Trading Standards

Tozer

I often see on this thread references to "take things up with trading standards".

I've never been very impressed with either the quality of advice or service received from trading standards departments - including in situations where the legal position would have presented an open and shut case for them.

Anyone had any different experiences?

I should add that I am sure they are understaffed and overworked and all the rest of the excuses that they may care to offer...but I'm still not impressed.

Takoda

Have to agree with you Tozer. In my one experience with them I wasn't impressed either.

Takoda

I used to advise people to take their problems to TS but I don't any more.

stugib

Are you distinguishing between Trading Standards and Consumer Direct? CD seems to be manned by people with basic training who have to apply a limited amount of taught examples to a wide variety of real-life scenarios, rather than qualified TSOs.

Halloway

I've used TS twice and found them to be effective on both occasions. I guess standards must vary immensely.

Takoda

stugib wrote: »

Are you distinguishing between Trading Standards and Consumer Direct? CD seems to be manned by people with basic training who have to apply a limited amount of taught examples to a wide variety of real-life scenarios, rather than qualified TSOs.

From reading his posts, I don't think either Tozer or myself are the sort of people who would be confused about which agency we dealt with!

bingo_bango

So what expectation did you and Tozer have then?

TSS do not 'do' consumer complaints per se. They are an enforcement body charged with the enforcement of criminal legislation in the UK.

Consumer Direct (and Consumerline in NI) are there to provide advice to consumers on the relevant civil legislation available to consumers. There is no provision within the criminal legislation for helping consumers, and therefore no role for TSS in getting you your TV fixed.

It's all about understanding what TSS do. Certainly if a criminal investigation has the effect of providing a swift solution for the consumer then that's great, but that is NOT what the role is.

Tozer

bingo_bango wrote: »

So what expectation did you and Tozer have then?

TSS do not 'do' consumer complaints per se. They are an enforcement body charged with the enforcement of criminal legislation in the UK.

Consumer Direct (and Consumerline in NI) are there to provide advice to consumers on the relevant civil legislation available to consumers. There is no provision within the criminal legislation for helping consumers, and therefore no role for TSS in getting you your TV fixed.

It's all about understanding what TSS do. Certainly if a criminal investigation has the effect of providing a swift solution for the consumer then that's great, but that is NOT what the role is.

No - Trading Standards. I've not actually dealt with Consumer Direct in any real capacity.

In all occasions with Trading Standards, I've found them very easily fobbed off. I appreciate that they are probably under-resourced, but then so are a huge number of other departments.

Examples - counterfeit goods - prefer trademark holder to take action. Deceptive advertising - merely "warn" traders....and do not monitor compliance.

Website terms and conditions / failure to comply with DSR, SOGA, etc. - very little interest. They seem to adopt the position which the Police often raise, with things being "civil matters".

Great when acting for a businesses!

Tozer

Halloway wrote: »

I've used TS twice and found them to be effective on both occasions. I guess standards must vary immensely.

Guess so. Their enforcement officers also seem to have different interests.

stugib

Takoda wrote: »

From reading his posts, I don't think either Tozer or myself are the sort of people who would be confused about which agency we dealt with!

I didn't say he was confused, I was clarifying if he was asking about a particular part, given that most people's experience here will be with Consumer Direct rather than Trading Standards directly.

dmg24

bingo_bango wrote: »

So what expectation did you and Tozer have then?

TSS do not 'do' consumer complaints per se. They are an enforcement body charged with the enforcement of criminal legislation in the UK.

Consumer Direct (and Consumerline in NI) are there to provide advice to consumers on the relevant civil legislation available to consumers. There is no provision within the criminal legislation for helping consumers, and therefore no role for TSS in getting you your TV fixed.

It's all about understanding what TSS do. Certainly if a criminal investigation has the effect of providing a swift solution for the consumer then that's great, but that is NOT what the role is.

Have you ever heard a certain phrase regarding teaching grandmother how to suck eggs?