Key Features of the Code

The Code of Practice approved by the Office of Fair Trading incorporates the highest retail selling standards and gives you absolute reassurance when purchasing a carpet from a Registered Specialist retailer.

The key features of the Code are:

It applies to all carpet sold by a Registered Specialist (excluding rugs)
Written terms of business must be given prior to the purchase
Consumers who cancel an order "on reasonable grounds" should not be penalised
Verbal estimates of the cost must be supported by a written quotation which will show the total cost. All deposits are protected so in the unlikely event of a business failure, the order will be fulfilled without loss of the deposit
Free extended 2 year guarantees are provided by Carpet Foundation manufacturers for manufacturing faults and pile reversal
There is an agreed complaints resolution process and timetable
A free conciliation service is provided by the Carpet Foundation
Low cost arbitration is provided
Registered Specialist retailers are regularly monitored to ensure they do deliver the right service
There is a non compliance arrangement to deal with those retailers who breach requirements of the Code
A full version of the Code of Practice is available on www.carpetfoundation.co.uk

The following leading industry organisations support the Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Office of Fair Trading:

Carpet Foundation Registered Specialists form a national network of some of the best retailers in the UK. Whilst they vary in size, turnover, premises and products on offer they are all committed to high standards in carpet retailing.

They are established bona fide retailers, (in many cases long established family businesses) with retail showrooms accessible to the public.

They are committed to the highest standards of retailing throughout the purchase experience. They will offer advice on measuring and estimating product suitability and selection and also, most importantly on underlay and fitting.

They are endorsed by The Carpet Foudation, the UK carpet industry's lead body and owner of the Quality Mark. They deal with the leading UK carpet manufacturers who are widely acknowledged as producing the best carpet in the world.

They are committed to supporting the Carpet Council Guarantees and Code of Practice which has the approval of the Office of Fair Trading.

Registered Carpet Specialists are committed to offering quality, value, and personal service.