Planet Signs Up To DGCOS Ombudsman Scheme

Planet South Lakes, the conservatory, window and door specialist, is the latest installer to be accredited and recognised by the recently formed Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS).

DGCOS has been founded to protect homeowners from rogue traders within the industry, and Planet are one of 300 installers who have signed up to the scheme since its inception back in February of this year. They are hopeful that they will be able to attract up to 1,800 installers within the next 3 to 4 years.

It is seen as being a consumer protection scheme as when customers choose a DGCOS registered installer to complete home improvement work at their property, they can be assured that the dealer has been properly vetted. If a customer is unhappy with the work completed by the dealer, DGCOS will provide a free dispute resolution service, and in those cases that cannot be resolved mutually, the issue will then be passed on their highly experienced ombudsman.

The scheme has been further endorsed by TV personality Nick Ross and DGCOS believe that customers are less likely to experience problems when ordering their conservatories and orangeries if they choose a DGCOS approved installer.
However, many installers in the industry have labelled the scheme a ‘lead generator’ as they believe it is just an attempt to persuade customers into thinking that DGCOS members are the only installers worth purchasing home improvement products from.

With the industry totalling approximately 14,000 double glazing firms, it has also been disputed as to whether the new ombudsman scheme can actually have any significant impact as it is set to only have around about a 14% market share of registered installers.

DGCOS’s response is that they see it as a way of eradicating the few ‘cowboys’ who are present in the industry and that they are just trying to enhance the industry’s reputation. When a member signs up to the scheme they will be continually assessed to ensure that they are consistently meeting the standards required.

For more information visit Planet South Lakes online or freephone 0800 612 2255