Each year Bedfordshire Trading Standards Service receives in the region of six thousand complaints about businesses in the County. By far the highest proportion of these relate to car sales, car servicing and the businesses associated with home improvements. This scheme is a positive move to improve the way in which traders deal with consumers. There is no place in it for rogue traders who do not care for customer satisfaction or compliance with the law.

What is in it for you, the trader?

• Independent recognition of your business standards.

• Potential for increased business with consumers encouraged to use local traders.

• TSA membership certificate for display and use of the scheme’s logo.

•  Pre-entry vetting to make sure your business meets the scheme’s high standards.

• Promotion of your company as a TSA business with your company name on the Trading Standards Approved list and on the County Council website with a hotlink to your company website.

•   Improved consumer confidence and fewer complaints about your business or service.

 TSA businesses will be able to establish a relationship with the Trading Standards Service based on co-operation rather than enforcement.  All member businesses will have a named contact in Trading Standards and you can obtain information on consumer civil law and legislation enforced by the Service.  In addition, we will assist you in staff training where resources permit.

What is in it for you, the consumer?

• Consumers can check with Trading Standards to see which businesses are members of the scheme before purchasing goods or services.

• The scheme is voluntary. By joining the scheme businesses are demonstrating a commitment to customer care and fair-trading.

• Trading Standards will continue to work closely with scheme members, and will carry out monitoring exercises to help make sure high standards are maintained.

The requirements include:

• The business complies with the law.
• Contract terms are fair, in plain English and clearly legible.
• Pricing is clear, and information about payment methods is provided.
• No repair or servicing work is carried out without the customer's permission.
• Parts replaced during repair or servicing are made available for inspection.
• Itemised invoices are provided.
• The business operates an effective customer complaints procedure.

Approval of a business does not mean that the Trading Standards Service:

• Can guarantee its financial stability.

• Has individually checked the quality of any goods or services provided.

• Gives any guarantee or warranty as to the value for money of goods or services compared with a competitor, or that they will be satisfactory.

How can I find out more?

You can contact Trading Standards on any of the following: -