Armstrong’s Certified Installer Program a Benefit

Lancaster, PA, August 10--Over 5,000 installers to date have gained the benefits of Armstrong’s Certified Installer Program (A.C.I.P). Participants are tested in proper installation materials and techniques. Installers who score 80 or more points in each hands-on and written section of the test are awarded Armstrong certification. Successful participants receive backing from Armstrong as well as the potential of increased store traffic and consumer satisfaction. In an industry crowded with flooring options but lacking in trained installers, an easy-to-spot check-mark A.C.I.P. logo decal, preferential customer service and Armstrong.com referrals all make it easy for consumers to find a retailer that will get the job done right the first time. The competitive advantage of core competency also has resulted in virtually no service call back claims in five years, and the program continues to grow. To help ensure consumer confidence, installers certified by Armstrong now receive up to $1,000 in material cost for Armstrong branded residential sheet flooring, laminates and installation products, and $2,500 in material cost for Armstrong branded hardwood, linoleum and commercial sheet flooring and installation products to correct workmanship error. This benefit does not cover errors in sub floor preparation problems due to moisture and alkali, and, the Armstrong certified installer is required to provide the labor to replace the flooring. In addition, Armstrong will pay its certified installers $125 not to install obviously defective material, either by manipulating the sheet to cut defects out or by stopping the job to get additional materials. "Though certification is not new, we’re providing additional incentives for the Armstrong certified installer, something that other certification programs are unable to do," says Scott F. Wise, manager, Installation & Technical Services, Armstrong Floor Products. "Being supported by this kind of program means that both our retailers and installers can benefit from having the utmost confidence and professionalism in selling and installing our product. This, of course, has a very positive effect on the consumer’s experience as well," says Wise. In order to enter the Armstrong Certified Installer Program, an installer must be sponsored by an independent flooring retailer or by a member of the Armstrong Installation Training Network (A.I.T.N.). The Armstrong program, available at Armstrong in Lancaster, PA and at 19 locations throughout North America, tests installers in the traditional methods of layout and fitting, seam cutting procedures board replacement for wood & laminate and in proper installation systems required. After passing the hands-on and written testing Armstrong then adds the installer to the Armstrong Certified Installer program. For more information on the A.C.I.P., contact your local Armstrong distributor or call 1-877-ARMSTRONG and follow the prompts for the Armstrong Installation School, and visit www.floorexpert.com for installer-specific product and maintenance information for both commercial and residential flooring.