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ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute®) is the largest media and marketing organization serving the advertising specialty industry, with a membership of 20,000 distributor firms (sellers) and 3,500 supplier firms (manufacturers) of advertising specialties. Supplier firms use ASI print and electronic resources to market products to more than 130,000 distributor salespeople. Distributor firms use ASI print and electronic resources, which contain more than 750,000 advertising specialties, to locate supplier firms and to market services to end-buyers (promotions and advertising buyers). It provides catalogs, information directories, newsletters, magazines, websites, trade shows, databases, and interactive e-commerce, marketing and selling tools. In 2006, over $18.6 billion of ad specialties were sold. What is an ASI number? The ASI number has been the gold standard for advertising specialties industry , both distributors and suppliers , for more than 50 years. It remains the only true, consistent industry identifier, recognized by all distributors and suppliers alike. The ASI number brings to the table exclusive benefits that other industry organizations do not provide. Supplier numbers include five digits, displayed as (asi/12345), and distributor numbers include six digits, displayed as (asi/123456). With your ASI number, in addition to your access to a wealth of products and services, you gain:Credibility , the ASI number is the most respected and reputable industry identifier. All members need to provide solid evidence of their participation in the industry, and that evidence also works as proof positive of their desire to maintain the supplier/distributor/end-buyer sales channel. Recognition , the ASI number provides instant recognition to suppliers that a distributor is not an end-buyer, and has a track record of legitimate business dealings. You may receive earlier credit terms and discounts. ASI suppliers are subject to regular ratings and reporting, so you always know who you are dealing with. Exclusivity , Not everyone that applies for an ASI number can have one , not even if they pay more. The criteria applied to ASI membership makes the ASI number something to aspire to and be proud of. It encourages members to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism, providing excellent service to their customers and colleagues. The ASI number is the mark of pride for the true professional. Many members use ASI numbers to manage their day to day business. Some common uses are: Vendor identification Customer numbers Catalog classification Credit references Supplier ratings Networking events invitation criteria Special pricing or discount status Preferred provider status End-buyers who work closely with the industry often buy only from ASI distributors, as they know that generally those holding an ASI number are reputable in their dealings and have access to the most products and suppliers.