VBRA - what protection does it give you?

[SpottedCat]

Ok, so I am on the hunt for a horsebox, and am looking at a company which is VBRA approved but which I have never heard of before.

I've read the VBRA code of practice, which all looks great, but what come back does it really give me? It looks like the sanctions they can impose on their members are basically striking off the membership list. Now for me to be struck of my professional body's membership list would mean I couldn't work again or get professional indemnity insurance - good incentive. But what does it mean to members of VBRA please?

I know I sound dreadful, but this is a lot of money for me to be spending - and some of the big names are not VBRA approved, so how much weight does it really carry?

 

[pathelschoice]

to obtain VBRA approval the potential member is inspected first of all at their premises and if they reach the standard set by VBRA then approval and membership is granted . the member is then inspected on a regular basis to ensure they are complying to - in our case - coachbuilding regulations, that you are building a vehicle which is fit for purpose and with the correct materials and all consumer laws are adhered to etc etc etc. VBRA are a governing body and all members abide by their laws etc on a strictly voluntary basis, the approval given to a coachbuilder is a sought after recommendation and those not complying to their code of practice or building to stardard are removed from the approval list. the VBRA are not only there to protect the member but more importantly you the consumer.

 

[sillygillyhorse]

so if my understanding of Pathelschoice's reply VBRA does not actually give you any financial guarantees, what it does/should do is give piece of mind that any purchase you make is to a certain standard

 

[TrentfieldStud]

In reality VBRA gives very little purchaser protection, and its Horsebox scheme is limited. However, good reputable horsebox builders are members, but there are also excellent coachbuilders that are not. www.horseboxworld.com has some great advice on buying new and used horseboxes, (weight, inspections, tilt cab adivce etc.) so should have a look their.

 

[SpottedCat]

Thanks all - MrsT, I read it in the same way as you. However the codes of practice which the members sign up to are very good. But then again these bodies are only as good as their enforcement regime, and I know my professional body isn't exactly renowned for being good in that department.

 

[mackandmutley]

If VBRA membership meant that it would remove the rogue traders from the industry then you can be sure every credible builder out there would in the queue to join to evict the fly-by-nighters from business but in truth the VBRA does little for the customer with regards to financial security which is a big issue in the industry. It merely enforces a standard style of trading and customer care which is to be abided by for continued membership which any credible builder is invariable following anyway if their reputation and customer care is a concern. such as written quotes, customer contact during work, fixed prices etc.

Whilst most builders are crying out for a enforcing governing body in order to seperate the quality builders from the have-a-go-in-a-barn and if it goes wrong i'll just disappear builders, many I feel do not believe the VBRA is going far enough, and to be fair would be facing an uphill struggle to do so.