OFT survey results place emphasis on good customer relations

[caption id="attachment_3408" align="alignright" width="180" caption=""That'll cost ya." Look out for the OFT logo and avoid being ripped off, the government agency tells consumers"][/caption]

Research carried out on behalf of the Office of Fair Trading underlines the importance of good customer service, according to the government agency.

82% of the 2568 people quizzed by pollsters Opinion Matters said they would tell friends and family never to use a business from which they had received shoddy service.

And almost a third would write a negative review on a company website.

Meanwhile, the rise of social media means some consumers would even ‘Tweet’ or use Facebook to publish their complaints.

Conversely, 85% said they would recommend a business providing good customer service to their friends and family.

The OFT is asking consumers to look out for its ‘Approved Codes’ logo, which it says confirms a company’s commitment to providing an easily accessible and robust complaints procedure.

Charles Wallace, OFT head of codes said: “OFT Code approved businesses operate to a higher standard of service.

“If a consumer needs to make a complaint, then they can be assured that it will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.”

Ex Watchdog presenter Lynn Faulds Wood was also drafted in to add: “Savvy consumers need to do their research before buying goods.

“Using an OFT Code approved [business] means they will receive a standard of service higher than that required by law.”