Preferred Merchant Program
The Option/Plus Program was established by the National Association of Home Based Businesses (NAHBB) to identify local and national companies that provide high quality products for home based businesses. It is a comprehensive program that includes both discount savings and income opportunities. Established home managed businesses are given an opportunity to secure an Option/Plus Discount Card, which can be used at participating businesses to make purchases at reduced prices. The Option/Plus Discount Card is distributed to member and non-member home based business owners. Enrolled companies are placed on special printed and electronic lists that are made available to Option/Plus Discount Card holders. The Option/Plus Program also seeks supplemental income opportunities that are compatible with new and established home based businesses. These opportunities provide owners with residual and/or override income sources to help financially stabilize their primary businesses.Preferred Merchant Services
Before a company can participate in the Preferred Merchant Program, its products or services must be evaluated through the NAHBB's Clearinghouse Division. The Clearinghouse is made up of experienced home based business owners and industry professionals. Acceptable products or services can be marketed through the Option/Plus Program and other NAHBB affiliate organizations. Some companies offer discounts on existing products or services while others create new purchasing programs. Enrolled companies can make their products or services available to home based business members, Internet subscribers and discount card holders. The home based business market is one of the fastest growing niche markets in the United States. By the year 2000, more than 27% of Americans will work from home, according to the Bloomberg News Report. Electronic lists are posted on our Internet Companion Sites in the Internet HomeSite Guide section. A local listing is placed on one of 50 statewide sites. National listings are posted on all state sites. Those that have an existing home page on the Internet can request a connecting link. Enrolled merchants will also be able to target discount club members and other home based businesses through quarterly multi-inserted mailers, local workshops, seminars, and home based business expos.