London ON – The Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) has launched its Gold Seal Program to provide high quality recycled parts, with no surprises on delivery.nnThe Gold Seal Program is a voluntary quality assurance accreditation program for ARC Members that utilizes a series of standards, audits and CSI requirements to help ensure high quality recycled parts are reliably provided to repairers, insurers and the motoring public. All ARC Members are already audited to the Canadian Auto Recyclers Environmental Code (CAREC), and now Gold Seal certification takes those qualified Members to the next level.nnSuccessful applicants will lead the automotive recycling industry by implementing industry standards for customer service and recycled part quality based on the highest professional service goals and ethical business practices in the automotive recycling industry.nn”This was the natural evolution of our industry,” says Steve Fletcher, ARC Managing Director. “Recyclers have seen the benefits of their CAREC certification and Gold Seal addresses the needs of our key customers to ensure a smoother interface and experience with our industry.”nnModeled after the Automotive Recyclers Association’s (ARA) successful Gold Seal Program, the ARC version of the business certification model plays off of the strength of the ARC recycler network and the unique characteristics of the Canadian market.nn”We are pleased to be the first international association to support ARA’s efforts to enhance the auto recycling industry on a global scale. Adding on to the existing Gold Seal model has meant a smooth transition for our Members,” added Fletcher.nnThe program will be tested in Ontario and launched nationally in the Spring of 2013.nnFor more information on the Gold Seal Program or to find local Gold Seal recyclers visit www.autorecyclers.ca or contact Steve Fletcher at [email protected] or 519-858-8761.nn n
ARC Gold Seal Professional Business Practices/Codes
nCustomer Service Standardsnn1. Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers recognize the professional automotive and collision repair industries; mechanical repair and vehicle owners are our primary customers. Collision repair and mechanical repair facilities and their customers, the owners of the vehicles being repaired, are the life blood of our business.nn2. Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers will uphold the highest standards of professional conduct in the Automotive Recycling Industry.nn3. Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers will employ and train knowledgeable people to insure the highest level of customer satisfaction.nn4. Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers will maintain a professional program to monitor customer satisfaction through an independent customer audit firm.nn5. Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers will participate in an audit process for compliance verification, as set forth by the Automotive Recyclers of Canada.nnDescription Standardsnn6. Gold Seal automotive recyclers will inventory and grade all parts using the approved Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) quality assurance codes and grading standards.nn7. All parts will be described to customers with the year, make and model of the vehicle from which they were removed.nn8. Descriptions, including ARA approved standards, options, part grade, whether parts are original or after market, and paint condition will be as accurate as possible to avoid surprises for the customer.nn9. Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers will not repair damage without the knowledge of the customer.nn10. Any adjustments agreed upon between Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers and repairers will be made upon inspection and request for credit by the customer.nn11. Items returned for credit will be accepted for a period of at least 30 days after delivery.nnScheduling and Delivery Standardsnn12. Because scheduling is so important to modern repair facilities, every effort will be made to achieve promised delivery times. Any delays will be reported to the customer immediatelynn13. Estimators and customers will be advised at the time of quote or order, if parts must be made available through another Recycler.nn14. Price quotes will include delivery.nnWarranty Standardsnn15. All warranties, including those for mechanical and electrical parts, will be in writing.nn16. At a minimum, sheet metal parts will have a limited warranty against rust and corrosion for a year from the date of purchase.nn17. At a minimum, mechanical parts will have a limited warranty for 90 days.nnBusiness Practice Requirementsnn18. Open accounts are offered to all customers who meet credit standards. We will strive to make credit decisions as soon as possible after submission of a credit application.nn19. Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers will cooperate with repairers to obtain insurance supplements due to part availability and cost restraints.nn20. Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers will work with repairers in every way to minimize the number of vehicles that become total losses.nn21. Accurate vehicle identification numbers will be provided for all major component parts as defined by Federal law.nn22. Continued designation as a Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recycler is dependent on adhering to principles set out in this code of professionalism.