forms mediation service Hardwood association

rnHE NATIONAL Hardwood

|. Lumber Association is introducing a claims resolution service modeled after the Better Business Bureau's process.

The outcome of disputes over hardwood lumber sales typically dissatisfy both parties; the customer often refuses to pay and both parties vow never again to do business with the other. There was no third party to turn to.

"The Better Business Bureau has never handled a claim on hardwood lumber," explains Ernie Stebbins, executive manager of the association. "They have no expertise to handle claims that do come up. They're not familiar with the vernacular or the grades."

So, after training staff hardwood lumbermen in mediation, NHLA this month will begin offering its members the Hardwood Lumber Claims Resolution Service.

"Primarily I expect we'll be settling disputes involving the grade of the lumber, but also providing help on claims against terms, non-delivery, customers who refuse to unload and inspect lumber, the color of the lumber, percentage of heartwood vs. sapwood, and so on," Stebbins predicts.