Be a part of the voice: In an age of mail order catalogs, on-line catalogs, and distributors who divide their interests (wholesale/retail), or sell wholesale to the public, retail stores need a strong, unified voice to speak for the retailers in this industry. Although we outnumber the other groups in the marketing structure, our voice is being drowned out by those who would say that we are a part of the past, and not the future. Rags is the retail organization that strives to be that voice.

Strengthen the front line: Retailers have always been the first line in the stained glass industry. We create the interest on the part of the hobbyist and help to keep their interest by providing a constant flow of information and personal assistance. Help to keep it that way by joining RAGS and supporting the effort to keep our message strong in the stained glass community.

Influence in a positive way: By joining together, we can make ourselves heard on issues such as marketing structure (manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer), competitive pricing, unethical practices in the industry, and product and supply reliability. Addressing these issues as a group can only help to improve the industry as a whole, and insure it's place as a viable business in the future.

The Bottom Line: Improve your business! That's the bottom line for all of us. We all are looking for ways to improve our own economic situation, which also insures the continuation of the stained glass industry in the market place. The sharing of marketing strategies, teaching techniques, product information, and customer relations will improve the industry, the service to our customers, and also your business. It may also be the only way that the small retailer will survive in this industry. Join us!

The Other Bottom Line: We offer two types of membership: A Business Membership (for the business itself) Dues: $75.00 per year. An additional membership is available for business partners, share holders, etc. Take two dimes out of your cash register each day and you've paid for RAGS.

Are you qualified for membership? Membership in RAGS is restricted to legally operating retailers of art glass supplies. The business must be located in a commercially zoned retail district, as defined by the local zoning ordinances. You will be required to produce: Proof of a separate business phone, and a copy of your Yellow Pages listing, a copy of your business permit or tax license, proof of commercial liability insurance, and a photograph showing the entrance with a visible identifying sign. In cases where the residence of the owner is on the same property as the business, other information may be requested.

Retail businesses operating in association with wholesale/distributors who sell by either catalog or on the internet, and/or advertise that they sell at wholesale prices cannot become RAGS members. The maintenance of a catalog or internet listing of individual items that directly implies discount pricing, "wholesale to the public," or any other wording which could be construed as "anti-retail" would be unacceptable.