As companies navigate through the challenges of promoting and selling products during the pandemic, one aspect of customer relationship management is avoiding product liability. These issues can be one of the most persistent sources of problems for businesses as there are many institutions designed to help customers during product liability cases. This is why it is important to be aware of product liability and how to avoid making this problem a constant recurrence at your business. Here are several ways to prevent product liability from hampering your business and relationship with customers.
Conduct Comprehensive Product Testing
Having the proper and consistent product testing procedures in place can eliminate a lot of variables that can lead to defects or injuries to customers. Without this process, you are leaving your products with the risk that a defect or problem can lead to injury for customers. As you perform safety tests, be sure to add the necessary documents and reports that state your company has conducted these procedures. Having written documentation showing that your team has performed the appropriate tests can further help you avoid potential liability cases down the line.
Add Warning Labels on Risky Goods
If certain products carry a level of risk, then have the appropriate written warning labels attached to it. If customers do not see these labels, then they may utilize the product unknowingly in a way that can lead to harm. If these incidents occur, then your company can be held at fault if there are no labels on the product present. There are legal cases in which companies have forfeited millions due to not having warning labels on products that have caused accidents.
Evaluate Your Suppliers
For any retailer or business that develops products, look at where your parts are coming from. It is important to be familiar with where your product materials are sourced from. In addition, you can set up your contracts to place suppliers at high responsibility for any problematic or defective product parts that may be present.
Consider Adding Product Liability Insurance
Not many manufacturers or businesses add the option of product liability insurance to their development process, but it can be valuable in times where a product defect is discovered. If there is a case where a customer can potentially be injured by a product, then it may be essential to have liability insurance set up for it. This covers the compensation that is awarded to customers following an injury resulting from product use.
The policy coverage that you have on your products will depend on the amount of risk it may carry to future customers. It is important to determine the right level of policy coverage your products need to minimize potential liability issues. As you work with your team to distribute and promote your products to customers, consider incorporating these considerations into your plans to protect against liability. By safeguarding your products, you are also naturally investing more attention into making your products safer for customers.