonomics Guideline
The Voluntary Ergonomics Guideline assists furniture manufacturing employers and employees in recognizing and controlling potential ergonomic hazards. It was developed by AHFA in alliance with the North Carolina Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Division, and the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA. The 109-page guideline is organized in five sections: Ergonomics Program Management, Identifying Ergonomics Concerns, Ergonomic Control Strategies, Administrative Management and Ergonomics Program Evaluation. Appendixes include examples of teamwork structures, ergonomic plans, reporting and analysis methods that are currently working for companies in the industry.
Go to the Voluntary Ergonomics Guideline >
PRODUCT & TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Bar Code Standard
The Bar Code Standard was developed through the work of AHFA's Bar Code Task Group and published in 1994. You do not have to be an AHFA member to view the 36-page standard.
Go to the Bar Code Standard >
Serialized Labeling of Furniture
In 2002 the American Furniture Manufacturers Association's Information Technology Board of Directors decided to address the issues of serial numbers for furniture products and serial number labeling. These conventions are the results of about six months of collaborations with AHFA members, FIDX (Furniture Industry Data Exchange), NHFA (National Home Furnishings Association) and HFIA (Home Furnishings International Association.)
Go to Serialized Labeling of Furniture >
Inventory Management
In 2002 the American Furniture Manufacturers Association's Information Technology Board of Directors decided to address the issues that prevented furniture manufacturers from using UPC numbers for their products. These conventions are the results of about six months of collaborations with AHFA members, FIDX (Furniture Industry Data Exchange), NHFA (National Home Furnishings Association) and HFIA (Home Furnishings International Association.)
Go to Inventory Management >
Construction & Safety Standards Index
A complete index of furniture construction and safety standards and specifications is provided on the AHFA Standards page. This unique index is organized by product category and lists standards from more than a dozen different government sources. Although extensive and updated regularly, the referenced standards and specifications are not represented as being exhaustive, the most recently issued or legally binding.
Go to the Standards Index >
Polyurethane Foam Standard
Published in 1994, the Joint Industry Foam Standards and Guideline is an 82-page document covering all types of foam used in upholstery construction.
Go to the Polyurethane Foam Standard >
Recliner Chair Guideline
This single-page document details the construction standard and safety language for recliner mechanisms.
Go to the Recliner Chair Guideline >
Woven & Knit Upholstery Fabric Standards & Guideline
The Joint Industry Fabric Standards and Guidelines Committee was formed in the mid-1970s to develop standards for woven and knit upholstery fabrics. This 45-page document is the third update to the original standard. Through continuing reviews and refinements, the committee strives to keep test methods and performance criteria updated to reflect field performance of fabrics.
Go to the Fabric Standards & Guideline >
PUBLICATIONS
Focus on Benefits
Focus on Benefits is an electronic newsletter updated quarterly by an AHFA Supplier Division Member specializing in executive and employee benefit plans. Focus on Benefits addresses timely benefits subjects along with developing trends. Members can sign up to receive this newsletter by using the administrative tools section of the website and checking Focus on Benefits under "Personal Interests Profile."
Current Issue/ Members Only >
Furniture Executive
This monthly membership newsletter is mailed to all member companies. It includes news on upcoming programs and events, a message from the AHFA President, news from Washington, updates on the AHFA public relations program, and updates on AHFA member benefits and programs. The current issue can be viewed online.
Current Issue >
Human Resources Close-Up
This monthly online newsletter is produced by AHFA in conjunction with James W. "Jim" Wimberly of Wimberly & Lawson, Atlanta, Ga. Content addresses pertinent legal subjects in the employment/labor relations arena, along with relevant court and National Labor Relations Board cases. Members can sign up to receive this newsletter by using the administrative tools section of the website and checking Human Resources Close-Up under "Personal Interests Profile."
Current Issue/ Members Only >
Suppliers on Demand
Suppliers on Demand is an online newsletter designed to help manufacturer members find the product and service suppliers they need, when they need them. It is updated quarterly and includes news from Supplier Division members, as well as new product and service announcements. Companies must be AHFA Supplier Division members in order to announce new products or services in this newsletter.
Current Issue >
Washington Report
Washington Report is an update of legislative and regulatory activities written by AHFA's Washington, D.C.-based staff.
See the report >
SURVEYS & STATISTICS
Annual Financial Performance Indicators Report
This confidential survey contains balance sheet and income statement data, as well as financial and operating ratios. Benchmarks are tabulated by product and company size to allow participants to analyze company performance. Current year and historical information. Available to participants only.
Available to participants only
Management Salary Survey
This survey of management compensation is conducted every other year.
Available to participants only
Manufacturers Benefits Survey
The Manufacturers Benefits Survey covers employment conditions and fringe benefits and their related costs. It is updated every other year.
Available to participants only
Manufacturers Wage Information
Annual wage statistics for production and management positions from the Department of Labor.
For more information >
Sales Reps Compensation Survey
The survey of sales representative compensation within the home furnishings industry is available only to AHFA members. Ninety-seven percent of the respondents were commission independent representatives.
2005 Survey >
Quarterly Financial Performance Indicators Report
This report highlights current conditions in the residential furniture industry. Results are based on data from a key group of participating member companies, including shipments, inventory and receivables for wood and upholstered household furniture.
Go to the Quarterly Financial Performance Indicators Report >
Non-members may subscribe to the report for $50 a year.
Click here to subscribe to the Quarterly Financial Performance Indicators Report >
VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
Consumer Product Testing
ChemServe is certified to perform lead paint testing for the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. It employs state of the art sample preparation techniques and analysis instrumentation. Lead can be a concern in any furniture that has a painted or surface coating, whether it's one color or several colors. AHFA members pay a preferred rate per test that is one-third off ChemServe's list price. Contact Jay Chrystal at 603/673-5440 or jay@chemservelab.com for more information. AHFA Member Discounts >
Credit Card Savings
AHFA member companies have experienced a growing rate of credit card orders, not just from designers and small retail companies, but, increasingly, from larger accounts, as well. Processing fees can add up to tens of thousands of dollars – so AHFA negotiated a group program to bring the absolute lowest possible processing rates to our members! For a free comparison of processing rates, members should simply forward a current bank statement to Elavon's Liz Harpst at liz.harpst@elavon.com or call 865/933-0872.
Employee Relocation Programs
AHFA members receive discounted relocation services from Excel Moving and Storage, agent for Allied Van Lines. Services include discounted rates on state to state moves, a one-contact relocation coordinator, free valuations, transit enhancements, guaranteed dates, quarterly detailed reports, 24-hour shipment tracking and COD or direct billing options. Members may contact Shannon Roberts at 800-699-7796 or e-mail sroberts@excelms.com.
Go here for more information >
Atlas Van Lines Employee Relocation Program
AHFA offers member companies a special discounted relocation program for employee household moves. The program provides member companies a significant discount on transportation, packing, storing (if needed), supervision of relocation and free full value replacement insurance through City Transfer & Storage, an Atlas Van Lines agent in High Point, NC. For additional information, contact Debbie Prince at 800/334-2648.
Clark & Reid Executive Relocation Discount Program
Members of AHFA are eligible to receive discounted moving rates from Clark & Reid Executive Relocation: America's Highest Rated Mover. Clark & Reid's program provides access to a Personal Move Coordinator, Classically Trained Moving Professionals, Complimentary Utility Conversion Services, Storage Discount Rates, in addition to a comprehensive VIP Services Menu. To request a complimentary assessment of your shipment, please contact Katie Braun @ 800-358-3600 x2168.
Go here for more information >
Discounted Environmental Services
Stratus Environmental Solutions, an AHFA Supplier Division member, offers AHFA members an across-the-board discount of 10% on all project labor. The discount applies to technical and permitting services, including air, water, industrial hygiene, ISO and environmental reporting.
Request information >
Federal Express Shipping Program
A small parcel discount program with Federal Express brings AHFA members significant cost savings on both inbound and outbound small package shipments. The program features both domestic and international pricing discounts that apply to FedEx Express services, FedEx Ground services and Multiweight Rate Tables. To participate, members simply complete the Smart Ship Form and mail or fax it back to AHFA.
Go to the Smart Ship Form >
Fuel Card Program
AHFA's fuel card program offers members reduced fuel costs at thousands of truck stops nationwide. Typical rates are actual wholesale plus 2 to 3 cents, with no transaction fees. The program is managed by T-Chek Systems, a subsidiary of C.H. Robinson Worldwide. The AHFA card is accepted at over 9,000 truck stops in the United States and Canada. Cash can be issued on the card or the card can be used at any ATM PLUS network machine in the United States or Canada. Participating member companies also have access to E-Stop, a fuel price and news information service that provides daily and historical diesel and gasoline prices along with NYMEX energy quotes, petroleum market news and a host of other critical data related to buying, selling, trading or marketing fuel.
To participate in the fuel card program, contact Andy Counts at 336/884-5000, ext. 0115.
Information and Application >
Office Depot's Business Solutions
AHFA members enjoy special discounts on hundreds of office supplies and equipment needs through Office Depot's Business Solutions Division. Member pricing is based on volume discounts made possible by the number of AHFA member companies. Additional benefits include next day delivery and customized billing and ordering. To set up your Office Depot Business Solutions account, click on the link below.
Set up account >
The Office Depot account includes Tech Depot as an additional member benefit, supplying expertise and competitive pricing in technology.
Go to Tech Depot >
Payroll Services
AHFA members receive a group discount on payroll services through Heartland, the fifth largest payment processor in the United States. Services include web-enabled payroll processing, remote check and report printing capabilities, full tax or tax alert service, new hire reporting, benefit accrual tracking and payments, direct deposits, split wrapped payroll, employee pay card programs and more. A three-year, fixed-price agreement also is available to guarantee payroll processing fees. Call Allen Andrews at 336/442-3023 for more information.
PC Connection
PC Connection, a national provider of information technology solutions, offers AHFA members discounts on computing products, place secure orders using a credit card and create an individual login and password from a special AHFA member area on the PC Connection website. Please contact AHFA for login information.
Go to PC Connection >
Publicity Assistance
A variety of public relations services are offered free-of-charge to AHFA members. These include crisis communication consultations, market event planning consultations, market press kit review and assistance, promotion of new products to the consumer media, and direct-to-consumer promotions through AHFA's consumer website, www.findyourfurniture.com. To be included in the Furniture Finder database on this website, members must fill out the Find Your Furniture survey form.
Go to the Find Your Furniture Survey >
For more information on publicity assistance, contact Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of marketing and public relations, at hirschhaut@aol.com.
ShowUhow
ShowUhow is a producer of web-based video instruction guides that help consumers assemble home furnishings products quickly and easily, resulting in a better buying experience and fewer returns. ShowUhow's video instruction guides can also be used to facilitate warranty registration and to ensure compliance with product safety requirements. AHFA members save 10 percent on ShowUhow's one-time setup and hosting fees. Sample videos can be viewed at www.showuhow.com. For more information, contact Mark Schumka at 858/492-1222, or email mschumaka@showuhow.net.
Staples Business Advantage
Save money on office suppliers with the AHFA/Staples Business Advantage program. Members can save an average of 60% off more than 4,000 items in the Staples catalog, and an average of 40% off large stock catalog items. The program also offers free delivery on orders of $25 or more.
Click here to register >
Voluntary Benefit Plans
Personal Series offers a menu of specialty insurance plans allowing member companies to tailor benefit coverage for their employees. Options include dental, vision, cancer and accident insurance. Employers can offer all or choose various combinations. Email info@CWIResourceGroup.com or call 888/737-4377, ext. 119 for information.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
Leather Education Booklet
Developed by the Joint Industry Leather Standards and Guidelines Committee, this education booklet was designed as a sales tool for manufacturers and sales representatives to use in educating dealers.
Go to Leather Education Booklet >
Rule 181 Furniture Packaging
Performance Test DVD
This DVD will assist users in understanding the fundamental principles and benefits associated with Rule 181 package testing. It will also provide packaging specialists and lab technicians the instructional tools needed to apply the Rule 181 protocol in a consistent and standardized format.
Price: $49 + $5 for shipping. Includes the text version of Rule 181 Testing protocol.
Go to Order Form >
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