NIJA FAQs - National Independent Jewelers Association
NIJA, short for the National Independent Jewelers Association, is an association of Ismaili traders/owners in the USA who are involved in the retail business of Finished Jewelry, Watches, Loose Diamonds, Bridals, fashion jewelry, and related accessories.
By joining NIJA, you gain access to a wide range of benefits, including:
- Expanding your professional network through various events and programs.
- Industry education and best practices to enhance your business.
- Information sharing and networking opportunities.
- Social events and community service involvement.
- Collective buying for cost savings on finished jewelry, credit card fees, insurance, and shipping.
- Career opportunities in accounting, marketing, information technology, and trade show management.
To become a member of NIJA, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Be an Ismaili individual or primary applicant.
- Own a retail jewelry business in the U.S.A. that sells jewelry to consumers.
- Possess 51% or more ownership of the business.
- Your store can be in-line, a kiosk, a cart inside an enclosed shopping mall, outside in a strip mall, an independent building/structure, or an online jewelry/watches business.
- Visit the NIJA homepage at www.nijausa.com and use this Join NIJA link to apply.
- Call the NIJA Office at (832) 645-2588 between 9 am and 5 pm ET on weekdays.
The annual membership fee is $300 per store enrolled.
Membership tiers are available for multiple stores
Your membership fees may be tax-deductible as a business expense on your U.S. taxes. It’s recommended to consult your tax advisor for further clarification.
The NIJA membership year runs from January 1st to December 31st each year.
Yes, NIJA welcomes new members throughout the year. If you join mid-membership year, you will receive full membership benefits upon enrollment, and dues are not prorated based on the date of joining.
You can begin using your member benefits as soon as your application is approved, your membership number is assigned, and your account is activated.
No, membership benefits are exclusive to NIJA members. Joining the association is a prerequisite to access these benefits.
No, memberships are not transferable. If there is a change in ownership, the new owner must sign up for a new membership.
You can cancel your NIJA membership at any time by contacting the NIJA office. If you choose to cancel, you will retain access to benefits until the end of the current fully paid membership year.
- Submit a complete application along with required documents online and via mail.
- Provide business license and sales tax permit.
- Submit Articles of Incorporation/Certificate of Formation or Amendment.
- Present an IRS Document with the business EIN (Employer Identification Number).
- Provide a photo ID of the primary applicant.
Submit a void business check for ACH. - Present a notarized affidavit declaring Ismaili affiliation.
- Pay the annual membership fee of $300 per store.
Once your application, documents, and payment are received, it may take up to four weeks to process your membership. Approval is subject to the criteria defined in the bylaws and acceptance by the NIJA board of directors.