Common Questions

What is AFM's patronage?

We have been able to provide our members an average year-end rebate of 3.75% over the past 10 years. Our rebate is second to none in the industry -- paid to our retailers entirely in cash.

What services does AFM Real Estate provide?

The Real Estate department assists members in selling their facility and/or helping them locate another store. We can be of help in working with projections and helping to secure financing by preparing a proper package to present to the lender.

What services does AFM Engineering Department provide?

We can assist with all facets of store development - from site location, to remodeling or decor; from full set of plans or project prints to be presented to contractors or builders. We are available for supporting our retailers on bid letting or whatever need may arise.

Our Engineering Department can also assist with procurement of equipment. As a member of Store Development Consortium, we have access to any retail-related equipment at a price that would be comparable to what the larger chains would pay. Our members also have the opportunity to purchase used/reconditioned equipment through Retail Development at considerable savings. This is a big help for retailers wishing to update their store at a lower cost.

Does AFM provide design and decor services?

We work with each store on an individual basis, combining existing conditions with retailer's ideas. A common feature we are using in this department is the AUTOCAD by AUTODESK computer-aided design which enables us to create quality store designs and layouts at the individual location.

What advertising services does AFM provide?

AFM is continually expanding and offering creative promotional and marketing opportunities to give you a competitive edge including magnet coupon mailers and holiday magazines with coupons, as well as the array of advertising and print options available including weekly circular ads, 3-day sale ads, banners and specialty printing. Our advertising department offers weekly ad programs and award winning full-color circulars and promotions, including customized ad options. Through our Sign Shoppe, we can design and print banners, signs, posters, and truck graphics with various media including vinyl, adhesive vinyl, laminated, coroplast, and sintra.

Does AFM offer a retail training program?

Yes! Our Director of Training is Dan Kuester, and he prepares, markets, and conducts group or individuals training sessions based upon topics that are of interest to retailers such as theft, employee hiring and training, leadership, building price strategies, own brand optimization, etc.

What retail support does AFM offer?

Our retail development department can be considered an extension of your employee team. Armed with the latest information in the industry, Affiliated's programs and services designed for success, and years of retail experience - our team members can help our members in many ways. We work with each store on an individual basis, assisting with shelf price audits, reviewing existing facilities and suggesting upgrades, planning and finalizing store resets, reviewing sales and profit figures, or assisting with relocation plans, remodels, or additions.

What Print Shop services does AFM provide?

Our Print Shop features several printing systems and equipment for specialty printing, stationary, shelf signs, business cards and forms, as well as two Color King Web Presses for full color advertising.

Does AFM offer in-store marketing?

A comprehensive variety of in-store marketing programs are also available, including educational partnerships, floor graphics, video rental programs, and an online music delivery service - just to mention a few. We also have marketing kits to promote our Own Brands program.

Does AFM have Payroll Services?

Either weekly or bi-weekly, we will prepare payroll checks written on the Retail Payroll Account at the Wells Fargo Bank in Norfolk, NE. You will be charged for the net amount of the checks written on your weekly statement the Friday after the payroll checks are prepared.
  • Payroll Reports
    • We will calculate the Federal Tax Deposit, tell you how much to pay and when to pay it.
    • We will prepare Quarterly and Year-end Payroll
    • We will prepare W-2's
  • Transmitting Payroll

You may transmit Payroll information either by your Order Machine or with a Personal Computer.

Does AFM have a Retail Accounting service?

Affiliated has very proven retail accounting services that can provide the following:
  • Monthly Bank Reconciliation
  • Monthly Sales Tax Returns
  • Quarterly and Year-end Payroll Tax Returns
  • W-2's and 1099's at the end of December
  • Monthly General Ledger with supporting Journals

Cash Disbursements w/Individual Checks
Cash Receipts
Journal Entries w/adjustments
  • Monthly Financials and Quarterly Financial Statements Insurance payments for W/Comp and Business Package Depreciation recorded Weekly or Monthly Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes recorded Weekly
  • Fees are charged Weekly on your Statement and Based on your Average Weekly Sales

What is AFM's ACCESS system?

Affiliated Foods Midwest's exclusive ACCESS Technology computer system is the most comprehensive and valuable communication tool available in the marketplace today. It provides a direct link from your store to the warehouse, providing all information at the point of sale to make ordering easy and take advantage of allowances. Electronic price books, a 3-way audit price program, inventory program, shelf tag printing system, meat cutting test program, and institutional catalogs are all at your fingertips.

How does AFM charge for freight?

Delivery charges are figured on the basis of hundred (CWT) weight and distance from the warehouse zone. Pallet deliveries are encouraged by reduced rates for saving in time for unloading.

Does AFM offer reclamation services?

Once a month, outdated and unsalable products can be returned for 50% of retail credit. Accumulated items are to be properly prepared in a readily available banana box and returned to the warehouse for processing and automatic credit. Credits are processed after receiving 5 boxes or each month, whichever comes first. Allow approximately 4 weeks to receive payments. It's an easy method and saves labor dollars and time, for more productive tasks.

Stores receive an accurate easy-to-read computer report detailing all items sent to the Reclamation Center. The Center also prepares a credit memo for each store. The suppliers are billed for the product.

Some vendors allow a shrink percentage allowance which is reflected off of the invoice. These products are non-returnable for any credit.