Equestment office is booming: 2,000 applications in just one year!

Equestment office is booming: 2,000 applications in just one year!

In 2024, the number of arbitration applications in the Austria consumer enamilization reached a new record high with over 2,000 applications. Simon Eder, Managing Director of Consumer Education, was pleased with the increasing acceptance of the offer: "It is gratifying that our offer is better accepted with every new year and that Austrian companies are mostly willing to participate in our voluntary procedures despite the difficult situation of recent years." The reasons for the increase are to be found in the recently frequent disputes about heating costs as well as warranty cases for electrical appliances, furniture and clothing. Especially among consumers, arbitration is increasingly being used, since they can easily be applied for online and do not require legal representation. The procedures usually last less than two months and are free of charge, as Hermann Germ, chairman of consumer enameration, emphasized.

positive feedback and high unification rate

The willingness of the companies to take part in arbitration procedures also remains positive. While over 80% of the companies concerned have entered the procedure, the impartial mediation could be achieved in around four out of five cases. GERM added: "The legal expertise of our arbitrators as well as the possibility of a free expert assessment should not do without consumers or companies." In the event of technical difficulties, experts are available, which significantly increases the chances of success, as the previous experiences show.

consumers can easily submit their applications using an online form and by email or post. For further information and contact, the official website of consumer fastening Austria is available ( Consumers Schlichtung.at ). Since the introduction in 2016, the number of arbitration applications has more than quadrupled, which illustrates the increasing demand for uncomplicated and inexpensive solutions. The arbitration process is therefore an effective instrument for everyone who wants to clarify disputes quickly and effectively before the judicial path is followed.