B&Q leads the way with increased consumer protection

Consumers in the UK are seeing a rapidly changing market place - with significant players such as Habitat, TG Hughes, Homeform and Focus Do It All going into administration in recent weeks.
Furthermore Thorntons and Carpetright amongst many others have announced poor sales and store closures.

With the prospect of more retailers following in the footsteps of these well-known brands, consumers will naturally now be concerned and cautious about making payments for products and services in advance of delivery, for fear that their purchases won‟t be delivered or that they may lose their money completely.
Recent research carried out by the consumer watchdog “Consumer Focus” reported that one in ten consumers failed to receive the delivery of goods that they had purchased during 2010.

B&Q, in addition to a number of other major retailers, have been licensed by TrustMark, the government backed quality mark for tradesmen who carry out work around the home, and so provide „Deposit Protection Insurance‟ free to consumers buying kitchens, bathroom & bedroom installation by the licensed retailer.

With immediate effect B&Q have introduced this offering on all home delivery and special order products, across the whole store. All their customers will benefit from independently backed “FREE” Customer Insurance. Should they not be protected by their chosen payment method this will protect their payments for purchases prior to them being delivered”.

B&Q are the first and only retailer in the UK to offer this benefit across all product categories across the whole store.

Source : Trust Mark
www.trustmark.org.uk/uploadfiles/files/B&Q_Offer_Increased_Consumer_Protection.pdf