Buy with Confidence

About the scheme

The Buy With Confidence scheme is a Council initiative in association with the London Trading Standards Authorities (LoTSA) that provides consumer protection by recognising and identifying businesses that provide high standards of customer service.

Below you will find information on how the scheme works for consumers, and how businesses can be a part of it.

How does the scheme work for consumers?

Buy With Confidence helps consumers find businesses that have agreed to provide high standards of customer service.

Consumers can identify these businesses by using the Buy With Confidence website. The site directs visitors to their nearest Trading Standards approved trader.

How does the scheme work for businesses?

Buinesses who wish to take part in the scheme must complete an application form (Word Document, 185KB) and send a cheque for £100 to the council (see below section, 'How businesses can apply', for more details).

Approved traders are appraised before they join and agree to:

comply with relevant consumer protection legislation
ensure their staff are properly trained for their work
respond promptly and correctly to customer complaints
obtain a Criminal Records Bureau clearance for all staff who carry out work in residents' homes
comply with the Terms of Membership (Word Document, 202KB) of the scheme.

The Council will provide guidance to businesses on how to change their business terms and practices to comply with consumer protection legislation and best practice. If we are not satisfied that a business is complying then it will be removed from the scheme.

Before a business can become a member of the scheme, the Council will obtain several customer references and appraise the traders. The appraisal involves a thorough review of:

the trader's terms and conditions
the trader's knowledge of consumer protection law
the trader's professional memberships
the trader's customer complaints procedures.

In addition, Trading Standards will provide a mediation service if there is a customer dispute that cannot be resolved.

How businesses can apply

To apply for the scheme, please

complete our application form (Word Document, 185KB)
return the application form, with a cheque for £100 to The Buy with Confidence Team, Environment Services Division, Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street, E8 1DY.

Please note that:

the £100 fee is non-refundable as it is used to cover administration costs.
continuing membership of the scheme is subject to an annual £100 membership renewal fee payable after the first year.

Terms of Membership for businesses

Businesses wishing to take part in the Buy With Confidence scheme must agree to read and abide with the Terms of Membership (Word Cocument, 202KB).

More information

For more information on the scheme, please read the Buy With Confidence frequently asked questions.

Please note that that:

the Council cannot vouch for the financial stability of any business or their health and safety procedures
all information provided is to assist consumers in exercising their best judgement when selecting a home improvements trader
all information is provided in good faith.

Page updated: 26 Oct 2010