Caravan and motorhome buyers are set to enjoy improved levels of customer protection under a new initiative being launched by the UK’s tourer and motorhome trade body the National Caravan Council (NCC).
Dubbed the NCC Approved Dealership scheme, it will look to establish a clear benchmark for how dealerships must undertake all relations with customers.
In particular, the initiative will look to encourage the promotion of best practice, while raising standards of professionalism and customer service across the caravan manufacturer industry.
It is hoped that the new measures will also provide a greater level of protection than that currently provided by UK law.
The key facet of the new scheme is the Consumer Code of Practice. Based on the similar consumer code criteria used by the Office of Fair Trading, the new code will look to establish the standard, which will then be carefully monitored through the scheme.
It will call on dealers to demonstrate high standards in all areas of their business, including how it applies marketing practices to the sale of its products, helps consumers choose the right model of tourer, or even how it engages with customer complaints and the general buying process.
Prior to any NCC member business achieving the prestigious “Approved Dealership” status, they must undergo a standardised independent assessment, which will examine their operations against the NCC code.
Those achieving this status will then be able to display the “NCC Approved tick” on their premises, website and marketing materials.
This tick will demonstrate that the dealer in question has made conscious and tangible efforts to operate to the best industry practice, that they offer enhanced levels of consumer protection, and that they deal in an open, honest and fair manner, with high standards of customer satisfaction.
Overseen by an independent policy board, the scheme also has the backing of the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan Club and is backed by a number of major manufacturers.
So from 2013 onwards, you will be able to get extra reassurance that your dealer is going to look after you, simply by looking for the NCC tick.
