What protection is there for the consumer who uses an AMUSF Member?
The Code of Practice is intended to reassure consumers that when dealing with a member of the AMUSF they can expect that certain undertakings will be made in respect of quality and service.
Consumers who deal with members of the AMUSF will be able to engage the services of a member in the knowledge that they are approved, capable of undertaking the work to a high standard and covered by public liability insurance.
Additionally, consumers can be further reassured that in the unlikely event of a contract not being completed to their satisfaction, the Association has in place procedures for addressing complaints.
The Code of Practice encompasses eight key areas:
- Insurance – All members are required to hold current Public Liability Insurance.
- Estimates/Quotations – All members should provide detailed estimates indicating full details of the work to be undertaken.
- Payments – Details relating to deposits and final payments should be clearly identified.
- Delivery Dates – These should be determined at the outset, but members cannot be held responsible for delays beyond their control.
- Delays – Members are obliged to keep consumers informed of any delays.
- Specifications – Specifications should be included in any contract: fabric, fillings, trimmings etc.
- Customers own materials – The code defines the responsibility of the parties with regard to customers own materials. In short, if a consumer supplies their own materials the responsibility for quality and performance lies wholly with the consumer.
- Customers own specifications – Where consumers provide their own specifications, the codes states that the responsibility lies with the consumer i.e. if a consumer provides curtain width and drop or where they provide dimensions for a piece of furniture.
The most common complaints that we receive relate to contractual disputes where consumers claim they have not received what they ordered. Written contracts, estimates or quotations ensure that all parties know exactly what is to be supplied, when and at what cost.
