Consumer Ombudsman to Change Complaints Process

Consumer Ombudsman to Change Complaints Process

03 September 2015

Ombudsman Services is launching a new service that will accept all consumer complaints.

The newly created consumer ombudsman will be able to receive complaints relating to the conduct of sectors that do not have a current ombudsman, for example, retail, home maintenance, improvement or installation services, second-hand cars, car repairs and car servicing.

Consumers are able to register complaints with the consumer ombudsman regarding goods and services bought after 1 January 2015, once all internal complaints processes have been attempted.

Consumer Ombudsman Complaints Process

The consumer ombudsman outlines a 5 step process for consumers that would like lodge a complaint:

  1. The consumer should first ensure that the company they are unhappy with is aware of the exact nature of their complaint.
  2. All contact with the company from the first complaint should be gathered as potential evidence for the ombudsman.
  3. The company in question should be given a “reasonable opportunity” to resolve the original complaint.
  4. The consumer should contact the consumer ombudsman who will then contact the company in question.
  5. The resolution will either be resolved through the agreement of both parties or settled in a small claims court.

The company that is having the complaint lodged against them can choose whether or not they are willing to work with the ombudsman to reach a resolution.

John Allan, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

"As of Thursday 1 October 2015 companies will be required by law to make consumers aware of a relevant alternative dispute resolution scheme e.g. the new consumer ombudsman.

"While this is a potential headache for small firms, we’re glad that the usage is not compulsory which would have added even more burdensome red tape."

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