The CertiPUR-US foam certification program, which is administered by the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam Inc., now offers a free, 20-minute online training course (available at CertiPUR.us/CertificateCourse) for retail sales associates.
The course explains the program’s rigorous certification guidelines for flexible polyurethane foam used in bedding products and upholstered furniture.
Those who successfully complete the training will be better able to credibly and confidently answer consumer questions about certified foam and will earn a certificate of completion, a news release said.
According to Mike Crowell, CertiPUR-US program executive director, “The need to educate retail sales and customer service staff became apparent after CertiPUR-US mystery shoppers observed many giving customers misleading and inaccurate information. This short course, which can be taken from any computer or mobile phone, gives those in the industry knowledge that will enhance their credibility and sales potential. We absolutely want them to succeed.”
“With about 500 companies and brands now offering certified foam in products, it is critical that (industry members) are able to address consumers’ questions and provide accurate details about the CertiPUR-US program,” he said.
The course also is appropriate for marketing teams, copywriters and those responsible for signage, packaging, web content, press releases and other marketing materials. It aims to correct these common missteps uncovered in the aforementioned field research: “CertiPUR-US” often is misspelled; entire finished products—instead of just the foams, within—are identified as “certified”; inaccurate claims are made using terms like “nontoxic,” “chemical-free,” “safe” or “flame-retardant free”; and the program logo or name is used without permission.
The CertiPUR-US program is limited to certification of flexible polyurethane foam used in bedding products and upholstered furniture.
