Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about the quality seal and certificates from the USIQ United States Institute for Quality.

USIQ Austin

A quality seal/label or seal of approval makes statements about the quality or grade of a product or service by means of written and/or graphic labeling. It belongs to the group of product markings and labels, and the word “quality seal” is synonymous with the phrase “seal of approval.”

The quality seal is usually clearly visible and confirms its quality through independent verification. Experienced institutions such as the USIQ are used for the inspection and award a seal of quality to manufacturers and service providers if the relevant provisions have been complied with and fulfilled in an initial inspection.

A seal of quality draws attention to particularly positive characteristics or advantages. Learn more about how it works: https://www.usiq.org/what-are-seals-of-approval-and-how-do-they-work/

Different studies have shown that certifications and quality seals positively influence consumer trust and purchasing decisions. For instance, research is published in journals like the Journal of Consumer Research or the Journal of Marketing Research. For more information, take a look at https://academic.oup.com or here https://www.usiq.org/what-is-a-quality-seal-why-do-you-need-one/

The best employees apply to the best employers. Go and prove that you are one of the best employers. Our quality seal shows potential applicants that you have conducted an independent employee survey according to scientific standards.

Lean more about quality Seals for employers: https://www.usiq.org/what-is-a-quality-seal-why-do-you-need-one/ and how they work: https://www.usiq.org/what-are-seals-of-approval-and-how-do-they-work/

The USIQ employer seal demonstrates that you are recommended as an employer, thus creating trust. Employers receive a comprehensive survey to further improve as employers. Our press release helps you position yourself as a top employer.

A quality seal influences customer behavior and, thus, business success. A quality seal serves as a confirmation of quality and reliability. From the customer’s point of view, this confirmation (i.e., the quality seal) can reduce the perceived risk of a possible wrong decision. A quality seal can simplify the decision-making process and reduce the rate at which transactions are aborted. You can also set yourself apart from competitors with a quality seal. Studies have shown that customers are willing to pay a higher price for a product with a quality seal, which can have a significant impact on your EBITDA. Quality seals can enhance overall trust.

A study provided empirical evidence for the effect of trust marks on the conversion rate. Based on session data from a website, the presence of a quality seal increases the conversion rate at an aggregated level from 2.90% to 5.33%.

This corresponded to an increase of 83.79%. The authors say, We conclude that the risk perceived by consumers while shopping online is partially mitigated when a trusted third party provides an assurance seal that endorses the quality claims of the online retailer. The seal acts as an additional signal of the online retailer’s quality, reducing the amount of information asymmetry perceived by consumers and thereby facilitating their purchasing decisions (Koray Özpolat, Guodong (Gordon) Gao, Wolfgang Jank, Siva Viswanathan (2013) Research Note—The Value of Third-Party Assurance Seals in Online Retailing: An Empirical Investigation. Information Systems Research 24(4):1100-1111. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2013.0489).

Lean more about quality Seals: https://www.usiq.org/what-is-a-quality-seal-why-do-you-need-one/ and how they work: https://www.usiq.org/what-are-seals-of-approval-and-how-do-they-work/

The first step is to conduct a survey of the relevant target group. For a seal in the service sector (like Top Service), this would be your customers, and for a seal for employers (like Top Employer), it would be your employees. This is followed by a short online interview with the management. We then evaluate the data and create an analysis. If successful, you will then receive your award. The entire process is very quick and easy to implement with very little time expenditure.

The costs depend on the packages booked and start at $2990. This is a one-time payment for 24 months. Here you will find an up-to-date overview (Pricing) of all prices.

After placing your order, you will receive the appropriate survey links within 24 hours. Then the survey can begin. The survey should be active for at least 3 to 7 days. We will then create the evaluation within 72 hours. The entire process therefore usually takes about 10 days. However, your personal time investment is very low and usually takes less than an hour.

Our process is very quick and easy to implement. You will receive a survey link that can be used to invite the relevant people to take part in the survey. The time required for the entire implementation process is usually about an hour. We would be happy to arrange a meeting to explain all the details.

We would be very happy to provide you with information about our quality seals in a free consultation. Please send us your contact details here. We look forward to receiving your enquiry.

You are very welcome to order a certification with a quality seal online. Simply follow this link and start the order of the desired quality seal.

You can easily pay for certification with the Quality Seal by credit card.

No, there is no guarantee of receiving a seal of quality. The result depends on the survey. If the survey does not lead to an award, you will receive a 100% refund. If you are not successful, you will receive a free evaluation with tips for improving the result. We want you to be satisfied as a customer.

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