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Purplebricks reported to ASA over viewings wording

John Fitzsimons
Written By:
John Fitzsimons
Posted:
Updated:
06/09/2017

Complaints about claims made on Purplebricks’ website have been ‘informally resolved’ by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Two complaints were made about the wording around viewings on the online estate agent’s website, which said: ‘Viewings – we take care of them all’. However, as viewings are not actually included in the firm’s fixed fee, questions were raised over whether this was a misleading statement.

When this issue was raised with Purplebricks by the ASA, the firm agreed to amend the wording, with the matter now being classed as having been resolved.

It’s not the first time that Purplebricks has come to the attention of the advertising authorities. For example, in July complaints were upheld against the firm over exaggerated claims about how much customers could potentially save with Purplebricks compared to the cost of using a high street agent.

In September 2016 Purplebricks was also slapped on the wrist by the ASA, again over claims related to potential savings when selling a home online rather than through a high street agent.

A succession of other online agents have been forced to amend their advertising by the ASA of late, prompting consumer champion Which? to warn buyers to be on their guard against exaggerated claims from these firms.

It’s been a difficult time for Purplebricks, with its CEO savaged on the BBC’s Watchdog programme last month over its patchy service standards.