First Trade Registry™ CODE OF ETHICS

 

PART ONE

 

PREAMBLE

 

The following may be considered either a "CODE OF ETHICS" or a "CODE OF CONDUCT" or both. No prior "Model" for First Trade Registry™ exists. FTR is not a corporation and does not completely resemble any other known business model and is, therefore, unique. 

 

First Trade Registry™ is a Global Marketer, a professional networking services association of independent Partner/Members conducting business within an entrepreneurial, IT communications environment including

 

1. Mobile World Direct Marketing

2. For sale By Owner Advocate™

3. Women On The Job.com™

4. Men On The Job.com™  

5. Work at Home - Go Ahead, Ask

 

The “CODE OF ETHICS” applies in precisely the same way to each of the above First Trade Registry™ businesses and will do so for all future businesses that may be added. 

 

What follows is the formulation of a code of ethics and conduct that relates to traditional business practices combined with many that are unique only to First Trade Registry™ Partner/Members and Businesses.

 

First Trade Registry™ Partner/ Members and Associates (FTRPMA) conduct their businesses with integrity, credibility and the desire to succeed without misleading the consumer. They are committed to providing a positive, constructive and action-oriented environment that supports diversity in individuals and their talents, thoughts, and perspectives.  

 

First Trade Registry’s foundation is built on PERSONAL LOYALTY and is paramount to forming new "life-long" successful mutually beneficial business relationships with members of our community!  Loyalty and Teamwork are crucially important to our continued success, along with you making a personal commitment to follow this code – both in letter and in spirit.  If you’re not loyal please, do not seek membership. This is not a job, but a journey - WE WORK TOGETHER, SURVIVE, AND FINANCIALLY PROSPER!  Loyalty Rules!! 

 

Where the words First Trade Registry™ are used in this Code and Preamble, it shall be deemed to include First Trade Registry™ Partner/Members & Associates (FTRPMA) regardless of the name of the business es they operate. While our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct establishes obligations that may be higher than those mandated by law, in any instance where the Code and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must take precedence.

 

First Trade Registry’s Code of Ethics cannot describe every business practice or principle related to honest and ethical conduct. It provides a framework to FTR Partner/ Members and others who may be associated with a Partner/Member or Members. Since each Partner/Member is an independent operator of his/her own home-based business or businesses, it is the Partner/Member’s sole responsibility to conduct business as an FTR Partner/Member with honesty, integrity and lawfully and stand committed to sound ethical business practices through self regulation.

 

First Trade Registry's (FTR) most valuable assets are its Membership of Independent Partner/Members and Associates. Also it’s intellectual property, trade secrets, trademarks, service marks, copyrights, and it's confidential information that is vital to the success of FTR. "Confidential information" is business, technical information, both oral and written about FTR, its Partner/Members, products, clients, or customers that is classified as proprietary, secret, or confidential, or not known to the public or our competitors and which provides FTR with a competitive advantage.

 

The title “First Trade Registry™” connotes:

 

1."First" meaning First Trade Registry™; is #1, preceding all others in rank, dignity, excellence, quality of       merchandise and service. The first of its kind, a visionary business like no other.

 

2."Trade" meaning skilled profession, business, craft, clientele-customers-business of  exchanging commodities  and services for a fee, all persons engaged in the same line of  business, to barter, to traffic, to carry on a trade or business for the purpose of buying, selling, or swapping.

 

3."Registry" meaning "Information system", FTR’s official record, FTR’s trademarked name, an official listing  containing the products and records of diverse information.

 

"FTRPMA" is synonymous with competency, fairness and high integrity resulting from adherence to the ageless standard expressed by THE GOLDEN RULE; “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

 

"FTRPMA" abide by the FTR "Honor System”, the Cornerstone of First Trade Registry™. Mature judgment and personal integrity are qualities all Partner/Members & Associates must possess and employ. An Honor Council has been appointed to deal with issues arising when the conduct of a Partner/Member/Associate is questioned. Inappropriate conduct is never tolerated and can result in termination of an FTRPMA Membership.

 

By sharing the following with the reader, it is FTR’s hope that the nature of the relationship between FTR and the FTRPMA can only be understood as completely interdependent and inseparable.

 

PART TWO

 

STATEMENT OF POLICY AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

 

First Trade Registry's Code of Ethics sets forth a comprehensive overview of our business philosophy and practices and is presented on our Web Site as a statement of policy for the public at large. However, contained herein are policies and practices, terms and definitions that specifically pertain to the daily conduct of Partner/Members. The policies and terms presented below are standards which must be maintained by all who are associated with First Trade Registry™.

 

THE HONOR SYSTEM “The Cornerstone of First Trade Registry™

 

The honor system is the highest expression of trust. FTR’s success depends upon each Partner/Member’s willingness to uphold the ideals that bind First Trade Registry™ business builders together and makes unique, the global “Membership” to which they belong.

 

Mature judgment and personal integrity are qualities all Partner/Members must possess and employ. The nature of the extraordinary freedom, granted to a Partner/Member by FTR, to operate an independent, home based business, should not be misinterpreted as permission to operate outside the guidelines set forth by First Trade Registry™. Partner/Members must view the guidelines as a formula for success rather than a list of restrictive rules.

 

The honor system, when respected, earns and maintains the respect of the public and, most importantly, those with whom FTRPMA conduct business.

 

THE HONOR COUNCIL

 

On behalf of First Trade Registry Partner/Members an Honor Council has been appointed to deal with issues arising when the conduct of a Partner/Member is questioned. The Honor Council will be responsible for interpreting said questionable conduct and recommending appropriate action, if needed. The Honor Council consists of five (5) Partner/Members in good standing. Misconduct by a Partner/Member is defined as a deliberate or irresponsible action or deed relating to any and all aspects of said Partner/Member’s function as a First Trade Registry Partner/Member. Misconduct as defined above falls into two broad categories;

 

I. CONDUCT RELATING TO THE INTERACTION OF PARTNER/MEMBERS WITH CLIENTS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.

 

Proper conduct toward First Trade Registry Partner/Members’ clients is easily defined as the observance of good business practices. The principles of courtesy, fairness, honesty and integrity apply in all respects. Exceptions can never be justified and will not be tolerated. Because Partner/Members provide services, the reputation and the good will of the community are paramount to the success of Partner/Members and to FTR. As far as most buyers and sellers are concerned, The Partner/Member is First Trade Registry.

 

Partner/Members who demonstrate a disregard for these principles will be warned by the Honor Council. If misconduct, as defined by First Trade Registry, persists, the Honor Council may place a Partner/Member on probation, or revoke his/her membership.

 

II. CONDUCT RELATING TO THE DISCHARGE OF DUTIES TO FIRST TRADE REGISTRY AND OTHER PARTNER MEMBERS.

 

It is inconceivable that a Partner/Member’s conduct to his/her fellow Partner/Members needs to be defined. "The Golden Rule" should suffice as the only directive a Partner/Member should require. Let it be simply stated then, that respectful and responsible behavior toward other Partner/Members is expected.

 

ETHICAL SALES PRACTICES

First Trade Registry Partners/Members shall:

 

A. Conduct themselves in a professional, courteous and considerate manner;

 

B. Represent First Trade Registry products and services in a sincere and honest manner and honor First Trade Registry's Code of Ethics.

 

C. Represent First Trade Registry's' Compensation Plan in an honest manner;     

 

D. Become familiar with and utilize First Trade Registry's marketing techniques, compensation plan and statement of policies and other materials as prescribed by First Trade Registry.

 

E. Present First Trade Registry Independent Business Ownership Partnership/Membership, Associate Advertising Membership in a manner which is consistent with First trade registry's material and provide training, motivation  and support to First Trade Registry Partner/Members in their support line.

 

F. Not engage in any deceptive, unlawful, or unethical business or recruiting practices, high pressure selling or marketing illegal merchandise of any kind.

 

G. Refrain from engaging in any deceptive, unlawful, or unethical business or recruiting practices such as engaging  in any high pressure selling or recruiting practices enrolling minors or persons who are not capable of making an informed decision with respect to entering into a business relationship with First Trade Registry.

 

H. Seek in any way to violate or circumvent First Trade Registry's policies or code of ethics. First Trade Registry Partner/Members are restricted from marketing any item that would and could be marketed by and through First Trade Registry for the purpose of circumventing First Trade Registry and avoid paying rightful commissions and fees to First Trade Registry and/or said Partner/Members' support line. Violation of this policy will result in immediate revocation of the offenders' First Trade Registry membership.

 

I. Transactions in progress will be assigned to and completed by another Partner/Member and all monies resulting from the successful completion of those transactions will be distributed to the appropriate Partner/Members and First Trade Registry.

 

J. Partner/Member applicants who own businesses marketing items or services duplicating those marketed by First Trade Registry may be approved for membership if the relationship is seen to be advantageous to both  parties. In that case questions regarding violation of any policy set forth herein may be brought before the Honor Council for adjudication.

 

OBLIGATIONS OF PARTNER/MEMBERS,

As an Independent Business Owner, it is FTRPMA responsibility to:

 

A. Abide by any and all federal, state, provincial, county, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the acquisition, marketing, selling, locating, distributing, or advertising of First Trade Registry products and services and the promotion of the `First Trade Registry™ partner/membership and or Associate Advertising Membership.

 

B. At the Partners/Members, Associate Advertising Members own expense, make, execute or file all such reports and obtain such licenses as required by law or public authority with respect to his/her Independent Business Ownership and/or receipt, holding, selling, marketing or promoting of First Trade Registry products and services.

 

C. Be solely responsible for declaration and payment of all local, state, provincial, federal and general sales taxes and fees as may accrue because of the Partner/Member,.  Associate Advertising Member activities in conjunction with his/or her own Business Ownership.

 

D. Supply all of his/her own equipment and tools for operating his/her business such as computer, telephone, transportation, office equipment, office supplies and professional services and

 

E. Provide his/her own place of business and determine his/her own work hours.

 

INHERITANCE OF BUSINESS

Any First Trade Registry's Partners business which is defined, as his or her support line, and all the monies derived from this business, may be inherited by a single person or a trust. It must comply with FTR guidelines pursuant to a valid will or other appropriate document, or in accordance with intestacy laws of the state, province, or country in which the partner resides.

 

SALE OR TRANSFER OF BUSINESS

A. Any First Trade Registry partner/member can sell or transfer his/her business, which is defined, as his/her support line, and all monies derived. (B) The sale or transfer of a First Trade Registry partner’s business must be approved in writing by First Trade Registry as being in the best interest of all parties involved.

 

ONE BUSINESS PER PERSON OR MARRIED COUPLE

A Partner may not own, or operate or have a financial interest in more than one Independent First Trade Registry business. Married couples are treated as a single partner for the purpose of this policy.

 

AMENDMENTS TO COMPENSATION PLAN, STATEMENT OF POLICIES, AND /OR USER AGREEMENT

Upon notification to Partners/Members, Associate Advertisers, First Trade Registry may, at its sole discretion, amend the Compensation Plan, Statement of Policies & Definitions of Terms, and/or User Agreement. Please review Terms of Use - User Agreement:

http://www.firsttraderegistry.com/legal/terms_of_use.htm

 

INCOME CLAIMS
Partners/Members are prohibited from making false, misleading or inaccurate claims about their or other persons' compensation received under the First Trade Registry Compensation Plan.

First Trade Registry’s Statement of Policies and Definition of Terms will be updated periodically. Partner/Members will be notified when changes are made.

 

PART THREE

 

FTRPMA BUSINESSES; Alike yet Different

 

FTRPMA businesses have much in common with each other, yet are distinctly different in terms of their products, services and markets. One may market collectible and antique cars while another may engage in wholesale catalog marketing products directly to consumers. Another may market only consulting services, or build websites for other businesses. They are alike because all FTRPMA have their First Trade Registry Partner/Member/Associate memberships in common. In many cases, this code of ethics/conduct bridges or combines “Business” ethics, relating to the ethical responsibilities of one entity, FTR, with the personal ethics and conduct of the individual, an FTRPMA. FTR, the entity, deals with the consumer, not directly, but through the activities of the body of members, the FTRPMA. Since it is the FTRPMA who deal with consumers, FTR must fulfill IT'S ethical responsibilities by PROVIDING TEACHING AND TRAINING MATERIALS AND MAKING CERTAIN ADVERTISING AND MARKETING TOOLS AVAILABLE TO FTRPMA.  FTRPMA ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HELPING TO TRAIN AND PREPARE NEW FTRPMA TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FTR CODE OF ETHICS/CONDUCT.  FTR strives, in this way, to assure the integrity of all FTRPMA.

 

It is hoped that readers of this code of ethics will understand that the following can only be understood completely by realizing that FTR, “Mobile World Direct Marketing”, “Women On the Job™”, “Men On The Job.com™”, For Sale By Owner Advocate™ and FTRPMA are one.

 

There is no need to address the similarities and differences of each and every FTRPMA Business. The only purpose here is to make it clear that, regardless of the name or nature of each Business, the FTR code of ethics/conduct uniformly promotes the highest ethical conduct by all FTRPMA.

 

 

Code Of Ethics adopted 1998. Last updated and Amended: January 2012

 

© Copyright First Trade Registry™, 1998 -2012

 

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