30/11/2009 - OFT code firms see fewer complaints
Businesses adhering to standards set by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) draw far fewer complaints from consumers than those that are not government-approved, new research suggests.
The OFT's Approved Code scheme awards a logo to firms that agree to follow certain standards in trade practices.
A study of various sectors found that consumer complaints were six times higher for carpet firms that had not joined the scheme, five times more for removals firms, and double the number for estate agents.
It also revealed that consumers showed greater loyalty towards businesses having simplified complaints procedure, which is a requirement under the code.
OFT's Charles Wallace said: "The first consumer code was approved under the OFT Consumer Codes Approval Scheme five years ago.
"The scheme has been growing and there are now around 14,000 businesses operating under a code of practice that has been approved by the OFT.
"Consumers buying from a company displaying the OFT Approved Code logo can be confident that the code goes beyond what the law currently requires."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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