Stark reminder
The collapse of tour operator XL Leisure Group is yet another stark reminder that consumer protection and an association backed guarantee is vital when making any major purchase, warns local retailer, Bradbury’s.
More than 285,000 XL customers were caught up in the disaster and whilst some travellers who booked their holidays through tour operators will be covered by the licensing scheme operated by the Civil Aviation Authority, those who booked flights directly with the airline could be without cover and will face the task of having to organise alternative return travel unaided.
Buy from reputable retailers, not rogue traders
“It is always very unfortunate to hear of these terrible failures that leave consumers out of pocket and facing turmoil as they try and recover what they have paid for," says showroom owner Andy Bradbury
“However with the collapse of more airlines and travel companies predicted, it is a clear warning to everyone that they should always buy from an organisation that has a recognised trade association membership and provides financial protection in the event of a company failure.
“Rogue traders have long been an issue in the home improvement market and national companies like XL and furniture superstore Courts before them, who suffer high profile collapses, really bring home the importance of dealing with a reputable retailer who can offer peace of mind and deposit protection.”
Guidelines
Bradbury’s offers the following guidelines on investing in a home makeover:
- Visit a company that has a showroom so you can inspect the quality of the product and the standard of installation.
- Choose a retail member with a track record of good installations and ask to speak to some past customer and even visit them in their homes if possible.
- Be careful about paying in full for your kitchen in advance. You should not pay a deposit of more than 25% and it is likely that you will be required to make an interim payment, ask for a written payment schedule which includes the timings of any interim payment and final retention.
- Make sure you have a written quotation that covers every aspect of the job, including fitting, flooring and any structural alterations you may have discussed.
- Don’t sign anything unless you are prepared to honour your side of the contract. Some terms and conditions have expensive cancellation clauses. If in doubt contact the KBSA.
Bradbury’s
Bradbury’s has been trading for 9 years and is a member of the national trade association for the kitchen bathroom and bedroom industry, the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA). A condition of membership is financial protection for the consumer and Bradbury’s offers a comprehensive ConsumerCare Plus insurance backed workmanship warranty and deposit protection scheme.
Association backing
As a member of the KBSA. Bradbury’s follows an Approved Code of Practice and is subject to strict monitoring to ensure continued professional service.
All KBSA members are dedicated to upholding the association’s high standards of design, supply, installation and customer service throughout the interiors industry. All members are carefully vetted prior to admission and they must have been trading for at least two years in order to be considered for membership.