Buy With Confidence

Buy with Confidence is a nationally recognised Trading Standards trader approval scheme. It was originally set up approximately 20 years ago by a partnership of Local Authority Trading Standards Services in response to concerns about ‘rogue traders’ and a general wish to raise the standards across certain trade sectors.

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.

Benefits of the scheme

• reassurance to potential customers that you’re trustworthy & provide good customer service
• directory listing on Buy with Confidence website used by the public to find dependable businesses
• a Trading Standards check-up before admission to ensure you’re legally compliant
• use of the Buy with Confidence logo and ‘Trading Standards Approved’
• will set yourself apart from competitors – only those good enough to pass our vetting get onto the scheme
• access to advice direct from local authority employed Trading Standards professionals & information about changes to the law that could affect your business
• not for profit – run by local authorities, so all fees go back into the running & promotion of the scheme
• it helps protect your community from rogue traders and illegitimate businesses

How to join

A business must first apply to join the scheme and 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.)

Fees

There is a one-off application fee (£100) and an annual membership fee which depends on the size of the business. The current fees are listed on the Buy with confidence website, please note that the Carmarthenshire Buy With Confidence scheme are offering a 50% discount of the membership fee.

If you are confident in your business and want to apply please visit the Buy With Confidence website or contact Viv Jones on 01554 742306 for a paper application form.

Visit Buy with Confidence website