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Buy with confidence - Use companies complying with OFT Codes of Practice

Buy with confidence when you see a logo stating 'OFT Approved Code'                                      

This is the message from Environmental and Consumer Protection Services following the national launch of the new Consumer Codes Approval Scheme logo by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). 

Recent research commissioned by the Office of Fair Trading shows that over 75% of consumers would value a logo to help them choose fair-dealing businesses. Clear information on costs was thought very important by 80% of consumers. 70% also want procedures to deal quickly and simply with complaints. Clear information before making a purchase and fair handling of complaints are at the heart of the OFT approval scheme.

Businesses displaying this logo have signed up to an OFT approved consumer code of practice.  The logo will help consumers choose businesses that are committed to delivering higher standards of customer service than the law requires.

Consumers buying a wide range of products and services from package holidays to homes, car warranties, car body work repairs and those buying goods in their homes, can now be confident they will to be treated fairly where they see the OFT Approved code logo.

OFT approved codes ensure consumers receive:

·         clear information about the goods or services being purchased

·         a straightforward, quick and easily understandable customer complaints process with access to independent redress if necessary

·         clear and fair contract terms

·         additional effort/help if they are vulnerable

·         protection for customers deposits or prepayments if a business ceases to trade.

A code sponsor only receives OFT approval for its code after evidence has been provided to show that it is effective and delivers genuine benefits to consumers.  The OFT will monitor the performance of the code and code sponsors, for example, by assessing how effectively complaints are resolved and whether code sponsors take steps to ensure that members are complying with the code. The OFT can also withdraw approval from a code sponsor should it fail to police its members effectively.

To date, the trade bodies which have received OFT approval for their codes are the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), Ombudsman for Estate Agents Company Ltd (OEA), Direct Selling Association (DSA), Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SNNT) and the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association Ltd.

To find businesses in your post code area that are signed up to an OFT approved code as well as details of the code of practice and contact details for the relevant code sponsor, see the OFT website, www.codes.oft.gov.uk

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Vicky Gunther