New training for retailers to increase knowledge of regulations relating to guarantees

"Our on-line training course for shop assistants, 'Guaranteed Good', which was launched today, is designed to increase the knowledge about guarantees amongst entrepreneurs, and this can only be of benefit to the consumer", said the State Secretary of Economic Affairs, Frank Heemskerk, during the launch meeting for the course today. Regulations relating to guarantees are not always properly adhered to. This training course, which has been developed by the Consumer Authority and the National Board for the Retail Trade [Hoofdbedrijfschap Detailhandel, HBD], offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to widen their knowledge in relation to guarantees. This will eventually mean that they will provide a better service to the customer. Frank Heemskerk today launched the on-line 'Guaranteed Good' course at the ROC Mondriaan in the Hague. The launch took place during a guest lecture to a group of students following a course in shop management.

Consumer reports regarding guarantee and conformity remain at number 1 for ConsuWijzer, the government information desk for consumers. In 2009 alone, the Consumer Authority received over 9,000 enquiries and complaints via ConsuWijzer about the guarantees upon products. "As well as taking action against companies who fail to adhere to the rules, we are also seeking to strengthen the position of the consumer by advising entrepreneurs and consumers alike.", explains Marije Hulshof, Director of the Consumer Authority.

"We realise that as a retailer, it is not easy to keep up to date with all consumer rights." states Geert Vermeer, Chairman of the National Board for the Retail Trade. "That's why we as the National Board for the Retail Trade have said: we are going to help retailers and employees acquire the information they need. And that's what we've done by developing this free on-line training course."

The interactive training course gives an explanation about the statutory rules relating to guarantees, both during and after the purchase. For example, it provides retailers with answers to questions such as: 'who foots the bill for repair costs, the customer, the retailer or the manufacturer?' and 'what are the rights of consumers once the guarantee period has expired?'. Alongside the explanation, there is also an exam section. If 100% of the exam questions are answered correctly, the National Board for the Retail Trade will award a certificate.

The 'Guaranteed Good' training is accessible free of charge via the website of the National Board for the Retail Trade. Further information for companies about the supervision of the statutory guarantee regulations can be found on the Consumer Authority website of the Consumer Authority.