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16 Jun 2020

Harlan, Indiana Home Inventory Professional Achieves Industry Designation

The National Inventory Certification Association congratulates member Andy Miller of Amani Inventory for achieving Certified Inventory Specialist designation.

Andy MillerThe National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) is pleased to announce that Andy Miller, owner of Amani Inventory, has recently earned the designation of Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS). Achieving this designation confirms that he has gained knowledge to provide professional residential and small business contents inventory services.

To earn the CIS designation,  Miller successfully completed the required courses developed by NICA, agreed to conduct business according to the asset industry Code of Ethics, and accumulated a minimum number of Continuing Education Units. He then passed the Certification Exam, which is the final step in achieving this designation.

There is an increasing awareness of the necessity and benefits of having a prepared photographic and written record of one’s personal property. This knowledge and the ever-increasing busy lifestyles of homeowners and business owners alike create a growing demand for a professional inventory service provider. 

Having an industry certification is not required for the contents inventory industry. However, choosing to invest in continuing education shows a desire to learn and excel as a personal property inventory professional. Earning these credentials informs clients that Miller has gone the extra mile to ensure that he provides quality inventory services for homeowners, renters, and business owners. 

Miller stated, “We are all about serving people in any way that we can. Sometimes we serve them in the midst of their need, and other times we serve them before the need arises. Providing professional inventory services allows our clients to have peace of mind. We chose ‘Amani’ for our business name, as it is the Swahili word for peace, and our services give our clients peace of mind.”

Based in Harlan, Indiana, Amani Inventory offers residential and business asset inventory services for Northern Indiana and Northwest Ohio. 

23 Nov 2016

Collections Inventory Course Now Available

ceuA course on Collections Inventory was the most requested topic in our survey about continuing education topics. With your needs in mind, we are pleased to announce that the National Inventory Certification Association (NICA) has recently released the Collections Inventory course. For your convenience, it is an online, self-directed course to enable you to fit it into your busy schedule.

Our member and Certified Inventory Professional Tricia Hoekwater of Uniquely Yours Digital Solutions, is the author of this very detailed instructional online, self-directed course. Tricia has found collections inventories to be a niche that she enjoys and has been quite successful in this market. Therefore, we couldn’t think of anyone who would be a better fit to provide her expertise on this topic. We have great appreciation for her willingness to share her knowledge with fellow members.

In addition to learning the inventory processes and procedures to thoroughly document collections, this course also includes information regarding how to market a collectibles inventory service, creating additional business through “upselling” this service, the tools and materials you’ll need, and how to price your collections inventory service.

The Collections Inventory course includes three Modules, as noted here:

Module 1 – Introduction to Collections Inventory Services

  • What Is A Collections Inventory?
  • Insurance
  • The Difference Between Home Inventory and Collections Inventory
  • Purposes For Collections Inventories

Module 2 – Process Strategies

  • Proper Documentation, Storage, and Updates
  • Develop Your Strategy
  • Appraisals
  • Challenges You Might Face
  • Materials and Tools

Module 3 – Monitoring and Identifying Success

  • Marketing Your Service
  • Partnerships and Alliances
  • Pricing Options
  • Attention to Detail

Upon successful completion of the Collections Inventory course, you will receive 3 CEUs that can be applied towards the required 5 CEUs per year to retain your CIS designation.