Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the introduction of an innovative "funds custody" model in the home decoration industry, aimed at enhancing consumer rights protection and building a trustworthy consumption environment, in response to government policies promoting high-quality service consumption [1][3]. Group 1: Background and Purpose - The academic seminar on "Home Decoration Funds Custody and Consumer Rights Protection" was held to explore the legal basis, practical paths, and industry value of the funds custody model [1]. - The seminar aimed to gather insights from academia and industry to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for creating a trustworthy home decoration consumption environment [1]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The traditional "pay first, inspect later" model in home decoration creates conflicts between consumers' payment obligations and their rights to inspect, leading to issues such as fund loss, unfinished projects, and high costs of rights protection [3][5]. - Consumers face significant risks under the current model, which suppresses their willingness to spend on home decoration [3]. Group 3: Innovative Solutions - Leading company Beike has introduced a "pay after inspection" funds custody model by involving commercial banks as independent custodians, addressing the core contradictions in the industry [3][4]. - The funds custody model allows consumers to deposit their renovation funds into a jointly managed account with the renovation company and the bank, ensuring that funds are released only after consumers confirm the completion of specific project milestones [4][5]. Group 4: Benefits of the Funds Custody Model - This model fundamentally changes the flow of funds and risk distribution in home decoration transactions, granting consumers substantial inspection rights at critical fulfillment points [5]. - The model generates interest on the unallocated funds during the custody period, benefiting consumers and enhancing their control over the payment process [5]. - The funds custody mechanism is seen as a comprehensive credit solution that improves consumer rights protection and fosters trust in the industry [7][8]. Group 5: Market Impact and Future Prospects - The funds custody mechanism has been implemented in 33 cities across China, providing safety guarantees for approximately 30 billion yuan and receiving positive feedback from over 20,000 households [5][8]. - Experts at the seminar praised the funds custody model as a significant breakthrough in credit construction within the home decoration sector, promoting a shift towards refined, standardized, and credit-based services [7][10]. - The model aligns with national policies aimed at boosting consumption and is expected to evolve into a foundational practice across the industry, enhancing transparency and fairness in consumer transactions [12][13].