Good Trader Scheme FAQ
The Good Trader scheme is administrated by Trading Standards, but it’s customer satisfaction that counts! Here's how the scheme works.
How do traders join the scheme?
By application and verification.
To earn their Good Trader Scheme "badge", traders agree to tick the right boxes when it comes to consumer protection and other relevant legislation, and commit themselves to dealing fairly and honestly with their customers.
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How does the scheme work?
The scheme is administrated by Trading Standards, but it’s customer satisfaction that counts!
Customers award scheme members a star rating of up to five gold stars – and the more satisfied the customer, the better the business rating.
Members’ details are held online at www.wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader where you can search for traders and see how other customers have rated them by looking at how many stars they’ve been awarded.
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Do Trading Standards guarantee the quality of the work?
Scheme members agree to comply with the spirit and the letter of the law. However, we cannot guarantee the quality of their work.
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Do scheme members offer the lowest price?
No. We always advise customers to get a least three quotes (remember that the cheapest quote is not necessarily the best one).
Trader members should let you know before work is started how much the work will cost.
Also, if you change your mind after the trader has given the quote or if after work has started you ask for additional work to be carried out, you should ask for a revised price from your trader as it may cost you more.
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What if I'm not happy with the work?
Although the council does not ‘approve’ the businesses listed nor guarantee their work, Trading Standards will investigate poor ratings and take action where necessary (but we will not pass on your details to any trader or other organisation without your consent).
All traders experience occasional site problems that are outside their control (most building work, for example, inevitably involves a certain amount of disruption) so we ask people to be as fair as possible when evaluating their trader.
But if you do have a problem, your trader is obliged to deal with your complaint fairly. If the problem can’t be resolved then trading standards will try to help in reaching a solution.
If traders subcontract any element of the work they remain responsible for the quality of work done carried out by their subcontractor.
Sometimes faults become apparent after the work is finished. If this happens you should contact us.
Depending on the circumstances, your original feedback may be amended.
You can register your complaint by visiting wigan.gov.uk/goodtrader and clicking on ‘complaint'. Alternatively you can telephone 01942 827476
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