|
Untitled Document
|
 |
|
|
Untitled Document
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apple Worldwide
CODE OF ETHICS AND RULES OF CONDUCT FOR DISTRIBUTORS |
|
| |
| INTRODUCTION |
Apple Worldwide prescribed “The Rules of Conduct and code of ethics” which define and establish certain principles to be followed in the development
and maintenance of Distributorship and the rights, duties and responsibilities of each distributor.
Further Apple Worldwide reserves the rights to alter, modify, add or delete any of the code of ethics and rules of conduct. |
 |
 |
A Gist |
| |
Company's integrity shall reflect through all the words and actions of the distributors.
Distributors shall : |
| |
 |
Support, observe company's policies and regulations. |
|
Truthfully represent the quality, value and performance of company's products. |
|
Honestly portray the net earning potential of company's Business Plan. |
|
Conduct the business in such a manner that will enable all other distributors of the company to build their business and benefit from the Apple Worldwide Business Plan. |
|
Respect and follow scrupulously the code of ethics in letter and spirit. |
|
Conduct the business in such a manner that reflects only the highest standards of integrity, honesty and responsibility. |
|
| |
|
|
Becoming a Distributor |
| |
|
General conditions :
Distributorship shall be taken by persons in their individual capacity as independent business persons who need to be introduced to the company and accepted by the company. The distributor should agree and abide by all the rules and regulations of company's code of ethics and rules of conduct and have fulfilled all the required formalities of registration. A Distributor is neither an employee nor a partner / owner / representative of the company. Distributors are required to conduct the business within the terms of the distributorship agreed and in compliance with policies of the company. |
|
Requirements :
Without prejudice to the rights and discretion of the company, the following are the requirements for becoming a distributorship : |
| |
| a. |
The Applicant age must be 18 years of above |
| b. |
The applicant must be vested with the legal capacity to independently conduct the business of selling company's product range competently and perform all such related acts, deeds and things that are connected |
| c. |
The applicant shall be mentally and physically sound to manage and carry out the company's business with zeal and enthusiasm. |
| d. |
The applicant should not be debarred from carrying from his / her existing business / professions for misconduct. |
| e. |
The applicant must thoroughly understand the rules and regulations of the company before signing the “Application Form & strictly adhere to the same”. |
| f. |
The applicant should abide by the statutory rules and regulation and applicable taxes, which will be deducted at source from the bonus / incentive payments. |
| g. |
The applicant should not be use the company logo and trademark on any stationary or other printed matter without permission from the company. |
| h. |
Each applicant by signing the distributor application form expressly agrees to abide and to be bound by the rules and policies of the company. |
| i. |
All taxes, duties and other government levies applicable to the sales made by the distributor shall be payable by the distributor as per the procedure and law of the land. |
|
|
Equal opportunity is available to anyone to become a distributor irrespective of caste, race, religion and sex. |
|
Apple Worldwide reserves the right to accept or reject any application for distributorship without having to give any explanation whatsoever. |
|
| |
|
|
Term of a Distributor |
| |
The term of distributor is not permanent and distributors have to renew their distributorship each year as per the rules of the company. But, once a distributor is termed “inactive” as per rules for the company his/her distributorship will be automatically terminated. If anybody wants to join again as a distributor after cancellation of the earlier one, then have re-submit a fresh application form and join as a new distributor. In the event of suspension or termination or voluntary termination the kit amount will not refunded. |
| |
|
|
The term “Inactive” stands for |
| |
If a distributor fails to do any business with Apple Worldwide or did not purchase any products or sponsor new distributors under his/her distributor ID for a continuous period of 6 months, he/she deemed to be inactive. |
| |
|
|
Re-registration |
| |
For re-registration the person has to fill and resubmit the application for distributorship after 6 months from the date of termination, as a new applicant and joining as a new distributor. |
| |
|
|
Obligations of Sponsors |
| |
Every sponsor should |
| |
|
Train and motivative distributors and endeavor to get them to attend company's meetings and functions. |
|
Ensure that all distributors in the network comply with all the provisions of the rules of business. |
|
Ensure that all the company's policies, procedures and business plan shall be explained thoroughly to the down line. |
|
Ensure that the down line should be guided, helped with assistance of up line and see that the success is achieved. |
|
Ensure that the distributor has gone through all the code of ethics and has understood them before signing the Application Form. |
|
|
|
| THE RULES OF CONDUCT FOR DISTRIBUTORS |
|
Distributors are expected to observe certain duties and the highest standards of conduct. Distributors must not engage in activities, which may bring disrepute to the company or its products / services. Distributors must comply with all requirements, guidelines, and instructions issued by the company. Any indiscreet action performed by a distributor may result in termination of the distributorship.
- At Apple Worldwide distributors are independent and operating business on their own. They shall not convey the impression or refer to oneself as the employee, agent, manager or representative of Apple Worldwide nor use such terminology on stationery or other printed matter. Distributors shall indemnify Apple Worldwide in respect of any costs or damages arising as a result of any such misrepresentation of distributors relationship with Apple Worldwide.
- Distributors shall indemnify Apple Worldwide from and against all actions, claims, demands, prosecutions, penalties including costs thereof and not excluding Apple Worldwide's legal costs which might be made or brought against Apple Worldwide in respect of or arising out of breach, infringement or infraction of any laws, regulations and codes of practice arising out of the operation of the Apple Worldwide Business. Apple Worldwide shall not have any liability to any distributor in respect of any loss, cost, damage or expense suffered directly or indirectly as result of any act, omission, representation or statement of any other distributors.
- Distributors must conduct in a civilized and courteous manner while representing Apple Worldwide.
- Distributors must at all times make a fair presentation of Apple Worldwide products when and where appropriate.
- Distributors should operate under only one sponsor except in cases of inheritance. Otherwise if a distributor is sponsored by two different sponsors simultaneously, the sponsorship of the later will be terminated by the company.
- A distributor can not be a co-applicant to another distributor while operating as a main applicant.
- Reports on down line sales and organization information are proprietary and confidential to the company and is made available to the distributors in strict and complete confidence, for their own use only such privileged information should not to be disclosed to any third party.
- The terms and conditions printed as part of the Distributor Application Form are also part of code of ethics and rules of conducts
|
|
| VOILATION OF CODE OF ETHICS & RULES OF CONDUCT |
|
| |
The company may in its absolute discretion, suspend / terminate the distributorship when there is any violations of rules of business and/or any guidelines or instructions, without assigning any reasons. Company's decision in this respect shall be final and binding to all parties concerned.
In addition the company shall hold the distributor responsible for any cost or damages incurred by the company and / or any other distributor of the company, if the activities of the distributor have the effect of derogating, deminiship or damaging the reputation of the company or its product and / or service. |
|
The process to be followed, in the event of suspension or termination |
| |
In the event of suspension of a distributor from the business, the final decision will be taken after the completion of the enquiry, till then the company may. |
| |
|
Hold release of payments of bonuses |
|
Not allow to attend company sponsored conferences, events, meetings, training sessions etc |
|
Prevent from joining company-organized trips |
|
Prevent from placing orders for specified period |
|
Cancellation of authorization to sponsor down lines |
| In the event of termination the company shall :- |
|
In the case of Distributor termination ship they will not be paid any bonus amount. |
|
No bonuses will be paid from the date of termination. |
|
After termination the Distributor ID will be cancelled and he/she will not be allowed to purchase products on this ID. |
|
| |
|
|
Voluntary Termination |
| |
|
A distributor can voluntarily terminate his/her distributorship on a valid reason in writing to the company there will be no refund of the kit amount. A distributor, who opts for voluntary termination, may join the business of the company again by submitting a fresh application form after 6 months from the termination date. |
|
| |
|
|
Additional rules of conduct |
| |
The introduction and dissemination of Apple Worldwide should be done in accordance with the current company literature, printed materials or labels on the packages. Any explanation beyond the above scope must be approved by the company in writing. |
|
Distributors shall |
| |
|
Realistically present the company's marketing plan and clearly explain the required levels and steps towards success. |
|
Not to make any negative or disparaging remarks about the company or its products. |
|
Consistently do their best to disseminate the conception of the company and engage in no activities that may cause loss to the company or any other independent distributor of the company. |
|
Carryout all duties of sponsorship. |
|
Distributor shall not display or sell the company’s product in any retailing outlet. |
|
| |
|
|
Husband and Wife Distributorship |
| |
Husband and wife can be in the same network and own individual Apple Worldwide qualifications. However, they must be in the direct up line or downward line lineage.
When two distributors get married, if both of them are Apple Worldwide distributors at the time they marry, both of them can retain their original Apple Worldwide qualification. i.e. utilizing each individual's original distributor status to operate business or one of them may decide to relinquish the original distributor status and then join in a single line. In this circumstance the original line of sponsorship of the relinquished distributor line will be passed up to the original up line automatically. |
| |
|
|
Change of Information |
| |
|
Only spelling corrections to be allowed for applicant's name in the application for registration after authentic proof of the correct name is provided. |
|
Address change to be accepted only upon a written request from the concerned distributor along with a proof of change such as a copy of a letter from the employer, bank account statement, electricity or telephone bill, or a ration card. |
|
Phone number will be changed upon receipt of an application from the concerned distributor requesting the same. |
| For all the above changes the distributors has to submit in writing to the company. |
|
| |
|
|
| COMPANY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES |
|
| |
The policies of the company have been framed and formulated to guide distributors for achieving their sales and distribution of Apple Worldwide products only.
The policies and procedures define the duties, responsibilities, and functions of distributors and the company.
They are proven business practices that will have a positive effect on their success. Although their willing compliance is essential and greatly appreciated, Apple Worldwide will enforce these policies to help maintain the integrity of the Apple Worldwide business.
Any individual who has filled and signed the distributor application form must abide by the regulations failing, which Apple Worldwide reserves the right to terminate his / her distributorship.
Each distributor has an obligation to become familiar with the policies of company, code of ethics and rules of conduct. |
| |
|
|
General policies |
| |
These rules and polices are designed to promote harmony and protect the benefits, rights and privileges of Apple Worldwide distributors and are not meant to restrict nor limit their business.
All the distributors are required to familiarize themselves with the rules and policies of Apple Worldwide business.
Any distributor who fails to observe the rules and polices can not plead ignorance of the rules and regulation. The company reserves the right to change the business plan or amend existing rules or to add new rules without giving any prior notice to the distributors.
The company reserves the right to change or amend the prices of the products in pursuance of changes, without giving any prior notice to the distributors.
Each distributor, by signing the distributor application form expressly agrees to abide and be bound by the rules and policies of Apple Worldwide. |
| |
|
|
Company's Literature |
| |
Distributors are not permitted to sell or display, the Apple Worldwide literature and information brochures in any retail outlets. If they want to they may have to obtain written permission from the company. |
| |
|
|
Business manual of the distributors |
| |
Apple Worldwide may change or modify the contact of this business manual.
Apple Worldwide Is a company engaged in direct selling that encourages and supports independent distributorship.
A distributor is one who has completed the application form and being accepted and confirmed by the company as such.
The provisions of the Apple Worldwide business manual govern the contract between Apple Worldwide and the distributor. Apple Worldwide is not liable for any contrary term held out orally or otherwise, by any person to a prospective distributor, contrary to or in addition to the provisions of the Apple Worldwide business manual.
Apple Worldwide guarantees to offer the distributors the products, which meet with relevant stipulations and the promised quality requirements and standards.
All the bonuses/commission/reward (Including Royalty Bonus) are calculated only on the “Point Value” (PV) of the product.
Apple Worldwide Products are for sale only in INDIA.
The Company has the power to deduct the relevant expenses owed by the distributor from their bonus.
Apple Worldwide will not be held responsible for delays and failures in performance due to force Majeure, including, but not limited to, strike, labor dispute, riot, earthquake, war, flood, Fire, epidemic or government decree or order. |
| |
|
|
Display of company's Products |
| |
Distributors may set up display, demonstrate the Apple Worldwide products on written permission From the Apple Worldwide Competent authority. |
| |
|
|
Rules governing Bonus Payment : |
| |
In case distributors owe Apple Worldwide any money, Apple Worldwide may exercise legal rights and remedies to adjust such sums form any amount / bonuses payable to distributors. We may also withhold payment of bonuses owed to distributors until we have been paid in full. The bonuses will be paid after deducting the statutory taxes.
All payments, in excess of Rs. 1000/- (net payments) shall be made throughs cheques only duly recovering the satutory / Govt taxes. the tax recovery statement will be given to the distributors at the end of the year all the payments due to the distributor below Rs. 1000/- Shall be kept in their respective ID number. |
| |
|
|
Customer satisfaction program at Apple Worldwide |
| |
At Apple Worldwide we observe as Apple Worldwide Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. According to this, a dissatisfied consumer may return products within 7 days with remarks on unsatisfactory performance to the distributor for refund within 60 days of original purchase. The product return application must be attached the product purchase invoice. Whenever There is a request form a customer for honoring the Apple Worldwide Satisfaction guarantee, the refundable price will be calculated after deducting the bonuses paid to the up line and also the taxes payable. The distributors should be and aware that the bonuses are distributed, as per business plan to the up line immediately after purchase of products, hence upon which cannot be revoked. Then such amount will be refunded in the form of selected other choicest products, other wise the eligible amount will be refunded. The acceptance of returned products is subjected to the following terms and conditions. |
| |
|
A. The returned product should be in sealed condition and can be returned within 7 days of original purchase. |
|
There should be a valid reason for return, which has to be accepted by the company. |
|
If the product is returned after breaking the seal of the container under the plea of dissatisfaction of the products, the opened product should be returned within 7 days of purchase with atleast 3/4th (75%) of the product still in the container. A valid invoice of the purchase should be submitted along with the returned products. |
|
| |
|
|
Issues covered under misrepresentation and indemnity |
| |
Distributors shall not is any way make a representation indicating financial benefits to an exiting distributor or a prospective distributor may get form participation in the company's business.
Further distributors shall not :
|
| |
|
Sell company 's products or services at a price higher then the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) |
|
Misrepresent in any way the price, quality, performance or availability of company's products or services. |
|
Represent that Distributors have any employment relationship with the company |
|
Distributors shall indemnify the company on account of any costs or damages that may arise from the breach of the above |
|
| |
|
|
Prohibition to change or modify existing product packaging : |
| |
Apple Worldwide prohibits distributor from deleting any material, adding any material adding extra words, labels, or other materials on and altering or detaching any label from the products / literature. Company's products must be sold in the form and packages provided by the company and must not be decanted, repacked or otherwise altered from the said form and packages.
|
| |
|
|
Prohibition on sale of other products with others Apple Worldwide products |
| |
Apple Worldwide shall in its absolute discretion terminate a distributor, if he / she associates with any other Direct Selling company or markets non - Apple Worldwide Products.
|
| |
|
|
Rules followed in the event of a death |
| |
Apple Worldwide has a pre-determined set of rules that are to be followed in case of a deceased Distributor :
|
| |
|
Death : Upon the death of a Distributor the bonuses payable as on death will be passed on to the nominee mentioned in the distributor application form. If nominee does not exist then bonuses will be paid to the legal heir recognized by the honorable court of law. |
|
Inheritance :
the nominee of the deceased distributor can continue the business with the same business status of the deceased but with a new distributor ID provided the nominee sings the distributor application form and agrees by all the rules of the company and has met the eligibility criteria laidown by the company. If the nominee does not meet the eligibility criteria then they cannot continue the business on their own, but will be entitled to bonuses if any due in the name of the deceased distributor till the date of death. Further if the nominee is already in the business of the company and an active distributor, then he/she can continue the business with two different IDs. One their own ID and the inherited ID. However it is left To the description of the nominee to surrender either of the IDs of their choice. |
|
| |
|
|
Guiding principles regarding advertising |
| |
Apple Worldwide has an approved list of advertisements that it publishes form time to time. Distributor may place advertisements form the approved ones. If they wish to use an amended version or a different one, it may be done only after obtaining prior clearance to such amendment form the company.
|
| |
|
|
The features of existing business plan |
| |
Apple Worldwide Business plan has the following features.
|
| |
|
Invitation
In the course of invitation to the Apple Worldwide Business Plan, a distributor should not |
| |
| a. |
Convey an impression that if relates to an employment opportunity |
| b. |
Promote the business other than Apple Worldwide |
|
|
Presentation :
On the first personal contact, the person should make known in the appropriate fashion that he / she is a Apple Worldwide distributor should give name and address as well as information on AppleWorldwide products and business plan. |
| |
| a. |
Not represent that a person can benefit solely by sponsoring new distributors. |
| b. |
Present that a Distributor may achieve success by putting consistent efforts over period of time. |
| c. |
Emphasize that income and bonuses can be achieved only on the basis of continuous sales and sponsoring activities. |
| d. |
Inform all his/her distributors that there are no exclusive territories in INDIA under the Apple Worldwide business plan. |
| e. |
Not exaggerate or overstate the kind of potential earnings that can be generated by the Apple Worldwide business only the true and actual earnings should be projected. |
|
|
| |
|
|
Prohibition to use the Apple Worldwide Name & Trademarks by Distributors |
| |
Apple Worldwide forbids the use of its name, logo, any trade names, trademarks, services marks or any intellectual property which is the property of Apple Worldwide or any of its associated companies or subsidiaries, without prior written consent at its absolute discretion.
Apple Worldwide also forbids Distributor form producing or procuring form a source other than
Apple Worldwide or any item bearing the Apple Worldwide name or logo or any Apple Worldwide Trademarks or trade names or service marks.
|
| |
|
|
All Copyright owned by Apple Worldwide |
| |
Apple Worldwide has a copyright with regards to all its printed material.
Apple Worldwide forbids reproduction in whole or in parts except with its written permission of
any Apple Worldwide printed material, audio & video and film recordings.
In any such reproduction by Distributors a statement as follows should be appended : “Reproduced with the permission of Apple Worldwide All rights in the Apple Worldwide name, trademarks or other intellectual property are the property of Apple Worldwide and / or its subsidiary companies. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
