In response to concerns about ‘rogue traders’ and in order to provide support for consumers and good businesses, Plymouth City Council Trading Standards started running Buy with Confidence (BWC) in the City in 2010. The national scheme is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this year. The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly. Good businesses benefit from being able to state ‘Trading Standards Approved’. Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.
Buy With Confidence is the largest scheme of its kind nationally and is run through the cooperation of a number of Trading Standards Services. The BWC scheme is administered by local authority Trading Standards Services directly, and is not outsourced.
In order to become a Buy With Confidence member, a business must first apply or be recommended to join the scheme and must then pass a set of tailored background checks.
Membership of the scheme is not given lightly. An applicant will have their complaints history reviewed and will receive an audit visit from Trading Standards to check compliance with consumer legislation. 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.
Only if all the scheme requirements are met will a business be granted membership, and Trading Standards will continue to monitor their behaviour thereafter. Consumers should expect any problems to be dealt with fairly by the business, and consumers and member businesses can turn to Trading Standards for free advice in the event of an unresolved issue.
For a list of benefits for your business and to make an application go to: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
If you are interested in joining and wish to speak to someone in Plymouth City Council about the possible benefits you can telephone 01752 304147 or e-mail trading.standards@plymouth.gov.uk