The IndiaBiz4u Code of Business Practices represents sound advertising, selling and customer service practices that enhance customer trust and confidence in business. We require three main obligations:
1) Treat Customer Fairly and Honestly
2) Address Customer Complaints in a Fair and Reasonable Manner
3) Not Use Misleading and False Claims in Advertisements, Promotions and Other Sales Practices.
The Code is built on the IndiaBiz4u Standards for Good Business, eight principles that summarize important elements of creating and maintaining trust in business.
This Code also represents standards for business accreditation by IndiaBiz4u. Businesses based in the india that meet these standards and complete application procedures will be accredited by IndiaBiz4u.
To be accredited by IndiaBiz4u a business or organization affirms that it meets and will abide by the following standards:
1. Build Trust, And Have a Positive Customer Service Track Record
Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.
An accredited business or organization agrees to:
A. Have been operational (actively selling products or services) in any IndiaBiz4u service area for at least the most recent 12 months, unless the principal(s) previously operated a similar business with an eligible record (one that qualifies for IndiaBiz4u accreditation).
B. Fulfill all licensing and bonding requirements of applicable jurisdictions; provide all license and bonding information upon application for IndiaBiz4u accreditation; and provide periodic updates upon request of IndiaBiz4u.
C. Be free from government action that demonstrates a significant failure to support IndiaBiz4u ethical principles in marketplace transactions (this requires a determination by IndiaBiz4u as to the nature of any violation, whether it was caused or condoned by management, and actions taken to resolve underlying issues that led to the government action).
D. Be free of an unsatisfactory rating and maintain at least a B (3 ***) rating at the IndiaBiz4u.com. It must respond to every consumer complaint in a fair and reasonable manner.
E. In its relationship with IndiaBiz4u:
2. No Misleading and False Advertisements. Advertise Honestly
Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.
An accredited business or organization agrees to:
A. Follow central, state/provincial and local advertising laws.
B. Abide by the honest and ethical practices in advertisement. Supply, upon request, substantiation for advertising and selling claims. Correct advertising and selling practices, when recommended by IndiaBiz4u.
C. Adhere to applicable IndiaBiz4u industry codes of advertising.
D. Cooperate with IndiaBiz4u self-regulatory programs for the resolution of advertising disputes.
E. Use the IndiaBiz4u name and logos in accordance with IndiaBiz4u policy.
F. Avoid misleading customers by creating the false impression of sponsorship, endorsement, popularity, trustworthiness, product quality or business size through the misuse of logos, trustmarks, pictures, testimonials, or other means.
3. No Misleading Information To the Customers. Tell the Truth About Product and Services
Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.
An accredited business or organization agrees to:
A. Make known all material facts in both written and verbal representations, remembering that misrepresentation may result not only from direct statements but by omitting or obscuring relevant facts.
B. Ensure that any written materials are readily available, clear, accurate and complete.
4. Be Transparent - Tell Warranties and Support Services and Fulfill Them
Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer's decision to buy.
An accredited business or organization agrees to:
A. Upon request, provide IndiaBiz4u with all information required to evaluate compliance with IndiaBiz4u standards. This may include, but is not limited to business name, address and contact information; names and background of principals; business and banking references; licensing and/or professional accreditation; and a complete description of the nature of the business.
B. Clearly disclose to customers:
C. If selling products or providing services on Web sites or via other electronic means:
5. Honor Promises Made during a Sale
Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.
An accredited business or organization agrees to:
A. Fulfill contracts signed and agreements reached.
B. Honor representations by correcting mistakes as quickly as possible.
6. Be Responsive To Customer Complaints
Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.
Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.
A. Promptly respond to all complaints forwarded by IndiaBiz4u by:
1. Resolving the complaint directly with the complainant and notifying IndiaBiz4u, or
2. Providing IndiaBiz4u with a response that IndiaBiz4u determines:
B. Make a good faith effort to resolve disputes, which includes mediation if requested by IndiaBiz4u. Other dispute resolution options, including arbitration, may be recommended by IndiaBiz4u when other efforts to resolve a dispute have failed. IndiaBiz4u may consider a business' willingness to participate in recommended dispute resolution options in determining compliance with these standards.
C. Comply with any settlements, agreements or decisions reached as an outcome of a IndiaBiz4u dispute resolution process.
D. Cooperate with IndiaBiz4u in efforts to eliminate the underlying cause of patterns of customer complaints that are identified by IndiaBiz4u.
7. Safeguard Privacy About Customers and Their Information Given To You
Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their information.
An accredited business or organization agrees to:
A. Respect Privacy
following:Businesses conducting e-commerce agree to disclose on their Web site the
B. Secure Sensitive Data
Businesses that collect sensitive data online (credit card, bank account numbers, Social Security number, salary or other personal financial information, medical history or records, etc.) will ensure that it is transmitted via secure means. Businesses will make best efforts to comply with industry standards for the protection and proper disposal of all sensitive data, both online and offline.
C. Honor Customer Preferences
Businesses agree to respect customer preferences regarding contact by telephone, fax and e-mail, and agree to remedy the underlying cause of any failure to do so.
8. Embody Integrity, Honesty and Customer Care
Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity.
An accredited business or organization agrees to:
Avoid involvement, by the business or its principals, in activities that reflect unfavorably on, or otherwise adversely affect the public image of IndiaBiz4u or its accredited businesses.
Updated: August 2012.
