Very nice comments Parksy.
However, they paint a rather rosy picture that seems to 'sidestep' the main thrust of the arguments.
The moderators of this Forum have repeatedly stated that any complaints are between customer and dealer, ONLY and that the manufacturer has no obligation. Some of us feel that as the 'creator' of the product it seems ludicrous that a manufacturer cannot be directly involved with any subsequent complaints, and to my mind, by getting involved with Forums the manufacturers are finally recognising that the existing set up is not working. Of course if many, but not all, of them would actually answer the communications addressed to them, then many problems would never even reach the stage of a Forum insertion.
There is also the point to consider that by publicising 'complaints' named manufacturers become aware of problems far more rapidly and by effectively stifling this, the PC Forum is not being proactive towards the very caravanners whom they profess to represent.
Nobody is suggesting for a moment a scenario composed of slander and innuendo, but if a customer feels they have a valid complaint and the normal channels of communication have drawn a blank, it seems sensible to request 3rd parties to try and assist. As an example I draw your attention to the various financial 'agony' columns in newspapers which seem to produce 'miraculous' results for frustrated customers. The power of the Press is indeed great, so why not use it? I have yet to see any litigation being addressed to these publications so I suspect Haymarket's fear on that score is misplaced. I am not suggesting for a moment that Haymarket appoints its own 'agony aunt', unless you are volunteering, but a more balanced approach may pay dividends. As an evaluator PC Magazine has a unique position within the caravan industry, which would carry far more weight if it was also perceived as being judgemental and this would pay dividends for both good suppliers and customers.
Far better for producers of substandard products and service to be identified sooner, rather than after many people have had their dreams shattered. Customers who receive support from a manufacturer will be repeat customers regardless of the inadequacies of a 'point of sale'. In politics I know it is accepted that 'any publicity is good publicity' but in the real commercial world we all know that is not the case. Just ask Gerald Ratner.
These are just my opinions based on 40 years commercial experience, but I accept others may disagree.