The Buy with Confidence Scheme
Sweepover has been a member of the scheme from its conception in Cambridgeshire. It started in response to concerns about ‘rogue traders’ which are often highlighted in the media. It is a partnership of Local Authority Trading Standards Services. They took the ground-breaking step of putting together the Buy With Confidence Scheme. The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly. Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.
Buy With Confidence is the largest scheme of its kind nationally and continues to expand its geographical coverage. A number of Trading Standards Services have joined recently and you can check whether your local area is participating by checking our list of participating local authorities. Here is a link to my entry – Sweepover Chimney Sweep.
Buy With Confidence is run through the cooperation of a number of Trading Standards Services. We consider that Trading Standards has the right expertise and motivation to offer a scheme which offers genuine benefits to consumers and businesses. The Buy With Confidence scheme is administered by local authority Trading Standards Services directly, and is not outsourced.
Background Checks
In order to become a Buy With Confidence member, a business must first apply or be recommended to join the scheme. They must then pass a set of tailored background checks. Membership of the scheme is not given lightly. Each applicant will have their complaints history reviewed and will receive a visit from Trading Standards. Good references are required from previous customers and applicants must agree to abide by the scheme’s code of conduct, which requires them to follow the letter and spirit of the law. Criminal records basic disclosure may also be required in some circumstances.
Only if all the scheme requirements are met, will a business be granted membership. Their conduct will continue to be monitored thereafter. We cannot promise that Buy With Confidence members’ work will be perfect every time. However, you can expect any problems to be dealt with fairly by the business. Additionally you can turn to Trading Standards for advice in the event of an unresolved issue.
All prospective members are thoroughly vetted by Trading Standards staff before being invited to join the scheme. The performance of members of the scheme is continuously monitored via the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Service. Customer feedback submitted directly to us. In the unlikely event that concerns are raised about a member we take appropriate action and if necessary will remove them from the scheme.
Please take a few moments to see my latest customer feedback from the above scheme. My feed back reports go direct to Cambridgeshire Trading Standards, not me, and i have no influence over the results.
