Register your business - for free!
Scheme benefits
The Trading Standards-backed scheme helps local people find reputable traders - and supports local businesses.
Become a member and:
- enhance your reputation;
- stand out from the crowd;
- gain a competitive edge;
- gain independent recognition of your business;
- receive free advice on Trading Standards law.
- earn a place at the annual Good Trader Awards;
- improve consumer confidence in building and associated trades;
- help combat doorstep crime by marginalising rogue traders.
The application process is straight-forward and membership is free. All you need to do is tick the right boxes when it comes to consumer protection and other relevant legislation, and make a commitment to dealing fairly and honestly with customers.
Your details will be held on our online database meaning your contact details will be just a click or a call away for potential customers. Local customers can search for businesses by trade sector and/or geographical area – or alternatively phone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
Stars in their eyes
Although the scheme is administrated by Trading Standards, it’s customer satisfaction that counts.
Members are expected to encourage customers to provide feedback on performance and satisfaction direct to Trading Standards. Businesses will then be awarded an online star rating
of up to five gold stars – and the more satisfied customers you have the better your rating.
And although the council does not ‘approve’ the businesses listed nor guarantee their work, Trading Standards will investigate poor ratings to ensure that feedback is genuine and take action where necessary.
Members can themselves contact Trading Standards in the event of a customer dispute. Traders also have the option of withdrawing from the scheme at any time by giving 28 working
days written notice.
How do we make sure that the feedback is genuine?
From time to time checks will be carried out to make sure customer feedback is genuine. Feedback is refused if customers refuse to give us their contact details.
What if the feedback is poor?
If you are given an overall satisfaction rating of 2 stars or less we will contact the consumer to check that the feedback is genuine.
If it is genuine, we will intervene if the customer wants us to and establish with you if the matter can be resolved. If it can be, the customer will be given the opportunity to amend their rating.
Useful Websites
