Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme

SuzieSue

I just wanted to make people aware of this scheme:

https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/


It only covers some areas of the UK as it depends on whether the local Trading Standards department have agreed to take part or not.

However, it does seem to work as we had paid a 25% deposit to some bathroom fitters on the scheme who then asked for another 65% prior to even starting work. Worse still, they hadn't put this on their Ts&Cs so we didn't know we had to pay the 65% before we paid the deposit. We contacted the local Trading Standards and they spoke to them and asked them to return our deposit in full which they are going to do (it only happened today).

Trading Standards then said that they were going to go and see them in the next few days and ensure that they update their Ts&Cs so people know exactly what their payment terms are and to re-audit their business.

Edit: I should have said that we were paying is for a complete service - design, supply of all products and fitting.

jellie

I used an electrician I found using this site. I didn't have any problems, but was asked to complete a feedback card. This was addressed directly back to my local Trading Standards, so it's good to hear they do get involved when there are issues.

EssexExile

Doesn't work around these parts.

SuzieSue

EssexExile wrote: »

Doesn't work around these parts.

Yes, I believe the scheme was started by a Trading Standards office in the South West and then other offices decided to join in. It is a relatively new scheme so hopefully more offices around the country will join soon.

Furts

I know of a company that does double glazing and conservatories and is in one of these schemes. The system is flawed because this company is not a downright rogue enterprise, but their product quality is poor and their ethics are questionable.

The main problem is that they prey on the elderly with excessive prices, then offer discounts for OAPs. This is followed up by soft soap, and flannel, and drinking tea. Ultimately the company become "friends" with their elderly customers. Thus no adverse feedback goes to Trading Standards. It appears that Trading Standards do not ask any searching questions and neither do they check up on anything.

The company that I refer to regard the Trading Standards approval as a marketing tool, which gives them a USP and the ability to charge excessive prices to those who are often naive or vulnerable.

SuzieSue

Furts wrote: »

I know of a company that does double glazing and conservatories and is in one of these schemes. The system is flawed because this company is not a downright rogue enterprise, but their product quality is poor and their ethics are questionable.

The main problem is that they prey on the elderly with excessive prices, then offer discounts for OAPs. This is followed up by soft soap, and flannel, and drinking tea. Ultimately the company become "friends" with their elderly customers. Thus no adverse feedback goes to Trading Standards. It appears that Trading Standards do not ask any searching questions and neither do they check up on anything.

The company that I refer to regard the Trading Standards approval as a marketing tool, which gives them a USP and the ability to charge excessive prices to those who are often naive or vulnerable.

Yes, that is a very good point as all these schemes rely on people complaining and if the elderly people don't know they are being fleeced then the won't complain. When I spoke to TS, they said that we were the first people to complain about this company. But at least TS won't do what Rated People do and ignore complaints.

And yes, TS aren't able to give any guarantee about the quality of the products, but then it would be very difficult for any scheme to do this and the consumer has to take some responsibility themselves.

But, of course, as with everything, some people will always find ways to abuse the system if they can and I agree, that the elderly are particularly vulnerable as they will get a false sense of security.