KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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KBSA retailers offer vital protection in volatile market

The collapse of Comet is yet another stark reminder that the High Street remains a volatile place and that consumers should take all necessary precautions when making a major home purchase... so says the national trade association for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom industry, the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association.

The warning comes just a month after the bathroom brands, bathrooms4all and Victorian Bathrooms; part of bathroom retailer Traditional Contemporary Bathrooms, went into administration.

The KBSA is urging consumers to heed its advice and seek out retailers that can offer the reassurance of Association membership and financial protection.

"It is unfortunate to hear of such household names failing but it is a sad fact that we are likely to see more High Street retailers go under in the coming months," says KBSA CEO Graham Ball. "Consumers who are caught up in the failure of a business usually have to endure a lot of heartache in order to recover their money and complete the installation of their kitchen, bathroom or bedroom

"The current economic climate should make all buyers stop and think twice about the importance of dealing with a reputable retailer who can offer peace of mind and deposit protection."

All KBSA members follow an Approved Code of Practice and are subject to strict monitoring to ensure continued professional service.

Many KBSA members have also been approved to trade as Trustmark accredited retailers via membership of the KBSA. This Government backed programme is part of its 'anti-cowboy' legislation and helps consumers find reliable and trustworthy professional tradesmen to carry out repairs and improvements to the inside and outside of their homes.

All KBSA members are dedicated to upholding the Association's high standards of design, supply, installation and customer service throughout the interiors industry. All members are carefully vetted prior to admission and they must have been trading for at least two years in order to be considered for membership.

All KBSA members are listed on the KBSA website, www.kbsa.org.uk, and a postcode search will locate the nearest retailers.

The KBSA offers the following guidelines on investing in a home makeover:

Visit a company that has a showroom so you can inspect the quality of the product and the standard of installation.
Choose a retail member with a track record of good installations and ask to speak to some past customers and even visit them in their homes if possible.
Be careful about paying in full for your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom in advance. You should not pay a deposit of more than 25% and it is likely that you will be required to make an interim payment, ask for a written payment schedule which includes the timings of any interim payment and final retention.
Make sure you have a written quotation that covers every aspect of the job, including fitting, flooring and any structural alterations you may have discussed.
Don't sign anything unless you are prepared to honour your side of the contract. Some terms and conditions have expensive cancellation clauses. If in doubt contact the KBSA.

23rd November 2012