Breaking down barriers to ADR

QASSS has launched Dispute Assist for home improvement and renewable energy companies, which is in response to the financial challenges that many companies are facing.

The aim was to “offer industry-leading dispute resolution while overcoming financial barriers to provide a solution that’s at a nominal price and cashflow neutral”, the company said.

Dispute Assist gives companies and their customers access to QASSS’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service, which promises a quick and independent mediation and conciliation service to help resolve customer disputes, protect brand reputation, and helps avoid the risk of costly litigation.

In a similar way to a pre-paid cover plan, Dispute Assist is enacted at the point of purchase, protecting businesses and consumers should a dispute arise for six years. Pricing is per job or installation which, given average contract values, works out at a nominal price of around £5-£15 per installation, “so businesses can maintain competitive advantage and it’s a great selling point to show customer commitment and give customers extra peace of mind”, the company said.

Ciarán Harkin, managing director of QASSS, said: “Take up of ADR has been relatively slow in many sectors, frustrated by lengthy resolution, a lack of awareness of the benefits of using ADR, and the high cost impact to both consumers and businesses.

“We wanted to change that and take away any barriers to make our industry-leading ADR accessible and affordable for all. In short, right price, no risk and cashflow neutral.”