What is APRO? - The Voice of Rent-to-Own

The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is the international voice for the rent-to-own industry founded in 1980. APRO is the nonprofit trade association advocating and representing the rent-to-own industry before the U.S. Congress, Internal Revenue Service, state legislatures, the courts, media and the public.

The association offers a wide range of services and resources for both RTO dealers and vendors, including education programs, annual meetings, seminars and a buying show, networking, award-winning publications and much more. APRO is staff-driven, member-based, with oversight by a board of directors.

For more information on APRO, please contact APRO Executive Director Bill Keese by e-mail or APRO Member Services Director Shelley Martinek by e-mail or by calling 800/204-2776.

The benefits of belonging to APRO

APRO member surveys show that the rent-to-own industry information and networking shared by fellow members are two of the most valuable assets to being an APRO member. Here are just a few of the ways that the power of APRO membership helps you—and the rent-to-own industry.

Grow and learn from your successful peers

• APRO membership is the most valuable resource to your business. Learn about the rent-to-own industry and all of its business, product, legal, advertising, political and employment issues with one of the thousands of rent-to-own experts who participate in the many APRO functions throughout the year.
• Your APRO membership is only as valuable as your participation. Spend your first year as an APRO member attending every function, introducing yourself to your peers and discussing your business with successful RTO owners throughout the country. Watch your business and profit grow.

Government regulation and protection

• APRO protects and promotes your business in the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, the IRS and the courts.
• APRO monitors all 50 states regarding legislation affecting your business. There are an average of 25 bills introduced per year directly affecting your business.
• APRO organizes and maintains the grassroots network of rent-to-own dealers to help defend and promote the industry in Congress and state legislatures.

Financial analysis and valuation

• APRO collects and organizes industry data for Wall Street analysts, bankers, lenders and economists providing each APRO member with the financial tools necessary to start and grow your business as well as valuing your company on Wall Street.

RTO public relations

• Participate in the national public relations campaign to expand the customer base of rent-to-own. With 10 years of experience studying customer satisfaction and the image of the RTO industry, APRO has the media and public relations and guidance for any public relations or media relations needs. Join your peers in the ongoing discussion and campaign on how to attract the 94 percent of your market that does not rent-to-own.
• For the past decade, APRO has commissioned two of the leading marketing experts in the nation to study the rent-to-own customer and the potential rent-to-own customer to give you the statistical research necessary to market to today's and tomorrow's RTO customers. Join APRO today and receive recent studies that will help you keep your current customers while attracting an entirely new customer base.

Rental training online

• The APRO Rental Training Online certification program allows rent-to-own employees to achieve levels of certification, based on educational courses completed.
• Courses are designed to provide specialized training for store-level RTO employees.

 
Improving your business with information resources

• APRO's annual Convention and Trade Show is a must for everyone in the industry. Don't miss this opportunity to find out about the latest products, trends and issues facing the industry.
• Educational seminars allow you to tap into the knowledge and expertise of the industry. Attend any of the more than 100 APRO-sponsored educational seminars held throughout the country during the year.

Receive helpful and informative publications

• All members receive RTOHQ: The Magazine, APRO's award-winning bimonthly magazine at each of their store locations; RTO Today, a weekly online newsletter; and the RTO Almanac, APRO's membership directory and resource for all things rent-to-own. Members can also purchase how-to manuals and industry statistics.

Vendor relations and support

• As a supplier of goods and services to the rental industry, a vendor's affiliation with APRO will bring them the opportunity to interact with dealers nationwide through APRO's annual buying show and convention, direct mail and advertising. APRO associate members also receive unlimited access to APRO's database as well as discounts on exhibiting and advertising.

 
For more information

• Contact Shelley Martinek, APRO's member services director, if you have any questions about joining the association: 800/204-2776, ext. 109.
• Click here to download APRO's membership brochure, detailing the benefits of joining.