by Aleshia Altizer, PPL Corporate Writer

Many promotions and contests come to a close at the end of the month, and it can get a little hectic trying to get those last minute applications in on time. Double checking each application before you send it, however, can save a lot of time and get your business processed in as timely a manner as possible. Below are a few of the most common reasons applications are delayed, or returned unprocessed.

1. The Associate is not licensed in the Member’s state. Consult States-at-a-Glance to know what states require a license. If you are selling a membership to someone whose home state is another licensed state, you will need to be licensed in their state. Note: The date your licensing information is received at the Home Office is your license date. All Member applications must be dated after the license date, in order to be processible.  (Of course, there are no licensing requirements for marketing the Identity Theft Shield.)
2. Incorrect or incomplete sponsor/placing Associate information. If you want the new Associate to go directly under you (frontline), you are the sponsor and there is no placing Associate. If you are placing the new associate under someone in your downline, then you are the placing Associate and the downline Associate is the sponsor.
3. Failing to answer all four of the Associate questions. There are four questions on every Associate application that must be clearly answered either yes or no. An unclear answer, or a question left blank will cause the application to be held in return business.
4. Membership and Associate fees sent on one check. Associate fees need to be on one check and Membership fees on a separate check.
5. Invalid Credit Card information. This should be checked and double checked before sending. Make sure the numbers are written very clearly and double check the expiration date. On the Membership Application especially, make sure the member’s signature does not overlap the credit card information making the number illegible. Note: If the Associate pays for the Membership, they must be immediate family (mother, brother, sister, grandparent, etc.) and must attach a note to the application explaining the relationship.

These are just a few of the most common errors found on Applications. For more tips on things to look for, consult your Success Guide.