Motor Ombudsman broadens training portfolio

The Motor Ombudsman has added a new training module tailored to businesses operating in the motor industry. A module focusing on distance sales has been added to its Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved online training portfolio.

A distance sale or contract is defined as when a customer buys a product, such as a new or used car, exclusively on the internet or over the phone without ever visiting a seller’s physical premises during the purchase or at the point of delivery.

The latest course has been introduced in response to the growing number of automotive businesses allowing motorists to order, part exchange, finance and purchase a vehicle remotely.

It is suitable for any organisation in the UK selling new or second-hand, and takes around 30 minutes to complete.

The tuition covers the following key areas: what a distance sales contract is and the legislation governing it; the increased rights of consumers during a distance sale; the obligations to be met by businesses; the significance of a consumer deposit when paying for a car remotely; and case study scenarios to gain an understanding of this sales channel in practice.

The module culminates with a short test and a downloadable checklist to help businesses to determine whether or not the sale can be classified as one that is at a distance.

Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director at The Motor Ombudsman, said, ‘Buying cars is no longer confined to bricks and mortar premises. Therefore, it is important that businesses are fully up to speed with the laws and obligations governing distance contracts and transactions. The easy-to-navigate module allows users to go through the essential elements of this sales channel and to come away with sufficient knowledge to feel confident in selling to consumers online or over the phone.’