Gold Seal
GOLD SEAL STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Built on Proven Standards
The Gold Seal program sets the standards for the best in class services provided by Automotive Recyclers Association members. To achieve the Gold Seal members must first become a Certified Auto Recycler adhering to the environmental and safety regulatory compliance requirements of a CAR member. The Gold Seal program addresses quality assurance protocols.
The Gold Seal Standards have stood the test of time for high customer service and part quality with added enhancements for contemporary issues such as recalls and electronic recordkeeping. The basic principle is a set of criteria by which to measure good ROE parts being delivered to happy customers.
The resources available below are meant to assist auto recyclers on the path to gold level services!
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
GOLD SEAL CHECKLIST
This outlines the standards that ensure ROE parts are properly inspected, accurately documented, and delivered with no surprises. It covers everything from part cleanliness and traceability to warranties, delivery procedures, and customer satisfaction practices. Use this checklist to confirm your operation meets the Gold Seal standard.
WRITTEN RETURN & WARRANTY POLICY
This sample Written Return and Warranty Policy provides Gold Seal aligned language facilities can use to meet certification requirements. It outlines minimum return periods, warranty coverage, and clear procedures for exchanges, refunds, and defective parts. Facilities may customize the policy to exceed Gold Seal standards while maintaining transparency and customer trust.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY PROCESS
The Gold Seal Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) process provides a structured way to measure customer satisfaction and service performance. Facilities gather feedback on part quality, delivery, and overall experience through standardized surveys or approved alternatives. Results are used to identify improvement opportunities and reinforce Gold Seal standards of excellence.
GOLD SEAL SERVICE MANUAL
The Gold Seal Service Manual outlines the core standards facilities must follow to deliver clean, accurate, and traceable ROE parts. It covers key requirements for part inspection, recordkeeping, recall handling, delivery procedures, warranties, and customer satisfaction. This manual serves as a practical guide for maintaining Gold Seal standards and ensuring consistent, high-quality service.
Gold Seal STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Gold Seal facilities have clean parts
ROE Parts should be cleaned, if necessary, before being delivered, shipped, or brought to the customer at the counter to ensure “no surprises upon deliver”. Gold Seal facilities require designated personnel to perform quality and cleanliness checks using inspection and testing procedures that lay out an inspection process for parts as the part flows through facility following the dismantling process to verify and update their condition in the Inventory Management System.
Gold Seal facilities have trackable recordkeeping
All vehicles are assigned a unique stock number for the vehicle and ROE parts. The Inventory Management System maintains data that includes VIN, source, odometer, critical dates (purchased, dismantled, scrapped) for all unique vehicle records that provides traceability from the source to the scrap or sales destination. The source VIN should be listed on invoices too, including brokered parts. ROE Parts must be accurately described using the ARA Parts Standards and Codes.
Gold Seal facilities address safety recall parts
The written RECALL policy should require that recalled Parts may not be sold, other than to factory authorized collectors, or for litigation purposes. The policy must address how to handle recall notifications from manufacturers, how to notify any buyers of Parts, and when to destroy or return in stock inventory. Finally, the facility should maintain a written record of all handled recalls and actions taken.
Gold Seal facilities deliver quality ROE parts
Does your business implement and manage delivery process procedures and standards to ensure on-time delivery without any surprises? Do you report delivery delays to the customer? Do your price quotes include delivery costs? Couple those good process management techniques with a procedure to ensure the accurate loading of parts into company delivery vehicles and contracted carriers and your customers will be happy with their quality ROE parts.
Gold Seal facilities stand behind their parts
Return Policies and Warranty Statements should be in writing and available at the time of purchase either in store or via eCommerce with reference on the invoice. Return Policy should include a minimum of 30 days for at least store credit or exchange. For ROE sheet metal parts customers should be offered a limited warranty against rust and corrosion for a one-year period from the date of purchase. For ROE mechanical parts the warranty should include a minimum 90-day warranty on parts.
Measure for continuous improvement
The final Gold Seal standards focus on evaluating whether you met the mark of providing good customer service through a customer satisfaction index (CSI) process. Since the inception of the Gold Seal program Customer Research, Inc., a service provider, has been available to conduct business-to-business telephone surveys of your customers.