Safestyle UK plc is a leading supplier and installer of replacement uPVC windows and doors in the UK, claiming a 10% market share. They have been in business for over 25 years, and during this time, Safestyle has developed a reputation for high-quality products and exceptional customer service.
However, in recent years, Safestyle has become embroiled in a series of controversies regarding their sales and marketing tactics, which have led to thousands of customers filing compensation claims against the company. So, if you are one of these customers, here is everything you need to know about Safestyle compensation.
In 2018, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned a Safestyle UK advert which they found to be “misleading.” In the advert, Safestyle claimed to be providing “50% off” all windows and doors, and that their prices were “the cheapest in the market.” The ASA found that Safestyle’s claims on pricing were unsubstantiated and banned the advert. This ruling was followed by an investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that began in late 2018.
The FCA determined that between July 2015 and April 2018, Safestyle breached a number of regulatory requirements and that the company’s sales and marketing practices were “misleading, unclear, and unfair.” The FCA identified three key failings:
• Calls to customers that were deemed “unwanted” or “continuous”
• A lack of clarity surrounding Safestyle’s pricing structure and discounts
• Incomplete ICO registration
As a result of the FCA’s findings, Safestyle was forced to pay compensation to affected customers. However, Safestyle has also suffered financially, with their share price plummeting by over 40% since the FCA’s announcement. According to the company’s preliminary results for 2018, Safestyle experienced a huge drop in revenue of nearly £15m, falling from £163.2m in 2017 to £148.7m.
If you have been affected by Safestyle’s misleading sales tactics, you may be eligible for compensation. The company has set up a dedicated compensation scheme, which will be overseen by an independent adjudicator. Safestyle has committed to compensating customers who have experienced “widespread problems” with their sales and marketing, covering the period between July 2015 and April 2018, as identified by the FCA.
To start the compensation process, you will first need to contact Safestyle’s customer service team. They will ask you a series of questions to understand your circumstances and determine whether you are eligible for compensation. If your case is deemed eligible, Safestyle will provide you with details of how to make a compensation claim.
It is important to note that compensation claims are not automatic and that each case will be assessed individually. Therefore, it is important to have as much evidence as possible, including details of any calls or visits from Safestyle representatives, invoices, and contracts. If you do not have this information, you can still make a claim, but your case may be more challenging to prove.
Once you have submitted your claim, Safestyle’s independent adjudicator will review it and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. This amount will be based on the FCA’s findings and will take into account any financial loss you may have suffered as a result of Safestyle’s actions.
If you are not satisfied with Safestyle’s compensation offer, you have the option to appeal to the independent adjudicator for further review. However, it is important to note that their decision will be final.
In conclusion, if you were a customer of Safestyle between July 2015 and April 2018 and believe that you have been affected by the company’s misleading sales and marketing tactics, you may be eligible for compensation. The process to claim compensation is straightforward, but it is important to have as much evidence as possible. If you have any questions about Safestyle compensation, you can contact the company’s customer service team.