CHOICE Recommended

Our new CHOICE Recommended logo makes shopping easier.

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01 .Making shopping easier

CHOICE has launched an endorsement scheme that will allow manufacturers to use the 'CHOICE Recommended' logo on a range of products, in turn helping consumers to choose the best models on the market. Subject to licence conditions and CHOICE Recommended Logo Regulations, the logo can be used by companies with a product that has met CHOICE's strict testing standards for performance and excellence.

How does the program operate?

CHOICE has always been in the business of testing products. Our aim is to help consumers buy the best through our reports and What to Buy lists.
Manufacturers and businesses can now apply for a non-exclusive licence to use a ‘CHOICE Recommended’ logo if their model appears in a CHOICE What to Buy list in CHOICE magazine or online.
Licences are valid for 6 or 12 months depending on the cycle of CHOICE testing.
The logo can be used for marketing only the models that are recommended by CHOICE.
There is a tiered licence fee structure based on the length of the licence and the number of a manufacturers’ models recommended
Fees are used for administration and investment into further CHOICE testing and research.
The logo carries the date of the CHOICE recommendation (month/year).

Models eligible to apply for CHOICE Recommended status

Any model recommended in the CHOICE What to Buy list for products that have been through our rigorous, defensible schedule of testing based on Australian or International Standards or developed by CHOICE experts, is eligible to apply for a licence.

Funding

CHOICE always has and always will, buy products for testing anonymously. The CHOICE Recommended scheme is a by-product of our testing and does not determine what products we test. Funds from licence fees cover administration, policing of abuse and staffing. Any surplus funds are re-invested into the CHOICE testing program. The fee structure* ^ is as follows:

6 month licence * ^

First product

$8,000

Small manufacturers may apply for a fee reduction

2nd – 5th products

$6,000

6th or more products

$4,000

12 month licence* ^

First product

$12,000

Small manufacturers may apply for a fee reduction

2nd – 5th products

$9,000

6th or more products

$6,000

*Small manufacturers may apply for a fee reduction. See Equitable participation for more.

^ BROADCAST LICENCE - Price on Application

To apply

For further information contact lmagee@choice.com.au or phone (02) 9577 3378.

02.Guidelines

1. Transparency

Selection criteria for each CHOICE Recommended model differ from product to product and are based on CHOICE’s testing methodology. CHOICE publishes the performance results in relevant test reports on its website and in magazine articles. A number of products may be recommended in any one test if they meet the appropriate performance criteria. CHOICE selects products and services for testing based on market research, popularity and price points. We buy all the products we test and don’t accept samples from manufacturers. To carry the CHOICE Recommended logo the manufacturer or business must apply and pay for a licence within one month of the relevant publication.
See which models

carry the CHOICE Recommended logo.

2. Consumer friendliness

The CHOICE Recommended program will be accessible to consumers through the appearance of the 'CHOICE Recommended' logo at point-of-sale, in marketing promotions and broadcast. Consumers can report infringements or ask questions about the scheme by phoning 1800 069 552 or emailing ausconsumer@choice.com.au

3. Conflict of interests

CHOICE has mechanisms in place to deal with conflict of interests – staff declaration of company interests or shareholdings and rigorous comparative testing methods either developed internally or based on Australian or International Standards. Test methods are based on identifying the best performing products and are not influenced by manufacturers in any way. Licence payments are a one-off fee – we don’t receive additional payments per item sold by the manufacturer as a result of a CHOICE recommendation.

CHOICE reserves the right to refuse a licence application.

4. Stakeholder engagement

In setting up the scheme CHOICE consulted manufacturers and conducted consumer research with members and non-members of CHOICE. We welcome feedback about the program from manufacturers, retailers and consumers at any time and we will consider all responses. Phone 1800 069 552 or email ausconsumer@choice.com.au The CHOICE Recommended scheme is regularly reviewed by the CHOICE Board of Directors

A review of the scheme will be announced annually on our website seeking public comment.

5. Equitable participation

CHOICE has built flexibility into the scheme to ensure that small manufacturers and businesses are not excluded. We can offer licence fee discounts based on company size, market share and price point for the product.

6. Verification

CHOICE’s product testing is based on rigorous methodology and expertise. Where appropriate it follows Australian or International Standards, and key areas of CHOICE testing are NATA accredited

Reports are subject to factual verification by CHOICE experts.

Further information :
• CHOICE Recommended models
• Use Regulations
• Deed of Licence
• Application form

03.Models with the logo

Models licensed to carry the 'CHOICE Recommended' logo:

Valid until June 2013

• Sebo Airbelt K3 Premium vacuum cleaner
One of 13 vacuum cleaners recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Omo Ultimate Front Loader laundry powder
One of 16 laundry detergents recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Omo Small & Mighty Front Loader laundry powder
One of 16 laundry detergents recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Omo Small & Mighty Alpine Fresh Front Loader laundry powder
One of 16 laundry detergents recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Omo Ultimate Top Loader laundry powder
One of 16 laundry detergents recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• GT Radial Champiro 228 tyre
One of six tyres recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Haier HWMP55-918 washing machine
One of 11 washing machines recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Springfree trampoline
Only trampoline recommended. See the full report to find out why.

Valid until September 2013

• Hunter Pacific Revolution Ceiling fan
One of 11 ceiling fans recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Colgate-Palmolive Cold Power Maximum Front Loader laundry detergent
One of six front loader laundry detergents recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Colgate-Palmolive Cold Power Maximum Top Loader laundry detergent
One of two top loader laundry detergents recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Colgate-Palmolive Cold Regular Front Loader laundry detergent
One of six front loader laundry detergents recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Breville The Kitchen Whizz BFP400 food processor
One of nine food processors recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Haier 6.5kg HWMP65-918 Top Loader washing machine
One of eight top loader washing machines recommended. For full results see CHOICE Magazine Feb 2013.

Valid until November 2013

• Euroflex Monster steam mop
One of 13 steam mops recommended. See the full report to find out why.

Valid until December 2013

• Goodyear Efficientgrip SUV tyre Size 225/60R17
One of four small SUV tyres recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• Pirelli Cinturato P7 Ecoimpact tyre Size 225/60R17
One of four small SUV tyres recommended. See the full report to find out why.

Valid until March 2014

• Caffitaly S14 Capsule coffee machine
One of 12 coffee machines recommended. See the full report to find out why.

• ALDI Trimat front loader laundry detergent
One of six front loader laundry detergents recommended.

Valid until April 2014

• Thermomix all-in-one kitchen applicance
Only all-in-one kitchen appliance recommended. See the full report to find out why.

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