Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 |
|
|
|
|
Who's involved in Gold Seal?
What does Gold Seal Certification mean?
How does Gold Seal benefit recyclers?
How does Gold Seal benefit customers?
What does Gold Seal provide insurers?
How does Gold Seal help and benefit insurers?
What are the current CSi analysis results?
Where do I go for more information about Gold Seal?
What is Gold Seal?
The Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers Program is an official program that was developed by the Automotive Recyclers Association to address customer service concerns throughout the automotive recycling industry. Launched in October, 1997, Gold Seal - which is endorsed by the Automotive Service Association, the largest trade association representing the collision repair industry - exists to help maintain and enforce reputable, quality business practices throughout the automotive recycling industry. It is the first program of its kind.
Who's involved in Gold Seal?
The Automotive Recyclers Association, an international trade organization that represents approximately 2,000 professional automotive Recyclers across the globe, developed and manages the program. Because of the nature of Gold Seal and to ensure that certified Recyclers are adhering to Gold Seal's rules, regulations and professional standards, ARA has partnered with CRI, a well known independent customer satisfaction monitoring firm. CRI periodically tracks overall customer satisfaction for all Gold Seal Certified recyclers.
What does Gold Seal Certification mean?
Gold Seal Certification is awarded to professional members of the Automotive Recyclers Association who have completed the Certified Automotive Recycler's Program. Recyclers must meet 27 categories of requirements and agree to follow a number of strict professional business practices, rules and regulations. For customers, Gold Seal Certification offers the assurance that they are working with professionals who are committed to providing the highest level of service and quality recycled OEM parts, while operating their businesses in an environmentally responsible manner.
How does Gold Seal benefit recyclers?
As a Gold Seal Certified recycler you will become known as an industry-preferred automotive recycler and become customers' first choice. Therefore, you will increase your revenues by winning more customers. You will also become part of the first program of its kind in the industry and show your commitment to staying on the leading edge. And, since you have to be a member of ARA and the Certified Automotive Recyclers Program to become Gold Seal Certified, you will gain all the benefits of ARA membership.
their certification, so customers know they are dealing with reputable, professional, quality recyclers.
What does Gold Seal provide insurers?
ARA realizes the importance that quality recycled OEM parts be delivered to the repair facility on time and as promised. ARA also realizes that once you write your estimate and place your trust in an automotive recycler, you don't - and shouldn't - be bothered again. Now, when adjusters select ARA Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers as their supplier, the Gold Seal facility will assume the responsibility of filling the order to ensure a quality repair can be turned out on time.
How does Gold Seal help and benefit insurers?
In many cases, insurers like to suggest that body and repair shops use recycled OEM parts because they are less expensive than new parts and therefore save them money. However, insurers have experienced a number of problems (not getting parts on time or receiving incorrect parts, for example) with automotive recyclers. Insurers will not have these problems when they do business with Gold Seal Certified Automotive Recyclers. Gold stands for excellence, superiority and the highest level of achievement. Recyclers who have been awarded Gold Seal Certification are the industry's best recyclers. Gold Seal is a sign of their continued commitment to complete customer satisfaction so you can be confident that you are dealing with reputable and professional recyclers when you buy from Gold Seal Certified automotive recyclers. In addition, Gold Seal Recyclers are required to offer you written guarantees.
What are the current CSi analysis results?
The results can be viewed here.
Where do I go for more information about Gold Seal?
Contact Jennifer Johnson, ARA Communication, at 888-385-1005 for more information about certification, or for a list of Gold Seal Certified Recyclers near you.
