The Antiques Dealers' Association of America, Inc. (ADA) was established in May 1984 as a non-profit trade association. Its major objective is to make more professional the business of buying and selling antiques. Membership is composed of professional antiques dealers who are dedicated to integrity, honesty and ethical conduct in the antiques trade. To be accepted, dealers must have a minimum of four years experience in the trade, be recommended by a committee of peers and must sign a certification agreeing to abide by the bylaws of ADA. All members are required to guarantee their merchandise in writing on a sales receipt which must state approximate age, origin, condition and restoration, if any, of all pieces that are sold.