Frequently Asked Questions

Will NAAF have a show division? No…AOBA serves that purpose already. NAAF is an alpaca marketing trade association.

Can AOBA affiliates apply to also become NAAF chapters? Absolutely…this will not be an either or process.

Will there be a NAAF Congress of sorts? Since NAAF is a federation, the chapters are the association. The NAAF Federation Assembly will meet twice a year or as required. The Assembly will be composed of an Assembly Representative from each region for a total of 5. They will elect 3 Overseers-at-Large (OALs) who will serve a 3 year term. Each OAL will preside over the assembly for 1 year. As an OAL ends his or her term; they will become a Sitting Alternate (SA) for 2 years and the Assembly will elect a new OAL. SAs act as advisors with no voting power. They can be seated temporarily if there is a vacancy or to produce a quorum. The Assembly’s many jobs are to plan and measure the National awareness efforts.

Where will the Assembly meet? One meeting will take place at the AOBA Nationals and one TBD.

Can any member attend the Assembly meetings? Absolutely and you can also arrange to present to the assembly!

Can the Assembly dictate to the regions? No, this is not the purpose of the Assembly…each region has to plan its own marketing agendas and efforts. The Federation supplies tools, purchases ads and builds national lead campaigns.

How can NAAF generate leads with no capital? Well, most of the leads will be derived from the potential owners within 50 miles of an alpaca business. We will show you how to get these at either no cost or very little. NAAF will also look to benefactors and grants. Nominal dues will also generate capital, as will selling marketing aids to create alpaca and fleece sales.

Will NAAF have a full-time staff? NO…at least not in the near future. All revenues need to go to marketing and generating leads! We will utilize our greatest strength – our volunteer ethic.

Will NAAF have a website and magazine? Yes, we will have a website where ideas can be swapped, success stories told and leads obtained. Every member has access to the leads - no waiting! ALPACAS Magazine is our recommended magazine of choice. NAAF is not trying to reinvent the wheel or replace any other association. We are a supplemental association with a single thread…marketing and sales…PERIOD! NAAF is for the alpaca livestock business owner…not the hobbyist or show exclusive owner.

Where is NAAF drawing its marketing talent? The founders have a combined 230 years of successful marketing talent and 30+ years of alpaca livestock experience. They are willing to provide this experience to NAAF to re-energize our industry during this changing economy. The NAAF experience arsenal includes talent in:

• Strategies
• Advertising
• Lead production and management
• Radio and TV production
• Professional speaking
• Ad copy and presentation
• Professional writers and novelists
• Business intelligence and analysis
• Information technologies
• Government relations

Does NAAF have any of the tools developed yet…my problem is right now? NAAF is prepared to roll out a grass roots effort starting in October 2009 that includes a series of tools…. and there will be no charge for the tools of the Kitchen Table forums of 10 – 15 alpaca owners…we might ask for lodging, a few meals and driving to the next site even unused air miles.

Who owns NAAF? The members!

Will NAAF provide similar services to Alpaca Nation or Alpaca Street? NO, NAAF will help our members be more effective in using these websites as well as other sales channels.

Sometimes politics enter into the alpaca industry, how will NAAF address this issue? We do not see alpaca associations competing with each other. There is plenty of market share to be had…we need to work together to make the industry successful…. plus, we have a strong regional system and a simple continental operation.
Why include Canada in NAAF? Why not! NAAF does not have a registry or show divisions and we are assisting the building of fleece and breeding businesses. The more North American fleece harvested…the more competitive we are internationally!

What other member service might be in the future for NAAF?

• Discount on printing, mailing, website, ad copy, phone services
• Member health and life insurance
• Radio spot for local broadcasts
• Customized lead programs
• CPA and legal services
• Vet insurance programs
• Capital purchase programs
• Special bank and loan services
• Packaging and promotion aids
• International marketing of herdsires

How do I know NAAF will be successful? How do you know it won’t be…. if you are missing sales and have an attic full of fleece or your costs are out of control then contributing to a solution and being part of NAAF might help.

How will NAAF help me sell alpacas? NAAF will be setting up plans for local and regional pen sales at parks, farmers markets and events and will help garner local publicity.

How will NAAF get the message out? One of our founders has developed a program ‘The Advantage of Alpacas’, which will be unveiled as a methodology for spreading the word! We have included some materials in an informational packet. Request one today.

Will I need to quit AOBA or any other alpaca association to participate with NAAF? Certainly NOT…in fact we encourage you to support other alpaca organizations!

How can an AOBA affiliate or non-affiliated alpaca organizations become a NAAF chapter? Many television stations are associated with multiple networks and do very well.... why not alpaca associations too? Call us…if it makes sense…we’ll make it happen!!!

What about the fleece…what will NAAF do to help? We have several programs in the works for helping you find a home for your fleece. You’ll find some example in this presentation.

Tell me what the thinking is on dues? There are no dues...contribute what you can or nothing if you have nothing. NAAF is not looking to build a huge treasury...we are only interested in covering basic expenses. Our costs are low...our focus is local...costs will be minimal.