Which? Trusted Trader
We our proud members of the Which? Trusted Trader scheme.
Which? is an non profit organisation and that gives me the confidence that they are running a scheme in the interest of consumers and not profits.
The process of registration was reassuring as it was rigorous, with back ground checks, random client references, and a visit from an ex trading standards inspector. I was impressed by the process and feel positive it actually means something to be an approved Which? Trusted Trader.
Unlike other schemes I have enquired about it's not just simply that we are insured and have handed over a large amount of money. We have over the last few years been contacted by many costly schemes which I view as form of marketing and not much else. The Which? Trusted Trader scheme is definitely different.
What Which? had to say about their scheme;
Just three in ten Londoners trust traders
Consumer champion Which? is bidding to banish bodge jobs by launching an endorsement scheme to help restore public confidence in traders after its research revealed that just three in ten (28%) expect them to act in their best interests.
Which? was prompted to act after its monthly consumer surveys found that while consumers in the capital are happy with the choice of trade services available, they were lacking in confidence when selecting one and even less sure about avoiding being ripped off.
Which? Trusted Traders will help individuals make an informed choice to find the best traders in their local area and will allow the firms themselves to differentiate themselves from the competition and attract more business.
The launch of the scheme also coincides with the Trading Standards Institute’s National Consumer Week (November 4-10) which is focussing on buying used cars. Which? Trusted Traders will initially focus on car repair and home improvement traders in London and the Home Counties.
Consumers can visit www.whichtraders.co.uk to find a trader in their area, searchable by postcode and area of expertise. The Which? Trusted Traders website will provide a full list of traders in any given area, with approved traders highlighted with the Which? Trusted Trader logo.
In order to become a Which? Trusted trader, firms have to pass a rigorous and independent assessment process that includes a face-to-face evaluation by a professional assessor, a company credit check and vetting of customer references.
Endorsed firms are then able to use the Which? Trusted Traders logo on their vehicles, letterheads and business cards and have the opportunity to feature in a printed directory that will be distributed to thousands of households in London.
Which? Trusted Traders is also partnering with Ombudsman Services for the initiative so that consumers and traders are able to settle any significant disputes that may arise.
Barney McCarthy, Which? Trusted Traders spokesperson, said:
“We all sometimes need the services of a trader, be it a plumber, a builder or a mechanic. It can be an expensive process – and an emotive one in the case of car crash repairs or damage to a property – so the last thing consumers want to feel is that they are being ripped off by traders not acting in their best interests.
“We are launching Which? Trusted Traders to give consumers the confidence to make the right choices when it comes to finding skilled professionals and to give traders the chance to distinguish themselves from their peers. This scheme will provide a useful, free resource to the capital’s consumers and will help banish the bodge jobs.”