Inspiring Consumer Confidence
Since 1992
Growing out of our established role as the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman, we are an independent, not-for-profit, government approved organisation set up to help resolve retail disputes.
Our highly-trained staff provide impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to consumers and businesses, helping both sides reach a fair and reasonable outcome, which is binding on our members.
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One of Britain’s largest furniture repair specialists, Homeserve Furniture Repairs has become an Industry Partner of the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO). When an organisation joins an Ombudsman Scheme, such as FHIO, they demonstrate ...
It is a truth universally acknowledged that obligations to ensure an installation project conforms to the plethora of legislation designed to protect consumers and ensure their safety, but there are some practical things consumers can do to ensure th...
Q: Can a retailer sell an item with known cosmetic damage from the showroom and as long as the customer accepts this at point of sale (face to face, not online) the item cannot be returned for this reason? A: In relation to ex-display or returned goo...
A: Vulnerability can manifest in many ways and it is hard to define what makes one consumer more vulnerable than another and how their rights may vary. The first question which requires attention is, therefore, can you identify your vulnerable custom...
Q: We have just carried out a landscaping project for a consumer which has not gone to plan, leaving us in a situation where we cannot even put it back to what it was. The consumer wants a full refund, but whilst we agree that the result is not what ...
10 ways to improve reputation and encourage constructive feedback As we discussed in our short webinar today, and in the words of Bill Gates, “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning”. The challenge, however, is using your co...
The Consumer Protection Alliance (CPA) has launched a DIY campaign to make sure that consumers stay safe whilst either attempting home improvement or handing the reins over to someone else. Here are the CPA’s top tips to help ensure that improving yo...
The landscape of the social environment in which we conduct our businesses has changed and we find ourselves in a new world of video interaction in a way that was hitherto unprecedented. With government holding cabinet meetings via cloud meetings and...
Business's Obligations under Consumer Law As a trader you will have liability arising out of the breach of a term in a contract which you enter into with a consumer even if that term wasn’t specifically stated in it. Confused? Read on… This article o...
Whilst an Ombudsman is a key part of the ADR landscape, there are certain features of an Ombudsman scheme that differentiates it from other ADR models. This is particularly the case in private sector schemes which offer a genuine alternative to court...
In this article, we explore your legal rights when returning goods and trying to claim your money back. When the rush of the festive season is over, the January sales present a further opportunity to hit the shops. For some it is an opportunity to r...
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