What does it mean for consumers?
Peace of mind
Using members of an industry trade association can provide peace of mind. Many trade associations require their members to undergo a vetting process prior to joining and are monitored to ensure on-going compliance. Members of trade associations are also often required to sign up to and adhere to a Code of Practice and minimum standards that must be met in the course of delivering their services.
The PCA requires companies to meet and maintain robust membership criteria covering aspects of their service including professional qualifications, service delivery and financial stability. All PCA members are audited regularly to ensure standards are being maintained.
Some trade associations require members to provide insurance backing customers for long term guarantees. This can give consumers peace of mind should something go wrong or the original company ceases to exist.
Advice and assistance
Trade associations often have complaints procedures and can act as mediator between the consumer and a member company in order to seek to resolve any dispute effectively. This means consumers have an avenue to turn to for advice in the first instance should something go wrong.
The PCA has a process through which consumers can raise technical complaints against PCA members. The Association offers a mediation service and strives to reach an amicable resolution for both parties.
Professional service
As membership of a trade association often requires companies to make a financial commitment, undergo professional training, sign up to minimum standards etc, membership represents a conscious decision on behalf of the member company to demonstrate and prove its professionalism. If it were not a serious, credible company it would be unlikely to invest time and resources to be a member of such an organisation.
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