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When a trading scheme offers trading standard approval, it means the scheme is either:
- Being run directly by one or more trading standards services, or
- Working closely with one or more trading standard teams to make sure that the schemes follow criteria and meet minimum standards set by Trading Standards
Trading Standards Approved Trader will have a continue involvement in the operation of the scheme to input into the vetting process and make sure it remains robust with members operating in honest, legal, and best way. Depending on the specific arrangements, Trading Standards may/may not make the decisions connecting to membership status and the operation of these schemes.
What is UKTSA local Trading Standard Approved scheme?
This Trading Standards Approved Trader scheme is run as a partnership between United Knowledge Ltd and Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards. The site may also list other trading standard approved schemes who meet the lowest criteria.
As a real partnership, rather than outsourcing, we are capable to combine the techie expertise of United Knowledge Ltd with our experience and knowledge of consumer protection to permit you to search of businesses you can believe.
UKtsa.com is a thrilling venture and we want the facilities accessible to you through this platform to grow and develop over time.
How Trading Standards Scheme works
Customers value the assurance provided by Trading Standards Approved, and, to become Local Trusted Traders with any scheme and show its Trading Standards Approved market, you must follow that scheme membership criteria and pass it. Each membership is subject to yearly renewal.
To find out more information and join Local Trading Standards Approved scheme, take look at site uktsa.com
What are the limitations of the schemes?
If you are looking for a verified trader, do check the match scheme site for the business current membership status and other customer’s feedback. We have the direct control of individual business memberships for the uktsa.com Trading Standards Scheme. The approval of a business does not mean that Trading Standards and/or Surrey Country Councils or Buckinghamshire.’
- Can promise the financial stability of the business
- Can give any warranty or guarantee as to the value for money of goods, works, or services matched with a competitor, nor that they will fit or satisfactory for the objective
- Has individually checked the standard of any goods, works, or services provided
Consumers must therefore trust on their own assessment of suitability or any specific offer or promise made by that scheme operator when picking a service or supplier provider.
Advantages for traders
- Use the trading standard approved mark to present your business is Trading Standards Approved
- Directory listing on uktsa.com
- Great value for money
- Reassurance your customers that you are committed to best customer service
- Independent approval from your Local Trading Standards
- Access to suggestion from Trading Standards
Each of the other schemes is fully different in its offers to businesses and may provide a different range of services with membership fee. It is worth matching these to make sure they match your business aims. They will all give the advantage of the sought after “Trading Standards Approved” status which offers consumers the reassurance they need when looking for local tradespeople.
How to choose a reputable trader
Sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn to pick a relatable trader. Your primary area of call should be the UKTSA Trading Standards approved trader scheme. The following points will also help you to pick wisely and decrease the chance of issues.
Choosing a trader
- Ask family and friends to advice traders where possible
- Get at least 3 different quotes before having work carried out.
- Check that all quotes are offered in writing.
- Check that the quote contains an inclusive price and details all work that you have requested.
- Check whether you are offered a quote or a guess. A quote is fixed price for the work and should not replace, whereas an estimate can change by a reasonable amount.
- Check that quotes contain a timescale for the work to be started and done.
- Check that you have ample contact detailed for the trader including a landline phone number and address.
- Check that you are requested to pay for the work in advance. You should forever aim to keep back at least some cash until the work is done.
Questions to ask traders
- How long have you business in business?
- Are you member of a trade association?
- Do you have insurance to cover issue to property? Check that this will cover your neighbor’s asset as well as your own, where suitable.
- Is the work promised? If a guaranteed is offered check whether this is insurance backed, since this will mean you will be saved even if the trader goes out of business.
Points to remember when using a trader
- Check that you are happy with the work standard before paying the bill. If you are not, refuse to pay until the issues are rectified.
- Pay by credit card where easy, as you will generally get extra protection. Otherwise, try to pay by cheque rather than cash.
- Never promise to go with a trader to the bank or building society in order to withdraw cash.
