BPA Retail remains committed to showrooms

Published: 03 February, 2009

Further to its offer of a discounted membership rate of just £45 for 2009, the Baby Products Association (BPA) has had a positive response from many retailers wanting to join BPA Retail. However, many of those applying have been disappointed as they do not fit the membership criteria.

Consumers are naturally reassured that BPA Retail members fit a stringent criteria and offer outstanding service. They feel secure in the knowledge that they are being given the very best advice when buying baby products. Also, with many injuries caused by incorrectly fitted car seats, BPA feels that face-to-face instruction for the correct use of baby products is paramount.

While the BPA appreciates that there are many very reputable online retailers who provide excellent sales service to their customers, the BPA Retail council believes that, without premises from which to sell goods direct to the consumer, there are insufficient methods to provide adequate fitting and operational advice. Also, without a showroom, BPA would find it difficult to evaluate and consequently endorse a retailer's quality and standard of service. BPA Retail members are actively encouraged to enhance their service with online sales in conjunction with showroom sales; however membership is not open to companies providing online sales only.

BPA Retail membership criteria also include:

Members must not sell any second hand child care articles and must agree to conform to the BPA Retail Code of Practice on the Sale of Goods by BPA Retail Members.Members must adhere to the BPA Online Selling Requirements
Members must provide qualified advice and assistance to customers and ensure staff members are fully trained (with appropriate certification where available)
Members agree only to sell goods that conform to the appropriate British, European, International or UN Standard.
The BPA and BPA Retail commend their joint After Sales and Service Policy to its members. Wherever practicable, BPA Retail members should adopt this policy as a minimum benchmark.
A full BPA Retail member must have been trading as a registered business for a minimum of six months. New businesses can join BPA Retail, but will only become a full member on the completion of a successful six month probationary period.

For a full information pack regarding BPA Retail membership, please contact Julie James on 0845 456 9570 or email Julie@b-p-a.org