Consumer group Choice announced a new endorsement scheme that will allow manufacturers to use a ‘Choice Recommended’ logo on a range of products.According to the group, the logo can only be used by companies which have a product that has met its strict testing standards for performance and excellence.
The first endorsement licence has been approved for two Rinnai gas heaters and a dryer while a number of other companies are considering adopting the logo for products ranging from car GPS systems to dishwashers and vacuum cleaners.
Choice spokesperson, Brad Schmitt said, “Choice very protective of its independence but we also believe it’s important our recommended products can celebrate the fact they have been put through the ringer and passed our rigorous testing procedures.”
“Research tells us an independent third party endorsement from Choice is held in high regard by companies and consumers alike, with 88% of our members saying they have purchased a product as a result of a Choice recommendation.”
NAB ATM users are already seeing the Choice Awards logo after the bank won an award for best low-fee bank account, while the winner of the People’s Choice Award for best retailer, “The Good Guys”, has announced it will be using the logo in television commercials in the coming weeks.
A licence fee will be charged for products in the “Choice Recommended” scheme to cover administration costs, with surplus funds to be re-invested into further testing and research said the company.
